Just got'er installed on my W250. Haven't had a chance to drive it yet, so tomorrow I'll test it. Here are my questions. Along with the steering shaft part 940, I ordered kit # 943, which I believe was the rag joint kit, and ended up just using the OEM because I could not figure out the hardware that accompanied the rag joint kit, and also because the hardware did not look superior to the OEM. With that said, I am wondering if it is OK to reuse the rag joints? Also, what is the purpose of the sliding, lockable "ring" that comes loose on the Borgeson? It is the ring in between the swivel head and the rubber boot. Where on the shaft does this get locked down at? Finally, if I hear very slight noise transmitting up to the cab, at the area of the steering column. What is the fix? Thanks in advance.

 

I asked the same question about that collar back in the Borgenson safety alert thread. Nobody seemed to know the answer then. I suppose it could be construed as a means to keep the shaft at some minimal length, for safety reasons. But I would not trust it in that capacity. Then I just decided to drill 'n tap for a set screw.

That rag joint is a pretty basic piece of hardware that doesn't do a whole heckuva lot. Just allows a little chassis flex and absorbs some vibration and road feedback. Probably last forever.

Send me an MP3 file with a recording of the noise. Could be a little guesswork involved there, even sitting right in the cab, I think.

 

It would be my thoughts that, if you used the old rag-joint, you should not have picked up any new noises travelling up the shaft, as that is part of what the rag-joint is there for.

I will say this in Dodge's favor:

Dodge has put the rag-joint high and dry; whereas, Ford put their's at the bottom end, inside a plastic boot where it can't be seen.

The Ford ones soon get all oil-soaked and rapidly disintegrate.

The one on the wife's truck looks good as new.

 

when i installed my shaft i got a new rag joint and i have the same problems. I just used my own bolts we had here and two of the original ones and didnt bother with the ones that came in the kit.

 

Thanks for replying. I figured out the noise the next day. The wheel well sheet metal was a hair away from the new shaft and this was noticed when viewing from the outside looking in from the driver's side front tire. I pulled out the trusty sheet metal worker's compound tongs and made easy work of cleanly pulling the metal away to a distance of 1 1/4" in the clear. I am very happy with the install. Awhile back I told you all about my elk hunt and how I crashed the front end into a ditch, causing a cockeyed steering wheel. Thankfully nothing major happened, and the Borgeson helped to correct this. I will soon add a twin shock streering stabilizer kit from JCW, and with that combo, it will drive wobble free. The install came out sweet looking. I painted the shaft Krylon Red and added a red shock boot at the swivel joint.

 

I painted mine Family Dollar Store Candy Apple Red, $1.50/can.