Anyone used a polyurethane rag joint?

[77Impala]

Sorry but I could not find a OEM suspension thread for this.

I am needing to replace my rag joint coupler on my truck. Have/are anyone running something like this on your truck and if so how well do you like it?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230515479255?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[454cid]

Interesting. I have no idea how well, or ill suited, polyurethane is for that application.

 

[TylerZ281500]

considering i made an aluminum one and it wasnt bad that should be stronger than the factory garbage and a bit more vibration deadening

 

[454cid]

.....that should be stronger than the factory garbage and a bit more vibration deadening

How so? Both materials flex. The "rag" is a fiber re-enforced material....rubber? I'd be leery that the poly would break/crack preety much all at once, when it decided to give up, since it has no fiber too it.

 

[TylerZ281500]

ive never seen poly blow apart like that otherwise i wouldnt think theyd make bushings and all that from it, i dont know though. im more leery of treplacng the worn rubber with new rubber ones, id trust poly more, alumunum or steel even more or just go with a u joint and eliminate most of those issues

 

[454cid]

ive never seen poly blow apart like that otherwise i wouldnt think theyd make bushings and all that from it, i dont know though. im more leery of treplacng the worn rubber with new rubber ones, id trust poly more, alumunum or steel even more or just go with a u joint and eliminate most of those issues

Things like bushings and body mounts are compressive, or simply take up space. The rag joint is twisted. It's not just a spacer. The rubber is fiber reinforced, which resists tearing. I've never really had the opportunity to look at a rag joint, as Ive never had to replace one. Does the bracketry that holds it together prevent a total loss of steering if it rips? Doing some looking online, it looks like steering would still be possible if it rips. In that case, I'd feel better about trying poly.

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

Check out the xj shady mod Kenny.

 

[TylerZ281500]

if the joint rips its just held in with rivets and the backings, if the poly fails its still held in with bolts and the backing. i get what your saying now but i dont have a good answer to that. id just make another out of aluminum and bolt it up and call it a tuesday

 

[77Impala]

Thanks guys. Went with Scotty's suggestion about using the Cherokee XJ shaft. Took about 45 minutes to change them out. Have not driven it yet but do expect to have most of the play removed. That polyurethane is 20.00 on ebay and at a local yard it cost me 25.00 for the shaft. Plus I found the trim piece for the dash that goes under the steering column for another 5.00. Over all a great day!

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