Steering Shaft - Upper

Remove and replace the upper steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering gearbox on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft U-joint (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column coupling bolt kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Center the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointing straight
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
5. Chock rear wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Before removing any components, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the steering column shaft and the steering gearbox input shaft at the rag joint (flex coupling). Also mark the steering column shaft orientation relative to the steering column housing. These marks are critical for proper reassembly and maintaining correct steering alignment.
2. 2

   Access steering shaft coupling under dash
   Working inside the cab, remove the lower steering column cover panel if equipped. This may be held by 2 screws at the bottom of the column shroud. You will need clear access to the upper coupling where the steering shaft connects to the column.
3. 3

   Remove upper column coupling bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt that secures the upper steering shaft to the steering column. This connection uses a rag joint (flex coupling) secured with bolts/nuts through the flex disc, not a pinch clamp. Remove the fasteners using the correct socket size (verify against the factory service manual). Apply penetrating oil if the bolt is corroded. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation. Verified detail (The open question presumes a pinch bolt exists; the 1972 F-100 uses a rag joint, so the question itself is based on an incorrect coupling type.): What is the exact bolt/socket size for the rag joint (flex coupling) fasteners at the steering column on a 1972 Ford F-100?
4. 4

   Access intermediate shaft coupling under vehicle
   Move to the underside of the vehicle. Locate where the steering column shaft connects to the steering gearbox input (worm) shaft via the rag joint. This connection is at the firewall area. Clean the area with a wire brush if necessary to clearly see the coupling.
5. 5

   Mark and remove lower coupling connection
   Verify your alignment marks from step 1 are visible. Remove the bolts securing the rag joint (flex coupling) to the steering gearbox input shaft flange. Verify the exact bolt/socket size against the factory service manual. Use a combination wrench to hold the nut while loosening the bolt with a socket from below.
6. 6

   Separate coupling joints
   With both coupling bolts removed, carefully separate the upper steering shaft from both the upper column connection and the lower shaft connection. You may need to gently tap the coupling with a ball peen hammer or use a flat blade screwdriver to spread the pinch bolt clamp slightly. Do not damage the splines or coupling surfaces. Verified detail (The rag joint on this truck is not a pinch-bolt clamp design, so spreading a clamp is incorrect. Excessive force also risks damaging column bearings/ignition mechanism as warned elsewhere.): you may need to gently work the rag joint (flex coupling) apart after removing its fasteners; avoid excessive force that could damage the flex disc or column components
7. 7

   Remove upper steering shaft
   Withdraw the upper steering shaft assembly from the vehicle. It should slide out from the engine compartment side once both couplings are disconnected. If there is a dust boot or firewall seal, carefully work the shaft through it without tearing the seal. Inspect the shaft for wear, damage, or excessive play in the U-joint.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new shaft
   Compare the new upper steering shaft to the old unit to verify correct length, spline count, and U-joint configuration. Inspect the rag joint (flex coupling) disc for cracking, deterioration, or elongated bolt holes and replace if worn. Clean the mating flanges and hardware; do not lubricate the flex disc.
9. 9

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Feed the new upper steering shaft into position through the firewall area, ensuring any dust boots or seals are properly positioned. Align the shaft with both the upper steering column and the lower steering shaft, referencing the alignment marks made during disassembly. The splines must engage fully at both ends.
10. 10

    Install and secure lower coupling
    With the shaft properly aligned per your marks, install the rag joint (flex coupling) bolts through the flex disc to the steering gearbox input shaft flange. Ensure the bolt passes through both the clamp and the shaft properly. Install the lock washer and nut finger-tight. Do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Install and secure upper coupling
    Move to the cab interior and install the rag joint bolts at the steering column shaft flange, ensuring the flex disc is properly seated and the fasteners pass through correctly and the bolt passes through correctly. Install finger-tight initially.
12. 12

    Verify alignment and tighten connections
    Double-check that all alignment marks match and the steering wheel is still centered with wheels straight. Tighten the rag joint (flex coupling) bolts at both the steering column and gearbox flange to the torque specified in the factory service manual (verify exact value before final tightening). Verify there is no binding by rotating the steering shaft by hand through its full range of motion. If binding occurs, loosen and realign.
13. 13

    Final tightening and inspection
    Once alignment is confirmed and no binding exists, fully tighten both coupling bolts. There should be no play or looseness in either connection. Reinstall the lower steering column cover panel if removed.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
3. Start engine and verify power steering operation if equipped
4. Test steering function by turning wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for unusual noises or binding

Verification

• With engine running and vehicle stationary, turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual resistance
• Check that steering wheel returns to center position naturally when released after a turn
• Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointing straight ahead
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, verifying normal steering response and no vibration, looseness, or unusual sounds
• After test drive, visually inspect both coupling connections for any movement or looseness

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