No, the joint pictured above connects the underhood steering shaft to the steering box, at the steering box. They degrade over time from heat and grime. It center section is rubber that is quite strong wen healthy, but goes limp as it gets old. The joint is designed in such a way that the rubber can completely wear out and you'll still have steering because of pins and bolts sticking out, but it will feel really loose. It's normally hidden in a plastic snap on shroud that's there to keep oil and grease off the joint.
Here is a better alternative than replacing it:
Ok i have a 1997 blazer and i have replaced all steering components from idler arm, pitman arm, inner and outer tie rods with adjusting sleeves i still have loose steering my friend and i noticed that when we turn the wheel we notice tons of play in the rag joint where the steering shaft meets...
www.s10forum.com
Here's what a S10 rag joint looks like in place:
Or you could replace it with this real u-joint for even better steering. It's only about $6 more than the rag joint.
OK so that universal joint is a direct replacement for that rag joint? What is the part number? Can you just remove the rag joint and bolt this in? This gives you better tighter steering than the stock parts?
Is there a part number for that joint? Would I benefit from just that if i want to do the LS swap later or do I need the Jeep steering shaft for max clearance.