91 GMC C3500 Dually Rag Joint Replacement

Rag joint replacement on the 91 GMC C3500 dually. Not real happy with how it come out so going to be ordering a new shaft. The repair kits I bought were not exactly right for this generation truck. I would recommend getting a new shaft if you have the 88-98 trucks.

Things that might help with a project like this:

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91 3500 dually 7.4 V8 big block with 4l80

[mossman]

Things that might help with a project like this:

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[deankay]

It’s too bad you did check with the GM dealer with your VIN, because in “Some” cases the upper coupler makes a small noise felt & heard turn left or right. A TSB addresses this issue. If not, GM Special Lubricant (High Temp) p/n 12345879 is used to repack the spring-loaded wear blocks that act as a u-joint. The kit or sold separately is the outer boot. The blocks do wear as the are coated and have tiny divots to retain the grease.
As for the “Rag Joint”, the bolts are installed backwards and the nuts w/lock washers facing the cab, not the steering gear. The intermediate shaft does not have to be replaced for $200 as the outside diameter being snug, in a perfect world does not flex if the intermediate shaft lines up with the box. The upper slider absorbs cab to frame movement, while the center double D shaft with flat 5106 alloy spring is there to simple keep it quit. This part requires the same grease listed above. In the event of a frontal collapse, the center slide allows 6-10” of inward movement. For decades this design was used but groves on the inner shaft were injected with a plastic, designed to shear and then allow the column to collapse before this energy was transmitted inside. The “Rag” joint is only one part of the system considering the vehicle is equipped with supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR / Air Bag) with include first and foremost proper seating position, seat belts and pre-tensioners located at the buckles receptacle. In the event of a 30 MPH force is detected at a 15 degree left or right of the center line of the vehicles mass, then and only then are air bags inflated, seat belt pre-tensioners pull back on the seat belt to place the driver in the proper position to allow air bags to reduce your forward acceleration to eliminate or reduce upper torso trauma.
People always claim the air bags did not work, but 30 MPH, Solid Impact, 30 degrees of center only. They forget they were turning & trying to stop.
DK. ASE Master Tech since 78, retired.

[farmboy]

"Don't quite fit" is Dorman's motto ;)

[Military-Museum-LP]

Thanks for always replying to my questions. Your videos are appreciated.

[julianable]

What a great comprehensive video you made. Props brotha. You got a long way to go but I only say that because I see your editing is far and above any other bubba working on his pickup.

[mickjager]

Seem like the kits I see have a couple bolts that have a head that looks like the oem rivet and would give clearance and require vice grips to tighten

[GermanSaidSalazarDelgado]

Whats the size in cm of the rag joint you use?

[wandalllither]

To eliminate the sloppiness in the steering box you need 16mm and some torx {25-35 dont recall what #} Adjusting bolt -torx couple is on top of the gearbox... untight 16 mm and spin the torx bolt no more then 1/4. tight it back up, drive, check again.

[ASCOTTY]

I'm gonna try to load some videos of my repairs and see if I can help someone to

[osi]

Bolts need fresh loctite applied before re assembly



seering column shaft to Lower shaft torque needs to be specified not just hand tightened.

[ericpelfrey]

Try the adjuster on the power steering box to remove steering play next time.

[osi]

The steering shaft that is inside the steering column is injected with plastic (part of the Energy Absorbing (EA) safety system). This injection is easily damaged by 'impact' or over stress on the steering shaft. The results from damage to the injections (not visible as they are located inside the steering column) weaken that Safety system. Steering column shaft to Lower shaft torque needs to be specified not just hand tightened.

[nomoneycarguy]

Looks fine. The play is probably your pitman arm.

[osi]

Steering column shaft to Lower shaft torque needs to be specified not just hand tightened.

[gman]

Those steering shafts rags are always a royal PITA sometimes. Are you going with the borgeson shaft?

[mountaindewpower]

The new part you put in has been recalled. Dorman

[happytrails]

Did you have an extra pair of tow mirrors you installed on this truck?

[osi]

Buy the new shaft...that ripped seal will allow dirt in that joint which can cause more steering problems.

[brandongray]

I have a similar issue, what brand Steering shaft are you going with and have you thought of using the XJ Jeep steering shaft?

[Rick]

Never had good luck with Dorman parts.