LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Installing the rag joint eliminator...

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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 05:56 PM
  #1  
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Default Installing the rag joint eliminator...

Ok I've been working on this for the past 4 hours (mainly due to me having to start over and reverse the bolts). But I have the shaft fully assembled and whenever I bolt one side of the shaft to the rack or the other to the steering wheel linkage, I just can't seem to get the other side to fit up. It almost seems like the rag joint eliminator kit made it shorter.

I have done a lot of searching, but only find where people have recommended installing this, not actually people who have. Has anyone else installed these and ran into any troubles? I cannot get the 2 sides to bolt up to each other because they won't reach once one is bolted up!
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:19 PM
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try bolting the 2 sides together loosely then the ends loosely then tighten it all down.
Not sure this will work seeing Ive never done it. But worth a shot!
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:23 PM
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Not sure that will work. The one on the steering column has a small channel that the bolt can go into, and when its in there the shaft cannot connect to the bottom at all to fit in ITS little channel
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:29 PM
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Pull the linkage apart. Its has an adjustment on one of the sides where you can extend it.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:34 PM
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You can see where the adjustment is here: http://www.unbalancedengineering.com...alled_kit.html

It is between the joint on the right and the rag joint eliminator on the left. This particular one looks to be welded but your shouldn't be, just pull apart right here and it will adjust longer and shorter.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:40 PM
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AHHH. ok yeah mine definitely looks shorter. Ok which part do I actually need to take apart and what locks that in place?
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:47 PM
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ok nevermind i got it extended!!

2nd question: i lost a little rubber boot under the u-joint near the column(firewall) should i be worried about that?
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:47 PM
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Nothing locks it in place, it really just holds itself together by the way it is installed so it can't pull apart. Once you have it out though you should be able to just tug and pull at it to get it to pull apart and give you enough room to bolt it up. Obviously once you install it it will be the lenght it is supposed to be otherwise it won't install. So basically I'm saying it will only fit one way, one length. Here is a write up: http://home.comcast.net/~nstama/ragjoint.htm
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:49 PM
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Nah don't worry about the rubber cover piece.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:55 PM
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Let us know how it turns out, I have one sitting on my shelf here.
I never got around to installing it.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:13 PM
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I love the rag joint eliminator! Really tightened up my steering without causing any vibrations or anything. Before I used to be able to turn the wheel about 1/4 of the way without the wheels even moving! Now it only takes about an inch or two. Probably still need to replace tie rods.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:25 PM
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I finally got done installing it.. Thanks for that tip of the extension Porksoda you rock! I took it for a test drive and it definitely feels a lot better. I used to have some BAD play in the steering. The car actually turns when the wheel is in a position where it used to just play. It still has a little bit, but its what I expect out of a 130k mile car.

Overall. Well worth the $40 and installation if you have any play whatsoever!

Originally Posted by porksoda
I love the rag joint eliminator! Really tightened up my steering without causing any vibrations or anything. Before I used to be able to turn the wheel about 1/4 of the way without the wheels even moving! Now it only takes about an inch or two. Probably still need to replace tie rods.
Exactly. I have new outer tie rod ends, but i guess it may be time for new tie rods too.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:26 PM
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love my ****. installed it in about an hour start to finish. gives you a serious sense of feel on the road which i dig. only problem i had was it scrapped my header so i had to cut off the excess bolt. no biggie. defiantely a must do for like $50.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:28 PM
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The hardest part is cutting the stock rivets out! That was such a PIA!!
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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Is there a performance gain to be had by installing one of these?

Sorry I walked my dogs before I posted this, seems from replies that showed up in the mean I see what the benefits are.
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:42 PM
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hmmm DEF something ill be doing one day soon. maybe saturday! good thing i work at a machine shope!
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Old Nov 20, 2008 | 11:27 PM
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Ok after my 2nd trip, the rag joint eliminator really felt better. My first test drive i was just feelin for play in the wheel. I went for a much longer ride to the gym and the tightness around corners and turns is soooo much better.

HIGHLY recommend it
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Old Feb 13, 2009 | 10:32 AM
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I'm also a victim of steering play. Quick question, the bolt that attaches to the steering shaft. Can I get to it from the top, or should I do it from the bottom? Is it a tight spot? I just want to be prepared for the worst, haha.
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Old Feb 13, 2009 | 12:41 PM
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you can get to both from the top,remove and instal from top aswell.
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 01:07 PM
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Where did you buy it? I found what appeared to be a link but everytime you click on the cart for it, it thinks you're ordering their Tubular control arms instead of the rag joint eliminator.
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