Rag Joint Issues

[shokenore]

Bit of a multi point question.
I am trying to tighten up the steering on my truck, the steering does not seem that precise, even taking into account that it is a 4x4,
I had one of the young apprentices move the steering wheel back and forth whilst I checked for play and the only area for concern is the drivers sides track rod end(slight play/clicking)would a worn/loose ball joint cause that much of an issue?
Tyres are still within usable limits with correct tyre pressure, the tracking appears ok.

What effect can be gained by;
Tightening up the rag joint?
Replacing the rubber in the joint?
Removing the rag joint?

Any suggestions?

Ta

[BUSHWHACKER]

Fifth paragraph down here.....
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showpost....&postcount=221

What it looks like here.....(1st photo)
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showpost....2&postcount=87


£5 each inc post.

[markjd]

Fifth paragraph down here.....
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showpost....&postcount=221

What it looks like here.....(1st photo)
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showpost....2&postcount=87


£5 each inc post. :wink:

Like the disc mod in the second post rather than cutting and welding steering shaft.

[shokenore]

Vince
Does the addition of the steel plate as per your mod remove all the flex from the joint?
I was wondering if this would have a negative effect on the steering when off road?

Oh and on a side note the window motor arrived Friday? but the delivery driver stuck it in the bin

So today I will be scratching my arms fitting the window motor, it will be quite nice pulling up at the car park ticket machine tonight (airport run) and winding down the window as opposed to pulling up past the machine and jumping out........

[BUSHWHACKER]

Vince
Does the addition of the steel plate as per your mod remove all the flex from the joint?
I was wondering if this would have a negative effect on the steering when off road?.

There's still a slight bit of shock dampening due to the rubber part still in the joint.

The steering shaft is 'floppy' where the standard rag joint is, just grab the shaft and push/pull it and you'll see for yourself.
The shaft doesn't turn on it's own axis 100% of the time, especially if the tyres encounter an obstruction when off roading, the rag joint allows the shaft to turn in an eliptical manner to dampen the snatching effect at the steering wheel. Meaning that if the tyres are prevented from turning, the rag joint can flex a bit, but this also gives 'wooly' and inaccruate steering.
The power steering 'softens' the effect of the snatching anyway.