Gm Tilt Column ' Rag' Coupler Conversion ?

Seeking advice on my Steering shafts. ' Rosie' has a GM tilt column with this coupler :
She has a Gimble bearing on the frame....Kinda hard to see , at the left top :

I got this shaft from a 1987 or so XJ. ( The one on the top ) :


What are Y'all's opinion on me trying to eliminate the ' Rag ' & bolt this one in ?


From just eyeballing it.......Looks like it should connect , & I have clearance , but will need a bit of fabrication ? I replaced this ' Rag' ~ 4 years ago , But I've got a fair amount of back & forth, sideways play. My thinking is that doing this will take some road vibration outta the steering wheel ?

 

ditch the rag it may not get rid of the vibrations but the ujoint is way more rugged.

 

Yeah I went to a full XJ shaft and U joints, mine is a bit custom (read that as hillbilly engineered), but it can be done..

 

Borgeson sells u joints with vibration dampers built in.
Example
https://www.borgeson.com/Vibration-Reducers/Steel-3-4DD-X-3-4-36.html
They also have rag joints that are a lot stouter than factory.

 

Rag joints/bell's were designed to absorb any movement between the box and the steering column. Be sure you have something that will flex.

 

Another source of steering conversion parts:
Flaming River

 

I prefer the factory type bell joints at the base of the firewall location. They transfer turning movement very precisely, but kick-back is minimal. They also last many times longer than rag joints. Just make sure the cover boots are made in USA. The offshore ones rot away in about a year, and they are a pain to swap.
-Donny

 

Thanks Gent's , for all your suggestions . A vibration damper U Joint is what I am presently thinking. They're not cheap , but that typically assures me of Quality.