Replacing the steering coupler assembly on an 88-98 OBS Chevy 1500

[@yayyay7076]

This should honestly be the first fix when you buy one of there. Had my entire front end replaced and STILL had slop. Replaced the rag joint/coupler and voilà. Perfect steering and way improved turning ratio.

[@kenc.9067]

I did this to my old Chevy truck a few weeks ago, and it made a big difference. Eliminated about 70 percent of steering slop. I am no longer constantly moving the steering wheel left and right while driving down a straight road.

[@MatAK49]

LOL, on my way home today driving my 90 silverado, I'm thinking, "Man, the steering is loose as hell, I should look at that coupler..." I get home and I'm checking out different videos on KZbin having forgotten about the steering coupler, and I came across this video purely by accident. I've changed one before 35 years ago on my old 69 f100, easy job, so thanks for the refresher course!

[@justaguynamedme8337]

I really appreciate the get to it point of view with no annoying music to play over the video content. Thanks man!!! Replacing mine on my 98 Suburban tomorrow.

[@markstoneking3944]

I have a '93 k1500 and I replaced all of the steering components and still have a lot of play in the steering. I never even considered this part; thanks very much for the video.

[@MCMotorworks]

Did it work?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@MasonsGarage 703 Certainly helped ours

[@dougreno1151]

When you separate the inner shaft from the outer housing ,there will be a little piece of metal fall out. It took an hour to find it down by the radiator support.

[@inflikti0n]

Thanks for all these OBS Chevy Vids. Great job making them too.

[@oldbiker9739]

right on I have a few things yet to do on my 1991 GMC 1500 short box just body work so far , she smokes when first starting up so Ill have to replace valve stem seals that poor old motor has 446,000 klm on it but runs strong , rag joint is next its like herding chickens down the road , but the rest of the truck is LIKE A ROCK . thanks again young man .

[@SuburbanRanch]

@old biker Ha herding chickens, that’s great. 🎶 like a rock! 🎶

[@ralphmitchell3435]

My 1998 C1500 has 310,000 miles. Just getting broke in. Those are all my miles , bought it new.

[@oldbiker9739]

@@ralphmitchell3435 they are a great truck aren't they , until death do us part I'm 70 years old that old horse stays , lol

[@ralphmitchell3435]

@@oldbiker9739 haha, 60 here and I'm too attached to part with it.

[@ronaldsteveson76]

Great how to! I do appreciate the no nonesense that's in some videos. Super clean engine bay 😎👍

[@hawkdsl]

It's a good idea to use red lock tight for the bolts, even thought they are nylon locks.

[@justaguynamedme8337]

I agree. I don't want ANYTHING on my steering to loosen while I'm driving!!!💯💯

[@armaletalia3254]

Orange is better.

[@floydieharris6236]

Blue is a plenty. You don’t want to have to use heat to get the bolts out next time.

[@yayyay7076]

@@floydieharris6236 agree blue is plenty

[@johneburke1]

I put this couple on a couple of my obs trucks. Rock auto seems to have the best parts for these trucks. You can also get the entire assembly for 180 bucks on rock auto for anyone who doesn’t want to grind then beat out the Rivera. Even though it’s not that difficult to do

[@JoseCardenas-lb9lx]

Hi, do you have the link or number to the place you are talking about . My truck has that same problem and I would like to fix it right away. Thank you.

[@Ranchready496]

Google

[@joepete6018]

Wish you would have shown the operation of the old one, what was loose on it, so we would have a comparison.

[@ator2659]

You put out some good informative vids man 👍🏽. You need more hits.

[@deceptivex1]

Get rid of the rag joint for a u joint.... I used a jeep shaft on my chevy. No more junk rag joint... solid connection!

[@SuburbanRanch]

@deceptivex1 We’ve thought about it. Maybe we’ll get around to it after we get all the projects we have planned

[@armaletalia3254]

The rag joint serves a purpose. It dampens the vibration from the steering linkage being transmitted through the steering column. As long as your steering column and steering gear box still maintain the factory alignment, there’s no need for a U-joint. I will replace mine with a Lares 205 as I have neither the need nor desire to feel all that vibration and harshness while daily driving the truck. U-joints are only necessary for direction changes caused by altered alignment of the steering column and steering gear box. The consequence of the U-joint is that it transmits more vibration since it lacks the rubber to dampen the vibration.

