How to get rid of steering slop 1973-1994 Chevy budget steering shaft upgrade.

How to get rid of steering slop by ditching that old rag joint steering shaft on a budget, and upgrade to a u-joint style shaft. How to replace the stock 1973-1998 C/K steering shaft from a 1994 Jeep Cherokee. This will also work on S10’s too. If you have play in your stock rag joint, this is hands down the best upgrade you can make to stop a wondering steering wheel for dirt cheap, and it’s no more difficult or expensive than replacing just the rag joint.
If you found this info helpful, or entertaining, please consider subscribing to my channel here. / @chadlisonbee

[@ChadLisonbee]

Don’t forget to like comment and subscribe to my channel, as I’m uploading new videos every week. Checkout my Chevy R20 build in the link below. Thanks for watching!! kzbin.info/aero/PLsk4EpS9npffa12rM9yqBsUoCAduFdOGq

[@billfolk9346]

Awesome job with the video covering all aspects of completing this task!Keeping the rag joint only solves some of the sloppy feeling on center.

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@billfolk9346 thank you!!

[@THSGUY]

I have done this to my 2 S-10's. I only use the lower half to do away with the rag-joint slop. One of the S-10's has a 350 with headers. I love seeing mechanic's using a claw hammer on automotive project's.

[@ChadLisonbee]

A BFH is a BFH, right. Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuaatkins5197]

I just went to speedway. They have a good selection of needle bearing u joints and shafts for this. My ford highboys shaft isn't made anymore and a flaming river shaft is stupid expensive for what it is. Spent about 50 bucks and get 2 u joints and shafts of your choice. Weld it all together. Bolts right in.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Glad to hear other uses for this shaft. But be careful welding the shaft together. The flaming river shaft is ludicrous expensive.

[@joshuaatkins5197]

@@ChadLisonbee that's why I want to speedway and did its myself. You can get weld together or bolt together with d shaped shaft options. I welded mine and then drilled and put a bolt thru. I completely understand the caution on just welding it.

[@mikeybear716]

I did this on my 84 gmc high sierra. If anyone has a 3" body lift like me you will have to extend the shaft a little to make it work. I cut it in the round section and used some round stock that slid in it really tight and welding it in. Made a world of difference in the steering.

[@natetrumble4541]

I have a 6” lift and a 2” body lift and my steering is all over the place. I’m trying to figure out what’s the fix

[@mikeybear716]

@@natetrumble4541 is there slop in the steering linkages? Get someone to move the steering wheel left and right and check if and where the slop is.in the steering system

[@poponxboxgameing1605]

@@natetrumble4541 back in the 80's we were swapping caprice gear boxes and drop steering bars. It made a truck with 44 swamper tires drive like a sports car.

[@bowtiebuilding]

@@poponxboxgameing1605 dude that sounds amazing. Just now getting into building my ‘84.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thanks for watching guys. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. I’ll see you in the next one. Have a great weekend.

[@lsu614]

Just ordered me one, can’t wait to see how much it helps, I’ve replaced everything in the suspension just the rag joint and steering box! 🤞🏻

[@ChadLisonbee]

Any Chevy I’ve owned it’s been the first thing I’ve done to the steering, and it’s always made a drastic difference for me. I’ve also been dealing with old garbage every time. But IMHO it’s definitely worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@garysinger4846]

The joint you took off from the top will cause slack. There are two square bearing inside of it that wear from sliding back and forth. GM used to make a kit that had the new square bearing and some flat springs that looked like bent washer that went inside the bearing. you could replace them and it took most of the slack out. GM quit using the whole joint but you can get a new one from jeep that's around $17.00 Just an FYI. Your video was great and informative.

[@ChadLisonbee]

That’s the first I’ve ever heard of it. Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@chrisweaverling9635]

That plastic stuff is probably the same type that's in some factory u-joints. My experience I had 2 explode under pressure, nothing too crazy just FYI. Could probably JB weld or regular weld that joint a bit once installed just to b safe. Great video, thats, will b doing this to my 93 Sierra with mega slop. Will check back, Thanks again.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Glad to hear. Thanks for watching. Let me know how it goes!

