The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Rag Joint replacement and 2" Body Lift

I love the stance of a 3/4 ton SWB Step side. Instead of compromising the ride with stiffer 3/4 ton springs to achieve a 2/ lift I decided to build a 2" body lift with some Delrin I had lying around.
One of the issues with the lift is increased stress and angle on the original rag joint. I decided to replace the rag joint with a couple of u-joints and a section of telescoping steering shaft.
By doing so I break the increased angle down in half, per joint. I have a much tighter steering tolerance, and a bit of increased safety (collapsible steering) to boot. If the steering is too sensitive to vibration (as some state) it will be easy to replace lower joint with a new rag.
In all, an easy couple hour project. I may swap the CPP joints with Borgeson ones just because they are black and less noticeable.
I have posted pictures of the project on my Flickr account... the body lift has a album as well as radiator rubber project and the carb rebuild. On to the Column shift rebuild next - love a three on the tree when it does not hang up.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dodson...57662779313234

Leadbelly

The problem with the normal Cardan-type U joint is its tendency to lock up at certain points in its rotation due to changes in angular velocity if it's flexed too far from a straight-line situation. Using a double-Cardan joint with two crosses with a center link between them solves the angular velocity problem, but it requires a pillow block support to be installed on both sides of the joint for stability purposes. That's not difficult to do assuming there's enough space available. The double-D collapsible shaft is always a good idea!
Jerry

Jerry,
What you describe, "angular velocity of flexing too far" is one reason I went with two. A couple manufacturers said they had a single joint that would accept that total angle but the benefits of a telescoping steering shaft got me to choose the two separate joint config. The use of two in my application should work, right? The proximity of the joint(s) to a solid attachment point - in this case the steering box and on top a solid mounted steering column.

Cavebull

At least put one pillow block bracketed to the frame between the two joints. You're betting your life on every steering input, plus you're a hazard to everyone around you if something fails unexpectedly. Measure twice- - - - -cut once!
Jerry

Baby got new shoes! 1960 16" wheels with clips for hub caps. Powder coated to gloss black. Tires ar BF Goodrich Commercial TA All Season, p235/85 R16's. A little alignment and up-shift of front bumper and should be good. Love the 3/4 ton stance without the ride of 3/4 ton springs.