[@deceptivex1]

@@armaletalia3254 while the general idea of what you say is true, in practice I have noticed no extra harshness from this modification.

[@bigal4304]

Outstanding videos keep them coming

[@cdogg1787]

since those rivets are mushroomed out they come out a lot easier going the other way. I used a grinding bit to grind down the heads on the other side and popped out the rivets easy. When I put my new coupler on (Lars 205) I had to turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to get the shaft to line up. My new coupler was riveted together 90 degrees off! I will have to drill out those rivets and rotate the 2 halves and use bolts to attach the coupler together.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@cdogg the steering shaft interfered with using our grinder from the other end, but if you use a dremel or something smaller it should work well!

[@DavidBoston-rx2yi]

Great video man

[@diycast6914]

EXCELLENT and helpful video. One thing I didn't like about the manufacturer specified torque spec of 11 ft lbs, is that after approx 5-6 ft lbs the rubber really starts to bend and deform. Do you guys think this would decrease the longevity of the joint or decrease its dampening ability?

[@SuburbanRanch]

I’d stick with the recommended torque

[@MrRoy-rb1je]

Absolutely outstanding! Thank you!

[@BigBoyJr76]

I hope this help my truck, I replace everything on the front end steering minus the steering box. The steering is so loose I don’t even want to drive it in the freeway because of it.

[@MrHiwu]

Great video 👍

[@brucecoulda1596]

Great video! Thank you for doing this

[@noahbooshu]

How are the bolts holding up? I'm going to be doing this job soon, was considering welding the bolts in but may opt for loctite instead.

[@SuburbanRanch]

I would not weld it, bolts are doing fine.

[@paulmansour4611]

Nice video. Ebay had the dorman assemby for 104.00 plus tax.

[@MoSan-dm8ub]

How did you find the right size to your shaft? I can’t fine one and the auto parts tel me I have to buy the whole shaft complete

[@SuburbanRanch]

Rockauto should tell you what part you need for your truck.

[@diycast6914]

Is there any way to inspect this joint without taking the shaft out?

[@SuburbanRanch]

It’s pretty hard to get a good look at it

[@eugenedabbs7252]

so can you give an update on that joint. how ismit holding up after a couple years?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Eugene Dabbs Joint seems to be fine!

[@rick343]

I can't find a definitive answer to the question of which spline I need, 26, 30 or some other number, I put in the same info on different Auto parts sites and I get different answers, I would like to order the part before I disassemble, but if I can't be sure, I guess I'll have to take it apart and count the splines, and then get the rag joint, I have a 93 Chevy K1500.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Rick Rathman I would think you need the same rag joint we showed.

[@Limbwalker1000]

@Suburban Ranch - Hey buddy, I need this part for my 1988 K 1500 4x4 and I cant seem to find it anywhere....??? Where did you get your Rag Joint and assembly...?? Thanks Steve

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Steven Capizzi I bought the rag joint from Rockauto, Amazon sells them as well. We put a link to the part in the description of the video.

[@notpossessed4915]

I need help finding rag joint for 1990 Silverado .i tried several new ones but nothing fits the gear box

[@SuburbanRanch]

@not possessed Have you tried rockauto. You can put in your exact truck.

[@baldemarjcasas5701]

Took mine off yesterday from a 94 GMC Sierra and boy let me tell you it DOES NOT come off that easy as it seems you better get you a pry bar and some long sleeves on so you don't scratch your forearms all up 🤨

[@carlosricardoaka.control5572]

Good video , I'm learning thanx ,does it fit a Chevy Silverado 1994 k1500?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Carlos Ricardo AKA. CONTROL Yes, should fit your truck.

