Borgeson U Joint alternatives

[Richard D]

I am considering "Z"ing my frame. $70+ apiece is pretty steep when you need three of them. Has anyone found a more affordable U Joint? Cosmetics are not important. How strong does it really need to be if I have power steering? All the strain is after the steering box. Also, do I need 3/4-36 splined x DD U Joints on both ends, and DD in the middle?

I found these; they are not DD but may work anyway? I could just use round shafts, with a flat on each end for the set screw. I have a milling machine and lathe.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Steer...mZ230263925831

[msgross]

didn't certain vans have U-joints on the steering shaft? might hit the Junkyard...

[Richard D]

I did some more ebay digging, lots of various steering shafts for $20 or less, shaft, u joint, and all. I believe I will be hitting the yard when the time comes.

[jkaylor68gmc]

Speedway has painted ones that require welding, they are about 35 a peice. They are just expensive. For linkage you can use 3/4-inch cold rolled and cut it to length and use the speedway joints. You just have to weld them, the linkage and u-joints that is, they on't have the set screw like the Borgeson. I don't think I would cheap out here though and go with junk yard units, this is your steering.

[Richard D]

Originally Posted by jkaylor68gmc

Speedway has painted ones that require welding, they are about 35 a peice.

I don't think I would cheap out here though and go with junk yard units, this is your steering.

I looked at the Speedway stuff. Still pretty steep. I agree steering is crucial and I don't want anything unsafe, but I would feel just as safe with a 2 or 3 year old junkyard part as I do with my 20 year old stock stuff.

[OJOE]

how much are you going to Z the frame? i helped mike nutt over on the 67-72 ,Z his 69 3in and we used the stock shaft.

[Richard D]

I saw the frame "Z", but no clear pictures of the clearance between the shaft and upper A arm. Was it real close? Maybe it cleared O.K. because it wasn't on airbags, with the A arm all the way up. If so, I may be allright, I don't plan to use bags or lay the frame on the ground. I just want it a few inches lower than it is now, without dragging the crossmember/ A arms.

[smashingchuck]

I used Flaming River joints and shaft. Put it together in 20 minutes including building the tower to mount the eye bolt. I wouldn't do anything different.

[OJOE]

Originally Posted by Richard D

I saw the frame "Z", but no clear pictures of the clearance between the shaft and upper A arm. Was it real close? Maybe it cleared O.K. because it wasn't on airbags, with the A arm all the way up. If so, I may be allright, I don't plan to use bags or lay the frame on the ground. I just want it a few inches lower than it is now, without dragging the crossmember/ A arms.

yes it is real close but never hits, steering shaft is over pivot point of a frame