Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Had some time to finish my airbag cutouts. Also bought a fuel pump, brake calipers and a a power brake booster and master cylinder from CPP.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Nice progress!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

love the progress...on another note, my band will be playing the urban lounge( the one on whyte) we are called Smart-Alex...will be there by 7pm,come on down with some pic's, and i'll buy you a drink....if you can.
oh ya.....it's on the 4th, hope you can make it......max.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Hi Tigger, sorry I missed your gig, hope it was a good one, I haven't been to the urban lounge for several years!!!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

front suspension starting to come together.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

On the advice of Poncho Villa, I sent my old steering box to Randy at Steering Solutions, he sent me a completely rebuilt box.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

You have done a really nice job, kudos, hope it continues to go well. It is going to be one awesome truck.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

1) Picked up a Flaming River u-joint; 2) Mating the stock Trans Am shaft to the '81 GMC van column; 3) 10 bolt Camaro rear axle w/342 gears.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Hey thanks, jkaylor...Truck Builder rocks!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Another pic of the steering shaft...any advice would be appreciated (angle, length, etc.)

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

you may need to start over with the column linkage. it looks like you need two u-joints to get the shaft to line up, and some cut to fit DD shaft. with two u-joints, i would have a bearing on the middle section of shaft (many people use a big heim for ease of fabrication)

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks for the feedback. I have seen many setups with 2 u-joints. What is the main reason for using 2, is my angle too great?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

it just looks like it doesn't line up to bolt together. if it does, then i don't think the angle is too bad.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

You are correct, 1 ton of fun, the u-joint binds, so I think I do need 2 u-joints.

Also, how is the column attached to the firewall? Is it welded, or is it just clamped? Feedback please and thank you!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

56, I just pulled the column out of my camaro and it has a plate the is attached to the column and the is bolted to the firewall. I haven't done the truck yet so I am not sure what I am going to do on that.

Bernie

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

i would bolt it, in case it would ever need to be serviced in the future. i try to design my stuff so i can work on it easily for maintenance and repairs.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Hey 56, The angle on mine is close to what yours is. I did use 2 joints and a double D shaft. I did not use the rag joint at the steering box. Here's a few pic's.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Borgsons web site gives some good info on where and how many universal joints you need. I'm getting ready to tackle mine and have figured I would need one at each end with a slip joint in the middle because based on previous experience with 4wd the cab and frame will flex when off-road.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks guys. Hey Cal 58, did you install a vibration dampener as well?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Also Cal 58, how did you attach the bottom u-joint to the steering box? Thanks!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

How do you suggest I bolt my column to my firewall, keeping an asthetically pleasing both in the cab and in the engine compartment?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

No, I did'nt use the dampener. I can fill a small amount of viberation in the wheel but nothing really bad. I still might put the dampener in later. The bottom u-joint is attached to the steering box and then to the double D shaft. If you in need of a double D shaft let me know, I have a new one that was powder coated I would let go real cheap.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

i'm using one of these, and making a plate to cover the factory hole:

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd169.htm

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I've looked at those floor mounts...doesn't it need to slide over the column from the bottom? Would my shift link on the bottom of my column get in the way?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

yes, i am trying to figure out how to disassemble the column linkage to get it on there