[Nasorean]

Parts

Stock Steering Shaft
3/4 smooth x 3/4 36 spline U joint(Forged Steel)
Bolt

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using this video as inspiration I had a solid steering shaft created.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4fF33m7N8

I used this idea as a basic template and made a few modifications of my own.

The u joint and shaft were welded together just like in the video, but my bolt hole wasnt as large and the bolt was pressed in and welded as a cross pin to give it added strength, completely removing the possibility of loosening up. I left the hex head on to be able to spot the "top" with a quick glance.

Here are some pics:

Solid Steering Shaft

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/N...yztwui.jpg


close up of U joint showing cross pin

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/N...lyeky9.jpg


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Some quick lessons on the build. There are other u joints available with a pinch bolt instead of a set screw. The stock rag joint uses a pinch bolt and is probably a better design, especially since its used by other OEMs and aftermarket people, including Maximum Motorsports. However, the set screw u joint design is also used by other aftermarket designers like Borgeson so it is a proven design and the steering rack does have a flat part cut out for the set screw.

I havent installed it yet so cant give a review on how well it works. I'll update the thread when I do that.

I'd appreciate some feedback, including improvements on the design.

[TurboRay]

Your design looks strong/safe. Is this a race-only car.....or do you also drive it on the street? I only ask, knowing that the OEM "rag joint" is intended to isolate the chassis/subframe vibrations/noises from the body/cab.

Some who have converted to a "non-dampened" (solid-ish) steering shaft like the slightly-reduced flex or "play" exhibited by the factory rag joint (altho some RJ's might have just been loose/worn). Others have noticed a little more road noise in daily-driver situations. I'm curious to hear your impressions after it's together. :dunno:

[Nasorean]

I just pulled the plugs and 3 of them are fouled with oil my timing light was busted and I was at 30* BTDC.

Im leaving to germany too, in about a month(military), so driving it soon is probably out of the question. :/

This really bums me out/pisses me off.

edit:

Ray its a street car, but I drive like an old man so it doesnt see much action in the top revs.

[Nasorean]

If you search ebay for the following term you can find the u joint, it costs about 30 bucks so if you have a parts car and welding tools/talent its very affordable.

"Forged Steel Steering Column Universal U-Joint Coupler 3/4-3/4 Smooth Bore NHRA"

[onesillynotch]

http://forum.turboford.org/cgi-bin/ultim...966#000012


looks familiar good job

[Nasorean]

So I see you stole my design that I stole from the internet, went back in time and told yourself to make one. Well played

Edit -- something neat abouit the design is that its much easier to turn the wheel, I can turn the rack with a few fingers now while its out of the care. Wish I could test drive it

[onesillynotch]

my favorite "turn" mod was 4cly k with 99-04 control arms..with my 17"s up front i can go lock to lock with no limiters, no rub...turning radius of a wrangler!

[Nasorean]

That's pretty cool. Is the 4cyl k member narrower or something? Why that one specifically? Ya know, besides that it's stock and already on there.

[onesillynotch]

yes..87-93 4cly is more narrow...all 86 and under V8 and 4 bangers are the same narrow one.

the 4cly k's LCA mounting points are 1/2" more inward than the 87-93 V8 k. so your total width when using this k and the sn95 arms is +.25" per side.

[SVONOLES]