This job is independent. Unlike the front end rebuild and box upgrade, the Borgeson shaft does not overlap with any other steering job. It can be done before, after or without the other upgrades. It accesses the interior footwell and engine bay only — no front end disassembly required.
What the Rag Joint Is — and Why It's the Problem
Between your steering wheel and the steering box sits the intermediate steering shaft. On the OBS, this shaft uses a rubber coupling — the "rag joint" — as a vibration isolator. In 1993 that was a reasonable design choice. Thirty years later, that rubber coupling has hardened, cracked, or deformed, and it introduces a small but perceptible flex between your hands and the steering box.
The Borgeson shaft replaces the entire intermediate shaft assembly with a solid unit using proper U-joints — the same principle used in performance vehicles. The result is a direct, mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the box. No flex. No dead zone. No rubber that can fail.
Owners who have done all three steering upgrades consistently describe the Borgeson shaft as the job that makes the steering feel truly connected — the moment the truck stops feeling like a barge and starts feeling like a vehicle that actually responds to inputs. That is not an exaggeration.
What You Actually Gain
What You Need
The Only Part You Need
- Borgeson Solid Steering Shaft Borgeson 000935
Confirmed for 1988–1994 trucks. A distinct part likely exists for 1995–1998, but couldn't be confirmed as a complete assembly, the only later-years number found is explicitly listed as an upper shaft section only, not a full replacement. If your truck is a 1995–1998 model, get in touch before ordering rather than guessing.
Useful to Have
- Snap ring pliers For shaft retention clips
- Anti-seize compound Apply to splines before fitting
Skip the Hunting
Get the correct shaft delivered
The old estimate on this page significantly understated the real cost, same pattern as the steering box guide, once the correct part is identified, this is a genuinely bigger investment than first suggested. Rather than risk another wrong-vehicle mix-up, I sourced this one directly and it's available through OBScure Parts, the store I also run. Full story on why it exists here.
Get the Shaft at OBScure Parts →Where to Find It
Order from US — Only Option
- Summit Racing — summitRacing.com
- Amazon US — search Borgeson 000935
- Ship via Aramex Shop & Ship
- Allow 7–12 days
Borgeson is a US specialist manufacturer. No UAE stocking distributor exists. This is a mail-order part — plan accordingly.
Confirm Before Ordering
- Your model year — this part is confirmed for 1988–1994 only, 1995–1998 needs separate confirmation, contact us first
- Tilt or fixed column
Works with either the stock steering box or the Borgeson quick-ratio upgrade box, regardless of which box you're running. Borgeson's website has a fitment guide, cross-reference your VIN details, or email them if unsure, they respond.
The Process
- Set the front wheels straight ahead. Centre the steering wheel and note its position.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal — you will be working near the airbag clock spring on later models.
- Access the existing intermediate shaft — it runs from the steering column through the firewall to the steering box.
- Mark the shaft positions at both ends before removal — column spline and box input shaft.
- Remove the pinch bolts or retention clips at each end of the existing shaft. The shaft slides out.
- Inspect and remove the rag joint / rubber coupler — note the condition for reference.
- Fit the Borgeson shaft. It connects at the steering column spline end and the box input shaft end. Apply anti-seize to splines.
- Align to your marked positions. Install and torque pinch bolts — typically 30–35 Nm.
- Reconnect battery. Test steering lock-to-lock before starting engine.
- Road test. Feel the difference.
Hand This Over
"Replace the intermediate steering shaft with the Borgeson solid shaft I have provided. Before removing anything, set the wheels straight ahead and mark the shaft positions at both ends — column end and steering box end. This is important for correct reinstallation. Disconnect the battery before working near the steering column. After fitting, torque the pinch bolts to 30 Nm. Test steering movement before starting the engine."
This Upgrade Fits
Borgeson produces tilt-column and fixed-column variants. Confirm your column type before ordering.
What You've Now Got
✓ The Full Steering Upgrade Path
If you've completed all three sections, front end rebuild, steering box, and Borgeson shaft, you now have a steering system that is better than anything that left the factory in 1993. Tight joints, a fresh box with proper internal tolerances, and a solid mechanical connection from your hands to the road. The truck should now go where you point it. Without negotiation.