Help choosing borgeson u joint

[GMC5.3]

72 k5 blazer
I've had a lot of play in my steering wheel and replacing the rag joint is next on the list, can anyone help me figure out how to go about knowing which u joint I need. Do I count the splines on the steering box?

Here's some pics of the rag joint, rubber doesn't seem to be all that bad

 

[nvrenuf]

For 73+ trucks a Jeep XJ shaft is a cheaper option that the Borgeson shaft. I wonder if this would work on a 1st gen too?

 

[sweetk30]

For 73+ trucks a Jeep XJ shaft is a cheaper option that the Borgeson shaft. I wonder if this would work on a 1st gen too?

1st gen and early 73-up wont bolt in jeep shaft . the steering column is different end and the input shaft on box is a bit different spline size.

 

[GMC5.3]

I was told an Astro van shaft could possibly work but no one could be specific on the years, and the last thing I wanna do is spend a day pulling the wrong shafts.

Two questions I have

1. He shaft end that goes into he steering box is flanged and welded on , is this usually cut in order to use a u joint?

2. Should I also be paying attention the the rubber boot end of the shaft towards the column? Could this be a factor in my loose steering as well?

 

[sweetk30]

https://ck5.com/forums/threads/xj-shaft-install-by-me-of-course.169874/

 

[GMC5.3]

I was all for the xj mod but it seems as though it's more of a square body mod than a first generation mod. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's what it seems from the research I've done

 

[sweetk30]

yes . but the reason I linked that page was the info on the different style shafts and ends used for the stock gm stuff.

I can tell you tho that ditching the rag and factory joint up by the firewall and going u-joints makes a big difference .

 

[GMC5.3]

Got it, so sounds like you have u joints at both ends, Do you think it would still benefit me by just adding a u joint at the steering box end for now?

Or could the rubber boot end towards the column be causing a problem as well?

 

[Bent77]

I used a Flaming River u joint at the box. Factory slip at the top was fine

 

[GMC5.3]

Any vibration? You have a lift?