Steering shaft- upper joint worn out.

Upper steering slip/rag joint (near steering wheel in engine compartment) is loose causing about 1-2" of slop. I've checked this by turning the wheeling and looking directly at this upper joint. Is the
only fix for this a new "steering wheel to steering box" collapsable shaft?

I've been told the rubber bushing that is worn out was there to cushion the driver from bumps. When it wears out, only the ears of the two shafts meeting keeps the steering input somewhat groovy.

Any input would be great. I've searched, but the only reference I found were two people talking. One says they have the same problem and the other says they hadn't seen that before..haha..

thanks,
Brian

joe_peters said:

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1018147

Click to expand...

Um, I'm pretty sure its the same throughout the years, but I'll play along...

1992 xj auto 4.0L 4door, np231, d30/d35

-power steering, abs...

this is the part I'm talking about:http://www.jeep4x4center.com/product-information.asp?number=4713943

I'm just wondering if there's any other option.

Thanks to anyone with info on this repair

SanDiegoOverland said:

Um, I'm pretty sure its the same throughout the years, but I'll play along...

1992 xj auto 4.0L 4door, np231, d30/d35

-power steering, abs...

this is the part I'm talking about:http://www.jeep4x4center.com/product-information.asp?number=4713943

I'm just wondering if there's any other option.

Thanks to anyone with info on this repair

Click to expand...

Well, if you don't count 1995-2001 XJs...

If your question is do you have to replace the shaft--yes/maybe.

I think they are on eBay for under $100, but you have to watch the shipping.

You can get a Borgeson rag disk if it is the correct size: https://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1453&cat=32&page=2

joe_peters said:

Well, if you don't count 1995-2001 XJs...

If your question is do you have to replace the shaft--yes/maybe.

I think they are on eBay for under $100, but you have to watch the shipping.

You can get a Borgeson rag disk if it is the correct size: https://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1453&cat=32&page=2

Click to expand...

Ahhh. I see your point. Thanks for making me re-read the part info i linked, coulda sworn it said 84-01 like it was a universal part. My bad

Oh and i checked that link. Its not the part i need but its the same idea. I'll try to take some pics and post them. I must be describing it wrong. Hard to believe more people haven't had to swap this out.

top for any input...thanks!!