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#1 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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steering shaft questions
While removing my shaft to pull the column out I decided to shorten it.
Here are some observations I’d like some clarification on. The shaft that gets shortened is designed to collapse in the event of a collision. Would it be a good idea to cut off the same amount you plan to shorten it? I’m thinking I will try to pull them apart and give it a try. Is it necessary to pin it back after it’s installed? And my final question…. Can the rubber boot on the end be dissembled and cleaned reattached after powder coat? It looks like it will be simple to remove, I’m just not sure what to expect on the inside. s/t
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1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() Last edited by Sport/Truck; 04-01-2008 at 06:17 AM. |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Estherville, Iowa
Posts: 3,371
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Re: steering shaft questions
Not sure about taking the shaft apart, but yes you can take the clip and rubber boot off and clean and regrease the joint. Not much in there except 2 rollers and they stay attached to the shaft. Make sure you mark the shaft and the housing so you get it put together the same way, else you could be 180 off when you try to line up the mark on the steering wheel (don't ask how I know that - LOL).
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1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0 |
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#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: steering shaft questions
i just learned the chop off the end trick myself... and yes, it is a very good idea (assuming you installed a van tilt?)
No need to install the nylin plugs/rivits. If it is installed, there is no way for it to expand or contract since it's bolted on at both ends. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 04-01-2008 at 07:24 AM. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: steering shaft questions
All you've done is collapsed it before an accident - it's still gonna collapse a little bit in the case of a head on, but I'm not too sure what cutting off the "excess" would buy you besides the illusion of piece of mind. The steering wheel will stop it collapsing much further (in case of an accident) so cutting it off doesn't seem to make much sense to me. My dos pesos.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD ![]() Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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#5 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: steering shaft questions
if a van tilt goes in, or if you slide the stock column down for more belly room, then you have to collapse it, which takes up collapsing room.
If the Intermediate shaft will collapse 6 inches before shooting the steering wheel up at your skull, and you collapse it 4 inches, then after 2 inched of collision that sucker will be making a bee line towards your nose. |
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#6 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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Re: steering shaft questions
it's the stock column for now. I'm gland I'm not the only one to see this safety feature that going overlooked. I take it the van tilts are longer? I may trade out my unit for a van's tilt but not sure what the best model is to get it from.
But back to the intermediate shaft - do you see a problem removing the rubber boot and cleaning out the grease, then baking it at 400 deg. for ~30min while it's powder coated? s/t
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1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Joppa, Maryland
Posts: 4,408
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Re: steering shaft questions
The way I look at it, is that if you get into a head on collision, you're going to have more things to worry about besides how far your steering wheel collapsed. They are not air bags and going that kind of speed to collapsed one will not make a difference. How about your legs, knee caps, going thru the windshield, etc. Again, jmo
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1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang Last edited by 70GMCer; 04-01-2008 at 03:51 PM. |
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#8 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
Re: steering shaft questions
if your legs and knees go through the windshield, then your ass needs to be seated with the seat belt on when the truck is moving.
You'd be amazed at how small a fender bender will kerfagle the front of the frames on these. and at the amount of damage that can be done, and you walk away with nothing more than a bruised belly and a bloody shin. While I have no photos of the int... the steering wheel DID in fact pop up and come towards my noggin. Had I not been pushed towards the center of the truck upon impact, I woulda broke my nose on the rim of the steering wheel. I was doing 5 or so MPH, she was doing 70 or so in a MAZDA. point of impact ![]() from the roof of the cab looking down... notice the hole in the center of the crossmember, then look at the coresupport. ![]() ![]() ![]() This was my first truck... '70 CST/20 Longhorn. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 04-02-2008 at 12:42 AM. |
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