Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft

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BOWHNT

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I'm replacing all of my steering components and have ordered everything but this shaft that includes the rag joint. It was GM# 26033170 and looks like it is discontinued. I see that Dorman makes one but would like to know if anyone knows of or recommends another brand.
 

RDF1

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Is this for your 99 suburban in the signature?
 

RichLo

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Is there anything wrong with it? Is it bent or something? Those aren't wear items.

If its not bent you could put a flaming river U-joint on it to replace the rag joint.
 

BOWHNT

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Yes, it's for my '99 K1500 Suburban.

I have a bit of play in the steering wheel and want to replace everything that can contribute. I purchased new steering box, center link, pitman arm, idler arm and bracket, inner and outer tie rods. I know the rag joint can be a culprit and I also know the joint is difficult to replace so I was just going to replace the whole assembled shaft. I will look at the u-joint option just to be thorough.
 

Stillruns

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Pull your old shaft off.
Get a NAPA 630-1440 rag joint kit.
Get 4, 3/8 X 1 1/4 long, grade 8 bolts and nylok nuts.
Throw the hardware away that comes with the rag joint.
Drill or ziz wheel the rivets off.
Clearance bolt holes in flanges.
Bolt together with nuts on top.

Separate shaft and clean up. Apply some grease to the shaft and tension spring bar and reassemble.

Clamp the upper coupler ears in a vise and slightly pinch them to reduce slop/play.

Reinstall in truck... you're good for another 10 years +

Total cost under $20
 

RichLo

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Junkyard Jeep shaft. I did it on mine, and it was cheap and easy.
View media item 32084

There have been confirmed reports that the coupler sitting right next to your header is 'glued' in place and that glue melts from the heat of headers and you lose all steering unexpectedly and with no prior warning.

Please if you value your life, take that off and put the stock unit back in there!
 

Erik the Awful

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Thanks, I hadn't heard that. If that's the case I'll see if I can drill it and install a bolt. I'm not putting that POS rag joint back in place.
 

454cid

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Jeep shafts are unsafe in the later trucks like the OPs 99 since it adds another joint.
 

Schurkey

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