Steering shaft upgrade

[Bar50]

Well, if it's of any consequence, I ordered one for a Jeep Wrangler by accident. I beat it on the concrete to get to to slide, I mentioned it was for a Jeep Wrangler? Yeah, I had to cut the shaft down to fit a Malibu.

 

[scarborough]

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.

if by replacing the rag joint shaft with new one would it be just as good as replacing with a Astro are jeep shaft

 

[Rt Jam]

Absolutely, just as good. The only place where rag joints get a bad reputation is their name. Some people think of an old shop rag connecting their steering system. It's actually fiber reinforced rubber. A super solid connection but with compliance for angle. Same joint in on the end of a driveshaft for a BMW and a Charger.

The videos floating around comparing the slop in a broken rag joint vs a universal joint. 😆

Replacements are available through Dorman, Mike's Monte and many other reproduction suppliers.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

What ahout the lower steering column bearing upgrade? Still worth it or ovoverhype?

 

[Longroof79]

Well, if it's of any consequence, I ordered one for a Jeep Wrangler by accident. I beat it on the concrete to get to to slide, I mentioned it was for a Jeep Wrangler? Yeah, I had to cut the shaft down to fit a Malibu.

Perhaps the Jeep Wrangler shaft is much longer than the Cherokee shaft. or else I can't see having to cut it down.

 

[Longroof79]

What ahout the lower steering column bearing upgrade? Still worth it or ovoverhype?

I replaced the lower bearing with one from an Astro van. It seemed to have a snugger fit to it.