[@Bawkr]

I wouldn't trust the JB weld, regular weld I would though.

[@lethargicmotorsport2025]

That’s the toughest gear wrench I’ve everything seen !

[@ChadLisonbee]

They don’t make them like that anymore. Thanks for watching!

[@arizonarider6998]

I was thinking the same thing 😂

[@aaronjohnson3129]

I have a 93 suburban lifted on 37s would that same year work on mine I have a lot of slop in my steering because I was thinking that it was my steering box is bad hey thanks for making a video on that it really was very helpful

[@ChadLisonbee]

I can’t say wether you steering box is bad or not obviously. Lol. What I can say is, this will work on your truck. But to tell if it your steering box or bad tie rods have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth with the truck off. You don’t have to actually turn the wheel all the way, just go from one point of resistance to the other point of resistance. You don’t want the truck running because your looking for the play in the steering system. Since you have such large tires steering components are going to wear quicker, but I can also say this is hands down the most common point of steering slop in the GM rag joint systems. Even if your rag joint isn’t bad, I would still do this conversion. I do it on all my old Chevy’s. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesbanteah939]

Saw this video immediately went to my local junkyard putting it on my 88 S-10 tomorrow

[@ChadLisonbee]

Get some. Thanks for watching!

[@roachwerks3043]

You can always drill and pin that shaft with a clevis pin or a nut and bolt. So it can’t collapse or ever fall off

[@drchevyphdeez7253]

It collapses for a reason, so if you are in a collision you don't get your chest crushed by the steering wheel.

[@roachwerks3043]

@@drchevyphdeez7253the thing has like an inch or 2 of free play. It’s definitely not going to save your body lol

[@olsonspeed]

Many thanks sir, I have a '97 K1500 and a '86 K5 Blazer that both need this upgrade.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thanks for watching.

[@realestreaIist]

I've seen some people drill a hole in the top of the U joint so they can still use the existing hole through the steering shaft.

[@ChadLisonbee]

That’s definitely doable too. Thanks for watching and your input!!

[@javiersolis9141]

To bad gm doesn't make this upgrade, knowing its a problem flexing constantly. I have 97 gmc c1500 5.7l that would be nice on my truck, going out to salvage to see what I can come up with to do the same.

[@ChadLisonbee]

It really is. Allegedly they did it to give a smoother feel to the steering wheel. But this is the third truck I’ve done it on and I can tell you with 100% certainty it’s the best modification I’ve done to the steering. Thanks for watching!

[@_doomzday]

They make rag joints to replace

[@T0tenkampf]

This, in fact, does not work on 95+ GMT400 trucks and SUVs. Try Cunningham machine for a proper intermediate shaft.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thanks for the heads up. Is 95 when they went to airbag steering wheel?

[@T0tenkampf]

@@ChadLisonbee yessir, that's apparently the issue with the mod.

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@T0tenkampf updated the title. Thanks bro!

[@Richardskull]

1-25-24 eBay has them around 50 bucks. Why not drill a hole near end of bolt!Then put a Carter pin in it? Would help keep nut, from backing off with vibration! Just a thought!

[@ChadLisonbee]

Only reason is because I didn’t think of it. That’s a great idea.

[@PatrickPrice-vd5fj]

Brass hammer works great

[@javiersolis4593]

That's nice swap, like to do the same to get rid of rubber bushing on lower shaft

[@ChadLisonbee]

The rag joint is the most common cause of steering slop in these old Chevy’s, in my experience.

[@juanchoman9824]

My upper bushing is gone will this work to replace both top and rag joint.

[@4MATAStudio]

I almost forgot about this video. This popped up right on time.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thanks for watching.

[@4MATAStudio]

@@ChadLisonbee thanks for posting

[@miguelavila4203]

Very informative. But it would be nice if you had the camera mounted on a tri pod. Every time you bang that hammer the whole screen shakes.

