No Limit R&P Steering Shaft Angles

[NC_John]

Has anyone who installed the No Limit rack and pinion had any issues with steering shaft/u-joint angles?

I've installed it in my 70. Did it by the book. Moved the engine back to the rear mounts. Bought the recommended ididit shortened column specifically for the rack and pinion setup. Didn't deviate from the instructions whatsoever.

Problem is my u-joint down where the long shaft goes to the short section at the frame has such a sharp angle it has tight spots. I cant figure out why or what I can change/adjust to correct it. I'm thinking the solution might be to get a double u-joint but then I need to support the long shaft off the frame.

I want to measure my angles at the joint but didnt think to do it before I put the inner fender back in so now its going to be a pain to do so.

Anybody else had this issue or is this just another thing on my truck that is somehow different from all the others?

[robnolimit]

can you post some picts? maybe we can help.

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

can you post some picts? maybe we can help.

Here is one I have Rob. Let me know what else you need to see.



I can't adjust the angle of the column, nor can I adjust the angle of the shaft coming up from the R&P through the frame. Not sure why I am having this issue.

[PGSigns]

John I ran into this a couple of time doing drag cars and what I found was just a little core shift on the jount bodies causing a little more material on one side. As the angle got up they would just rub. Marked where they touched with a sharpie and took a tiny bit off with the grinder. Worked fine after that.
Jimmy

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

John I ran into this a couple of time doing drag cars and what I found was just a little core shift on the jount bodies causing a little more material on one side. As the angle got up they would just rub. Marked where they touched with a sharpie and took a tiny bit off with the grinder. Worked fine after that.
Jimmy

Yeah, I did a little of that on the u-joint down at the frame. Just didn't think it should have been necessary. I may have to do a little more because I can still feel tight spots when turning.

thanks!

[robnolimit]

looks pretty good. These U-joints can go to 30 degrees OK. check to make sure the shafts are not protruding into the U-joint center, and touching. Also, I know the set screws are sometimes an issue. One long/one short. I usually cut the long one down to match the short. Make sure the set screws are not rubbing on the frame/mount bolt when rotating the steering. Last, check PG's solution. I have also fixed many steering issues with some light clearancing with a Dremel tool. Please let us know what the solution is. Thanks.

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

looks pretty good. These U-joints can go to 30 degrees OK. check to make sure the shafts are not protruding into the U-joint center, and touching. Also, I know the set screws are sometimes an issue. One long/one short. I usually cut the long one down to match the short. Make sure the set screws are not rubbing on the frame/mount bolt when rotating the steering. Last, check PG's solution. I have also fixed many steering issues with some light clearancing with a Dremel tool. Please let us know what the solution is. Thanks.

I need to measure the angles between the two shafts- something I should have done prior to installing the inner fender but oh well.

I do have the shafts flush in the u-joints- I was careful to do that on installation.

I did get rid of the long set-screws and installed shorties so I know it's not that.

I may clearance the lower u-joint some more but am just surprised/disappointed that it's necessary. Something about this truck... Nothing ever goes easy. Its always got to be the hard way.

I'll let you guys know how I resolve it when the column goes back in (had to drop it to remove my brand new dakota digital HDX cluster - it was bad from the factory and had to go back to DD for repair- like I said- nothing on this truck is ever easy).

thanks

[NC_John]

I dremeled the u-joint some more and got the clearance I needed. Certainly not the best way to fix it but it worked.

[robnolimit]

Glad to hear it is fixed. Did you measure the shaft angles? I know using the dremel here seams a little out of place, but that is hot rodding.

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

Glad to hear it is fixed. Did you measure the shaft angles? I know using the dremel here seams a little out of place, but that is hot rodding.

I wanted to but it turned out to be a real pain with the inner fender already in. I was trying to get angles measured with the iphone and just didn't have enough room.

I installed a Turn One type II pump to work with it. I'm trying to sort out where to mount the remote reservoir and what I need to do for lines now. I'm very anxious to see how its going to work.... If everything works as it should and all my geometry is good, it should steer fantastic.