Steering shaft upgrade

[rogus]

Can anyone who has used the Jeep steering shaft to upgrade their ride tell how in the world I get the shaft length extended like it's advertised to do? I don't want to beat on it with a hammer. Any advice?

 

[Built6spdMCSS]

Mine is pretty tight, I think I bolted one end up and rubber mallet tapped on the other end, it eventually went to proper length. I squirted some silicone spray in it, seems to help.

 

[melloelky]

Can anyone who has used the Jeep steering shaft to upgrade their ride tell how in the world I get the shaft length extended like it's advertised to do? I don't want to beat on it with a hammer. Any advice?

is it new or second hand? I only ask because in my experience they have to be heated to melt whatevers keeping it from collapsing.i couldn't get it freed up otherwise.

 

[Longroof79]

When I had the jeep shaft in my car, I also had to heat it gently to collapse it to fit. Now using the Astro/ Safari shaft, re-clocked. I like the Astro shaft a lot better. It seems like a stronger well constructed piece. Just my opinion. I like either one to replace the rag joint shaft.

 

[Rt Jam]

If the length does not float. Throw it out.

When the frame is moving around, relative to the body. Your column bearings and the steering box bearings will not be happy.

 

[rogus]

Mine is pretty tight, I think I bolted one end up and rubber mallet tapped on the other end, it eventually went to proper length. I squirted some silicone spray in it, seems to help.

Thanks. Before I start beating on something I want to make sure that is what is supposed to done.

 

[rogus]

is it new or second hand? I only ask because in my experience they have to be heated to melt whatevers keeping it from collapsing.i couldn't get it freed up otherwise.

it's new.

 

[rogus]

If the length does not float. Throw it out.

When the frame is moving around, relative to the body. Your column bearings and the steering box bearings will not be happy.

Thank you.

 

[57 Handyman]

After hunting/searching and finally getting my hands on a jeep shaft, I also found there was an issue with the length being too long. Since this intermediate shaft was also an integral safety part, I decided the best option for my 87 El Camino was an Astro van shaft with functional collapsing mechanism.

 

[Rt Jam]

I want to say this without hurting too many feeling since I know many have made this upgrade to u joints.

A Jeep and an Astro are not body on frame construction. That is why they do not require a floating joint.
The collapsing feature is to crush in an accident.

The original steering shaft has 2 sliders in a knuckle. There is a difference. If you had both in front of you, you can easily understand.

Also a rag joint is not a source of slop. It only is when it's broken.