[@ChadLisonbee]

I had it on a mini tripod while I was working, and tried to figure out how to pull that off on my larger tripod, but I couldn’t get the angles I was wanting. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for watching.

[@LukasTalab]

Hey, really good info an turorial on how to replace the shaft! Just two questins. Does the jeep shaft have same amount of collapse/crush with the two sliding pieces as the old gm one? (for safety reasons during car accident) And will it fit on 92 s10 blazer 4x4 v6? (4door)

[@ChadLisonbee]

Sorry brother but I can’t actually answer either of those questions. Lol.

[@gabrielmovers8689]

Thanks for the video and the advice I wonder if it'll work on my 95 F350 Powerstroke

[@michaellandis6466]

What model jeep and year range do we look for, thinking on doing it to both my truck and suburban

[@ChadLisonbee]

The one I used is out of a 94 Cherokee. It needs to be pre airbag, which started in either 96- or 98.

[@grntchstrmdws]

U-joints weren't unknown in 1994. Why did GM use the rag joint? What problem did it address? It seems to be a very specialized part. It must have had some thought behind it.

[@ChadLisonbee]

It offers a softer feel. That’s my understanding anyway.

[@fredandersen9873]

Did mine, works great.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thanks for watching!

[@SiCkDiAbLo]

Do you get any vibration with that shaft while driving??

[@ChadLisonbee]

Not at all. It makes it feel more connected. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@mcarnet]

I would imagine this would work on my 68 chevelle too...my steering gear and rag joint look just like that.

[@ChadLisonbee]

I just might. I can’t say for sure but I do believe they’re the same. If not you can always sell the steering shaft of it doesn’t work and make a little money. Good luck, and please let me know if you do it and it works. Thanks for watching.

[@adfasdfasdfluy]

Worked in my Buick GS, I used the lower portion from the Jeep and the upper portion stayed stock style due to the different style of joint

[@ReshardsAutomotiveWorkshop]

It can be done safely.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Yes sir!!

[@greglopez2217]

How?

[@leogetsome]

Thanks brotha... will be doing that to mine

[@ChadLisonbee]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@Donnazbeenz303]

Will a steering shaft that's fits a 84-94 jeep cherokee XJ fit? I found one on eBay but need to verify before purchasing it. I have a 91 chevy silverado

[@ChadLisonbee]

I’m not sure. The only ones I know fit are from 88-94.

[@youngsolja1779]

Have you heard anyone say it’ll work on 70-81 camaro or trans am please

[@ChadLisonbee]

Sorry brother I haven’t. You could cross reference the truck part number with the one on the Camaro on rock auto and get your answer.

[@topnotch956]

Did you reuse the GM bolts to attach the shaft to the gear box and column or did you use the XJ bolts?

[@ChadLisonbee]

XJ. The Chevy bolts are different.

[@stevea6722]

@@ChadLisonbee XJ is probably metric but we know the old Chevy stuff is SAE.

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@stevea6722 correct. Good call!

[@juice_on_halftimetwitchtv9581]

Man I'm trying to do this upgrade on my '86 el camino today and I cannot get the dang shaft to collapse/telescope, I'm using the same MAPP gas you are... my shaft is new, so that is probably not helping.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Not sure why being new would matter. Might just take a little bit of persuasion with a BFH once it’s heated up. I have had them bind up but more heat and some love from a hammer should get it done.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@hinkhausr]

Think this would work on the 1999 suburbans.

[@ChadLisonbee]

I can’t say. There was another comment that said post 98 or 96 will not work.

[@chicagomike6666]

@@ChadLisonbee won't work on anything newer than '95 due to issues with airbag etc

[@redacted1145]

Would this work for an 1989 v2500 4x4 suburban?! This is awesome

[@ChadLisonbee]

Yes sir.

[@redacted1145]

Thabk you very much man! This is my first project vehicle

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@redacted1145 your welcome. I wish you the best on your project!

