rag joint/steering damper

[Stan Robinson]

Is there likely to be noticeable vibration through the steering wheel if I don't install a rag joint or damper on the steering shaft? It's a power Saginaw box from a 1978 z-28. The shaft length from the steering box to the bottom of the steering wheel shaft is 18 inches. There's no intermediate u joint- just the single one at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft, and the one at the steering box joint. And the u joint at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft is at a fairly mild angle.

[techinspector1]

Good question. I don't know the answer, but would think that the rag joint was probably originally included in the build at the factory to satisfy little old ladies on the way to and from bingo who only wanted smoooooooooooth.

[glennsexton]

According to the folks at Borgeson,

"Ragjoints are designed to dampen vibration, and reduce resonant P/S noise. They should only be used when 2 shafts being connected are dead straight in line."

I have a little Nova with a Fatman Fabrications front end kit using Chevette PS rack. There was not enough clearance for me to use a rag joint and I don't recall any weird vibrations, but it's been a while since I drove it as I'm finishing body, paint etc and we're out of service for a while.

The noise issue from the PS pump - well, I don't know. That poses an interesting question. Most of my hot rod ventures have produced enough noise from the exhaust that I don't hear a lot of the small stuff.

The rag joint is certainly not required from a performance or safety standpoint..

Regards,
Glenn

[Itoldyouso]

No, there are a million hot rods running around with no rag joints in the system (mine included) and there is no vibration to speak of at all. Of course, we rodders have TOUGH hands.

Don