Hello! First-time poster, here:
I've got a mk4 Roadster that needs a new rag joint. I ordered a kit but the diagram is confusing and I'm not sure I have all the parts I need. I've attached photos to illustrate.
I have some experience with old cars (I also own a '61 Falcon) but am by no means an expert mechanic. I know this should be a pretty straight forward endeavor, but given how crucial it is to, you know, survival, I'd love some advice.
I did not build this car — I inherited it from my father when he passed a few years ago. Just want to get it road worthy/safe — and I can't think of a better way to stay socially-distant than to cruise down a country road in this beast!
I've never seen a rag joint. Looks like it connects the steering rack to the steering shaft. Is that correct? Is this a donor build? I see you used the mustang lower control arms...Do you know what "Mark" the car is? If not, do you know when it was manufactured? This info may help with recommendations for replacement.
BTW I upgraded your account to get rid of all the newbie restrictions; feel free to update your profile and use the Pic gallery, if you are so inclined. Here's a link on using the gallery: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...tures-in-posts
FFR 5369 Pin Drive, IRS, Trigos, Torsen, Wilwoods, FMS BOSS 302 "B" cam , Mass-flo. CA SB100 (SPCN) Registered
Delivered 4/23/06. "Finished" 4/2012 (still not done!)
It's a little hard to tell from your pictures. But think what I'm seeing is the front X-frame. And looks like the tubing is square vs. round. That would mean it's not a Mk4. That plus the patina is appears a little old. To the best of my knowledge, Factory Five hasn't used a rag joint on the steering column for a long time. Well before my involvement. I'd recommend upgrading to a universal joint which is what they've been using for some time.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread. Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023. Build 6: Mk5 Roadster 30th Anniversary #11,258. Build Thread.
I have a 16 year old Mkll that was a Mustang donnor build and the rag joint looks just like what you have (but intact) If I were you I would replace it with the "U" joint system from Breeze. In the old days the cars without power steering took out the rag joints, mine has power steering so it works OK. It's great you are getting it back on the road.
David W
Mkll 4874 built in 2004
Gen 3 coupe #16 registered 2018 painted 2019
Agree with above. Just replaced an owners MKII "rag joint" (he didn't know why the steering was sloppy) with a Flaming River replacement kit. If you have a PS rack, it is a 36 spline on that end of the u-joint.
Thanks for the replies! I don't know how to reply individually, so I'll lump my questions here:
Okay, so looks like it's a mkII, not mkIV. Good to know. Like I said, I'm just gleaning what I can from what my dad left behind. No Chilton's for this thing, as you know!
@David W., are you suggesting the same part that Badfish linked to? Anything I should know about installation? Looks probably even more straight forward than the rag joint, but I've never messed around with steering on any car, so I don't know what I don't know.
@weendoggy, a Flaming River RAG JOINT replacement, not U-Joint, correct? Which do you suggest? No power steering. Is the Flaming River installation easy to understand? I'm no engineer/mechanic, but I do have a few good brain cells and I can't make head nor tails of the diagram that came with the kit I bought!
Thanks again!
Last edited by SonofaRoadster; 07-30-2020 at 02:19 PM.
So the rag joint replacement is pretty straightforward. Simply think about it this way- say you are looking down the steering shaft at the rag joint. The end coming from the steering wheel should be 90 degrees from the other end that is attached to the steering rack. So if one is vertical, make the other one horizontal. The holes on the new rag joint will now line up with the steering system holes.
Others have mentioned replacing the rag joint and it is a good idea, but I noticed you already have the replacement rag joint and will resist the temptation to spend your money, LOL.
HTH,
Will
FFR MK III picked up 9/24/05 Roller 9/28/05 First start & go-cart 11/28/05 red w/white stripes, PC Chassis, heat/defrost, FFR 15's, pwr footbox vents, radio delete, dual quad 427W, 4 link w/3.27's, Koni's all around, Gen 1 rag top, snapless tonneau, Herb's door panels, NRC rear discs, Breeze head rest, ********** emblems, Paint by Gino's in Rowley, MA
2011 ffcars.com calendar Cover Car Yes, that's me in the avatar with Dave Smith in front of my roadster at the '06 FFR Open House!
Thanks, luvaz! That makes perfect sense. The Flaming River kits appear pre-assembled and the one I got was separate parts and seemingly incomplete, so I think getting the wrong part might have been the initial main problem. I don't mind spending money, just don't want to waste (more of) it!
Since it sounds like buying another part is in the cards: Why is there seemingly a strong preference with you all to go with the u-joint over a rag joint replacement?
The rag joint is in the mustang to smooth out some of the steering experience, or at least that was the way it was explained to me. With our cars it can make the steering feel a little sloppy. The u-joint makes the steering feel more firm and assertive. Assertive steering is one of the things you might expect in a performance car.
It’s been a while, but I think the Breeze unit is all you need, replaces everything from the shaft to the rack. Note there is different part number for the manual and power racks. Call Mark at Breeze, he will take care of you.
If I were repairing a steering issue and could upgrade to a more modern system, I would go that route. Here are a couple of pics of what the newer setup looks like:
Like you said in an earlier post, you really don't want to guess with something as critical as steering.
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