[@enermaxstephens1051]

But you're cutting out the rag joint which is like a rubber bushing. So I don't think I'm willing to lose road manners. Maybe it's best to just get a new GM shaft that has the joint, but isn't worn out.

[@ChevyC-jo9pw]

What was the purpose of heating up that tube? So all this is if you have slop in the steering right? I'm having my whole column rebuilt so almost likely want to do this before I put the column and everything back in again

[@ChadLisonbee]

There’s an adhesive inside of the stem that holds it together. You have to heat it with a torch to melt it and get it out of there.

[@pasekateo9660]

I just replaced rag joint but steering still have alot play what should I do next

[@ChadLisonbee]

Sound like it’s time to start looking at bushings and ball joints. This won’t fix all the slop, but what it will to is fix the slop in a good functional system. Good luck, thanks for watching!

[@2skyman]

1970 k1500. Would this still work?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I’m 90% certain it will. You can get the steering shaft from the junk yard and try. If it doesn’t you can always sell the steering shaft. Believe it or not there’s actually a really good market for buying and flipping these shafts for a profit. In my area I can buy them in the junk yard for $20 clean it paint it and sell them the same day for $50. But I can’t guarantee. If you decide to try I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know if it works.

[@awh5773]

i wonder if i could do this to my 1988 f250?

[@ChadLisonbee]

Unfortunately I can’t answer that one.

[@nickracho7717]

I have a 1996 gmc 3500 will the xj shaft fit ?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I’m pretty sure 96 is when they went to airbag steering wheel. The one way to know is of you have an airbag to my knowledge it won’t work. I haven’t tried, and I don’t know anyone who has.

[@nickracho7717]

Mine doesn’t have an airbag

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@nickracho7717 I would think it will work then. If it doesn’t, the resale market for these shafts is really good. They sell well on eBay and Craigslist. So worst case, if it doesn’t work you can sell it for a profit. I always feel it’s worth a shot.

[@peterhiengslough5901]

So do you use a shaft from the XJ or a Grand Cherokee?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I used the shaft from an XJ. There are certain year grand Cherokee years that fit as well I’m just not certain which ones.

[@ypcomchic]

@@ChadLisonbee what is an XJ?

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@ypcomchic jeep wrangler sport from 1983-2001.

[@Dover-1972]

@@ChadLisonbee An XJ is a Jeep Cherokee not a wrangler FYI. Those model year wranglers were YJ’s

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@Dover-1972 my bad. Not sure why I put wrangler. Sorry about that.

[@lmu9913]

You have good content but it I’ll be really helpful if you could use a microphone

[@ChadLisonbee]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@richardgreen1142]

You didn’t need to modify the shaft?

[@ChadLisonbee]

Nope. It’s a little long so you need to burn out the adhesive, aside from that it’s a direct bolt in with the jeep hardware.

[@gqmartinez1]

Would this work on a 71 Blazer. My steering is super loose, feels like I am driving a old Cadillac.

[@ChadLisonbee]

It might, but I don’t know for certain. I’ve never worked on that year blazer or truck.

[@brianmcginnis7759]

Will this work for a 93 c3500???

[@ChadLisonbee]

It should. It works on the gmt400 until I believe 96. If it doesn’t you can easily sell the shaft. There is a very large demand for them. It’s actually getting hard to find these Cherokee shafts in junk yards.

[@brianmcginnis7759]

@@ChadLisonbee thank you

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@brianmcginnis7759 no problem. Just make sure to get the hardware with the Jeep shaft because it is different that your Chevy.

[@IzzySk10]

I just replaced the rag joint on my 1977 Chevy k10 and I’m still having huge amounts of slack in the wheel. The pitman arm wobbles up and down a hair not sure if replacing that now would fix how of the steering so with that being said do you think replacing it with one of those steering shafts fix or at least help?

[@ChadLisonbee]

No. This probably won’t do anything for that. There should be any play at all in your pitman arm. This only helps the sloppy feeling the rag joint causes by nature.

