Rag joint problem after replacement

[Elutheros]

I used the Tech article and universal Dorman replacements to repair the both rag joints on my steering today. Afterwards, the steering is binding like the joints are not flexing enough to allow the shaft to rotate smoothly. I have a 3" body lift with the extender in the steering shaft. I'm baffled. Anyone ever encounter something like this?

 

[Elutheros]

Well, the 1992 Aerostar shaft won't work--top connector is a different shape.
A 1992 2wd Ranger shaft with one ujoint won't work--3/4" too short with my 3 ' extension.

 

[Elutheros]

my solution to the binding steering after lift

After searching the forums I found that !991 Aerostar and Rangers should have an intermediate shaft with universal joints. No Aerostars around and the one I found was way too long. I took a shaft from a 1991 Ranger 2wd that had one ujoint and a rag joint at the steering box. It was too short (more on that later). Then I saw that some folks have used the Jeep XJ shaft with universal joints and a built in damper. So I got the last one of those at the JY today. Even completely collapsed it was too long. You could cut the steering column double D shaft to make it work, but I didn't feel like it. Then I thought--what if whack this 1991 shaft with a hammer--will it extend? Sure enough, it extended far enough so I don't even need the extender that came with the lift kit. Problem solved--steers great and smooth.

The photo below shows the Jeep XJ on the left, the 1992 double rag joint in the middle, and the 1991 on the right before I extended it. They are oriented as if you are sitting in the driver seat looking forward.

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