[@dannybarlow4256]

Just put the steering shaft out of a early 90’s jeep Cherokee and bolt it right in with no rag joint

[@professor_roundhead]

Do one BETTER..replace that shaft with one from a 88-00 (i think to 2000 maybe a little later or earlier) jeep cherokee..its a dirrct bolt on replacment. You CAN drill a thru hole on the jeep shaft top end to be able to have a bolt go all the way thru it like on top of orginal shaft as jeep shaft is a pinch type and would be fine but if want to be extra safe just drill the hole and there you go. Bottom gos on just like normal. Both sides take a 13mm Jeep Cherokee shafts use ACUAL BALL JOINTS no fabric joints

[@btfambtfam7079]

Just curious, Why did you choose a Blue Top Gearbox rather than a Redhead Gearbox? Was it just preference or do you know something that I don't about Redhead?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@BTFAM BTFAM Blue top is closer to iowa so shipping is cheaper, no preference between the two

[@Limbwalker1000]

How much grease do you put in that shaft before reinstalling it....??

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Steven Capizzi Just coat the steering shaft in grease before sliding it back together

[@johnparisotto7924]

Great video , i am hesitant i have a 95 GMC K1500 heavy half work truck package , its the 14 bolt 6 lug " mythical rear end " ,it is also airbag and anti-lock , I have been told this first gen airbag has a column hair trigger , it was by a fairly reliable source, if anyone has dealt with first gen gm airbag ,,please help thanks to all

[@SuburbanRanch]

@John parisotto I haven’t heard about a sensitive airbag trigger, hopefully someone else can chime in.

[@johnparisotto7924]

Thanks , I have been told don't worry about anything other then the clock spring since my post, intermediate shaft will be here tomorrow

[@CrashCarson14]

I thought 95 didn’t have airbags no matter model

[@johnparisotto7924]

@@CrashCarson14 it was a 3300 dollar option along with anti lock brakes

[@notpossessed4915]

Where did you get the rag jount

[@SuburbanRanch]

@not possessed Amazon. The link to it is in the description of the video.

[@thomasbarron246]

Where did you find this part?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Amazon. Link in the description

[@nanieberoin4902]

Its the same for 98 1500 silverado

[@LandonJP07]

I would just get a whole new shaft. It’s much easier, like $70 and it just bolts in. Instead of replacing the rag joint by itself and having to rebuild it.

[@SuburbanRanch]

That’s another option for sure!

[@xhw21x]

Just upgrade to the Cunningham Machine u joint

[@woodstocktrees8614]

Why are your brake lines capped ???

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Woodstock Trees We were working on the front suspension at the same time and the brakes were removed!

[@delegate104]

If you don't have a torque wrench one ugga dugga will do.

[@Tonygarry78]

would one say that an 89' burb and 90' burb have damn near the same steering components? I'm replacing 90% of my steering. it's all still original.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@HAMMER I would say they would be close but Rockauto should tell you for sure

[@Tonygarry78]

@@SuburbanRanch savvy

[@bigal4304]

What's the part number?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@big al I believe it’s in the description of the video.

[@ervn2466]

Just a tip of advice I wouldn’t call this for 88-98 half the stuff u have done to ur truck is different for 96 and up trucks making it confusing

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Ervn24 Thanks for the tip!

[@AP100684]

Anyone try adding some silicone into the old joint? Have a crappy old one I'm going to experiment on.

[@davidvanhooser7733]

Did you die?

[@aaronp4990]

Yes. I am now a zombie. I was surprised that it firmed up the ragged joint significantly. Used it till my old blue got flattened by a tree 6 months ago. RIP

[@davidvanhooser7733]

@@aaronp4990 sorry to hear that. I’m building me one now. Glad that worked for ua

[@depdark1]

Will this fit my 1996 k1500 cheyenne 4x4 ?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@depdark1 I would think so. But I would go to rockauto and see if the part number for your vehicle is the same as the one we linked in the description

[@depdark1]

@@SuburbanRanch its exactly as a c1500. Cheyenne was just the trim model. But i will check it out

[@trey854]

Why n the world did Gm use such junk that’s why I drive old fords built better