Steering Coupler protector
05-20-2012, 05:16 PM
#1
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Steering Coupler protector
We all know Chrysler was retarded, right ?
I decided that the unending blast of water into my new steering coupler was enough, so I made up a new steering coupler protector for my 92
I took the original, bought a $12 big rig mud flap (smooth texture) and made up my own steering coupler protector. Not difficult to do, as about an hour to 2 hours is all you need.
First I took a mudflap, and cut it in half. After figuring out where I wanted it to end, I free-cut the 1/2 of the flap into the shape you see below. Your mileage may vary, as I have the RR steering gear setup.
This is what the steering gear joint looked like before, as it was getting blasted every time I drove in the rain....
After a few modifications, and an extra piece was added to the rear, as the original length of the mudflap wasn't quite long enough, this is how it turned out. The one side is located in the same place the OE rubber one was, and the other long side is screwed in place as you see it.
No more blasting my steering gear U-joint.... but it would look pretty much the same if you were protecting your OE crapola coupler. Self tapping #12 screws with some super thick washers did the trick. I put never-sieze on the screws. and eventually painted them black so you wouldn't see them while I was screaming past in my soot maker.
Have fun!
I decided that the unending blast of water into my new steering coupler was enough, so I made up a new steering coupler protector for my 92
I took the original, bought a $12 big rig mud flap (smooth texture) and made up my own steering coupler protector. Not difficult to do, as about an hour to 2 hours is all you need.
First I took a mudflap, and cut it in half. After figuring out where I wanted it to end, I free-cut the 1/2 of the flap into the shape you see below. Your mileage may vary, as I have the RR steering gear setup.
This is what the steering gear joint looked like before, as it was getting blasted every time I drove in the rain....
After a few modifications, and an extra piece was added to the rear, as the original length of the mudflap wasn't quite long enough, this is how it turned out. The one side is located in the same place the OE rubber one was, and the other long side is screwed in place as you see it.
No more blasting my steering gear U-joint.... but it would look pretty much the same if you were protecting your OE crapola coupler. Self tapping #12 screws with some super thick washers did the trick. I put never-sieze on the screws. and eventually painted them black so you wouldn't see them while I was screaming past in my soot maker.
Have fun!
05-20-2012, 08:27 PM
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Nice work T. I went out and looked and my shield thing is missing there too, Closer inspection revealed the little U-joint in my steering shaft joint (borgeson) is coated in dirt stuck on the grease, and even closer inspection revealed the U-joint has play in it. Guess I'll call Borgeson tomorrow and see if i can get a replacement joint.
Definetly gonna have to do this "mod"
Definetly gonna have to do this "mod"
05-21-2012, 06:48 AM
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Dave,
"Dave's not here, Man ! "
I did a retrofit in my truck listed here:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...2-t301769.html
I'd say look in the sticky for it, but I guess it's not worthy.
"Dave's not here, Man ! "
I did a retrofit in my truck listed here:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...2-t301769.html
I'd say look in the sticky for it, but I guess it's not worthy.
05-21-2012, 06:56 AM
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Nice work T. I went out and looked and my shield thing is missing there too, Closer inspection revealed the little U-joint in my steering shaft joint (borgeson) is coated in dirt stuck on the grease, and even closer inspection revealed the U-joint has play in it. Guess I'll call Borgeson tomorrow and see if i can get a replacement joint.
Definetly gonna have to do this "mod"
Definetly gonna have to do this "mod"
Really dumb how they put the coupler out in the open like that. Its going to be raining here all week, and I can't imagine that my U-joint wouldn't be filled with water by the end of the first 5 minutes of driving.
No more...
05-22-2012, 12:07 AM
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Definately a worth while addition NJTman. A water deflector most definately should have been a factory part in that area.
I rebuilt the factory coupler in our 91 a couple weeks ago. When I pulled out the original slip joint parts, they were bathed in a mix of rain water and contaminated grease. Can't believe it lasted all the years it was on the road (made for A LOT of steering wheel slop). I must say though, the rebuild of the crappy factory coupler took out almost all play from the steering. In my case, the front end and gear box are nice and tight after 280k miles still and the slop was right there in that little coupler. Feels almost like a new truck after installing the $8.00 Dorman rebuild kit. Now I need to get that water deflector in place...
I rebuilt the factory coupler in our 91 a couple weeks ago. When I pulled out the original slip joint parts, they were bathed in a mix of rain water and contaminated grease. Can't believe it lasted all the years it was on the road (made for A LOT of steering wheel slop). I must say though, the rebuild of the crappy factory coupler took out almost all play from the steering. In my case, the front end and gear box are nice and tight after 280k miles still and the slop was right there in that little coupler. Feels almost like a new truck after installing the $8.00 Dorman rebuild kit. Now I need to get that water deflector in place...
05-22-2012, 09:20 AM
#7
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The material used to make the OEM deflector is the same stuff used to cover the gap between the fan shroud and the radiator. I need a new one and Mopar no longer has any available. No one I asked (my local Dodge dealer, a local Chevy dealer, a local body shop, etc.) could tell me what this fibrous material is called nor where I can source a large piece (or a whole roll). A Google search turned up nothing either.
TIA.
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05-22-2012, 06:37 PM
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Part # 823-5075 Balkamp Napa product
$14.49 + tax..... I lied about the cost... so shoot me ....
You could easily make the "flap" for the shroud out of that material, and it will hold up well, I'm sure. Make a bunch of them with your razor knife, and sell them to your fellow dodge enthusiasts that need one too.
05-22-2012, 07:09 PM
#9
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No problemo, senior noogio.....
Part # 823-5075 Balkamp Napa product
$14.49 + tax..... I lied about the cost... so shoot me ....
You could easily make the "flap" for the shroud out of that material, and it will hold up well, I'm sure. Make a bunch of them with your razor knife, and sell them to your fellow dodge enthusiasts that need one too.
Part # 823-5075 Balkamp Napa product
$14.49 + tax..... I lied about the cost... so shoot me ....
You could easily make the "flap" for the shroud out of that material, and it will hold up well, I'm sure. Make a bunch of them with your razor knife, and sell them to your fellow dodge enthusiasts that need one too.
Cheers, and thanks again.
05-23-2012, 10:07 PM
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