XJ Steering Shaft Upgrade (88-94 Trucks) 95+instructions on page 31

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Jason at Unbalanced Engineering said that if the part numbers match, then his solid rag joint should work for my truck.
It sounds like I would be the one to see if it actually fits.
As I said earlier, Dorman lists the same rag joint repair kit between my '96 GMC K1500 and a '96 Z28 Camaro.
I ordered the solid rag joint from Unbalanced Engineering along with a Dorman repair kit (just in case).

Be patient with me. It may take me awhile to actually try the swap. My truck is my daily driver/work truck so it doesn't get much down time.
My steering wheel doesn't have but 1/4" play in it so I'm not in a big hurry.
I'll report back when I do finally get it done.

Laters.

You have my attention.

 

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Jason at Unbalanced Engineering said that if the part numbers match, then his solid rag joint should work for my truck.
It sounds like I would be the one to see if it actually fits.
As I said earlier, Dorman lists the same rag joint repair kit between my '96 GMC K1500 and a '96 Z28 Camaro.
I ordered the solid rag joint from Unbalanced Engineering along with a Dorman repair kit (just in case).

Be patient with me. It may take me awhile to actually try the swap. My truck is my daily driver/work truck so it doesn't get much down time.
My steering wheel doesn't have but 1/4" play in it so I'm not in a big hurry.
I'll report back when I do finally get it done.

Laters.

When you get it could you get us some measurements off it for the bolt hole spacing? I can't find a replacement rag joint for a 98 anywhere. It looks like it should work though....

 

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I'll get pics showing both joints and measurements also.
Yours is a 1998 GMC K1500, 5.7L, correct?
http://www.oreillyauto.com shows the same Dorman part number for your truck.
Add your vehicle ("My Vehicle" at upper left) then type in "steering part" (no quotes) in the search pane.
Works every time for me.

It's called a Dorman® Help!™ - Steering Coupler Assembly Part # 31002

 

[96Z71ECSB]

Well....It looks like it won't work. That's if the Dorman part is correct.
The Unbalanced Engineering solid joint is physically smaller in all respects. I didn't bother to remove it from it's packaging.

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Back to square one.
I think I'll find a used steering shaft for my truck and go from there.
It was worth a shot anyway.

Laters

 

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Is the bolt spacing even close?

 

[96Z71ECSB]

Too small in all respects. Diameter, bolts, bolt holes, center hole, bolt pattern, and thickness. This is compared to the Dorman product.
The bolt pattern is roughly an 1/8" to small (using a tape measure).

 

[bluex]

Bummer well there's always the flaming river u joint to get rid of the rag joint altogether...

 

[TylerZ281500]

Too small in all respects. Diameter, bolts, bolt holes, center hole, bolt pattern, and thickness. This is compared to the Dorman product.
The bolt pattern is roughly an 1/8" to small (using a tape measure).

just take the dorman part to a local machine shop and have them fab one up out of aluminum.

 

[96Z71ECSB]

just take the dorman part to a local machine shop and have them fab one up out of aluminum.

My thinking also.
Truthfully, I don't know if the Dorman product is 100% correct.
Down time is a big problem for my truck. That's why I'm getting a used steering shaft.
I'll make sure the Dorman joint is correct then I'll use it as a template for either steel or aluminum.
I'll piece together the used steering shaft with a solid joint, then I'll be able to quickly R&R the shaft.

 

[Sparg93]

just take the dorman part to a local machine shop and have them fab one up out of aluminum.

Why would you recommend aluminum over steel?