[@ChadLisonbee]

The best thing to do is grab another person and have them slowly move the wheel back and forth, so you can go under the truck and watch for where you’re play is coming from. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@IzzySk10]

@@ChadLisonbee yeah the pitman arm was going to be my next upgrade. It wiggles up and down while the wheel is being turned so I’m going to go ahead and change the tie rods and pitman arm.

[@Elmorock99]

I thought the shaft upgrade didn't work on 97 and up

[@ChadLisonbee]

All gmt400’s or square bodies. Even several cars. I’m not certain which ones though.

[@jhallsc2]

Same being told on forms up to 96...

[@victorthecarguy3126]

You can only use the lower section to replace the rag joint on 95 up. A 1" double D to spline will also work with a little grinding.

[@aremomsh]

Would this be the same for my 1974 blazer?

[@ChadLisonbee]

Yes sir, good luck with your project.

[@that_welder_mike1627]

Will this work on my 96 Chevy Silverado?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I’m told of it has an airbag it will not. I haven’t tried though so I cannot confirm this.

[@raymondluna1092]

Thanks!!!

[@ChadLisonbee]

Thank you for watching!

[@dbo8482]

Thank you

[@ChadLisonbee]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@frederickdominguez4829]

Finding a steering shaft is like looking for hens teeth

[@ChadLisonbee]

I guess it depends on your location. I know you can still find them on eBay though.

[@brianguzman7050]

What is the joint that connects the steering column dd to the steering shaft called? The squared one

[@ChadLisonbee]

I would call it the upper joint. But I don’t know what the technical name would be. Lol

[@tshoveltuski8273]

The Intermediate section of column

[@regretfully77]

will this work on a 4x4 as well?

[@ChadLisonbee]

Yes.just make sure you get the correct year Cherokee shaft.

[@regretfully77]

@@ChadLisonbee . 1984-1994, correct?

[@ChadLisonbee]

@@regretfully77 88-96 Cherokee. There are a couple years the grand Cherokee work but I don’t recal what years, and they do change quite often.

[@quincytaylor3113]

Can I use one off a 96 cherokee?

[@ChadLisonbee]

It should work, I can’t guarantee it because I’m not at all a jeep guy but... I’m almost certain they’re the same until 98. If it doesn’t work you can always sell it on eBay for more than you pay at the junk yard. Believe it or not there’s quite a large market for them.

[@Roadglide911]

I wonder if that would work on a 67 C10c

[@ChadLisonbee]

Sorry bro but I can’t answer that with any certainty. It probably will, but again I’m not certain. You could always try them sell the steering shaft if it doesn’t work. Believe it or not but they got for some pretty good money on Craigslist and eBay.

[@yehudaegert2276]

Why is that intro so LOUD?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I didn’t know it was. Lol

[@jeffharper410]

If that shaft fails and someone is seriously hurt or killed ,the lawsuit would be enormous. And the installer could face jail time. Just saying.

[@ChadLisonbee]

Hence the exact warning in the video.

[@realestreaIist]

this is a common upgrade. it's just another steering shaft in a different vehicle. it's still doing what it was designed to do. you sound like a fun guy...

[@kevinwest3689]

I guess I'm slow, watch the video twice, didn't hear you talk about or show why you were doing it, or show the Improvement afterwards, just a warning if you do- do it, a bad recommendation on the red Loctite, but the toxic fumes do explain the little angry little confused look on your face and vice Fiasco.

[@ibiusgroup2827]

Will this work on my 79 el camino?

[@ChadLisonbee]

I’ve read it will, but I have never done it to say with absolute certainty. I know the same upper shaft in GM’s has been used for in just about everything they made until early 90’s. That’s why almost any older Chevy non airbag steering wheel will fit any almost every GM. I’m not sure if the splines on the box will work though. If I was you I’d try it. They’re really cheap at the junk yard, and sell for good money used. So if it doesn’t fit, sell it and make a couple bucks. IMHO. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mauricemiddleton5839]

Would this work on a 96 caprice or impala ss

[@ChadLisonbee]

Unfortunately I have no idea. Sorry! Thank you for watching!