modifying the steering box for use with a rack n pinion

[sqweaka]

hi all, how do i strip the upper end of the column to remove/refurb the bushes/bearings, and what size bearing fits in the bottom of the column to support the shaft once the box has been chopped off?

any links

thanks ian

[Hampshire]

I'll let others take over from here, but I'm assuming you are going to install an IFS have an IFS. You have to basically do what's shown in the pic. The steering column is cut to use a univeral and a DD shaft. I had a machnie shop install a bearing at the bottom of the shaft and machine a flat for a DD joint connection at the universal.

Note: see the end of my build thread as later on I ended up pitching the modified stock column - replaced it with a plain Ididit that was a visual replica of a 54-55 column.

[sqweaka]

thanks.. its a 49 ive got and yes i'm using IFS and a rack n pinion steering, i guess i should be able to find a lower bearing easy enough, ive cit the box off and pulled the shaft out through the bottom.. which has left the bearing in the top with a plastic cup sealing it in... how do i remove that without damaging anything?

[47 Fasttoys]

The plastic sealing is the insulator for the horn button.It should also have a wire on it. That unit is just pressed in. You could take the shaft flip it around and use the cut off flat end to push up and out the upper bearing/horn insulator. If you tear it up Classic parts has a replacement part.
Rob

[Hampshire]

The plastic sealing is the insulator for the horn button.It should also have a wire on it. That unit is just pressed in. You could take the shaft flip it around and use the cut off flat end to push up and out the upper bearing/horn insulator. If you tear it up Classic parts has a replacement part.

That's it - it's called the mast bearing. Like Rob says, you can get a new one if you mangle it (but it's pretty easy to remove it by working it out with a putty knife). I left mine intact, cut the column off the box, pulled the whole column & then brought it to the machine shop for a final cut /modify the end for a bearing & DD universal.

[mr48chev]

cut both off close to the box and then you can shorten the tube and shaft to the proper lengths later.

Remember that they won't be the same lengths when you are done as the shaft has to stick out of the tube a few inches to connect to the rest of it.

[58SkuzBukit]

Not hijack this thread, but what are y'all using as a bushing between the column tube and the actual shaft? In other words, what will fit over the shaft, yet still fit in the tube to take up that room and still allow the shaft to turn well? I'm about at this step with my IFS/R&P steering install. Thanks.

[e015475]

I think you're looking for one of these- it's called a 'column saver'

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmi...umn-saver-kit/

[47 Fasttoys]

In my case I just went to my local tractor supply and bought a 3/4" bearing and welded it to the tube. My steering U joint holds the main shaft in position. less then $15. This picture was before final welding. 30K miles, no issues.
Rob

[sqweaka]

thanks for the advice guys, and the pictures are a big help, that link was great e015475
although quite expensive by the time i get it shipped to the uk

think ill go with a similar idea to 47fasttoys setup, maybe see if i can get one that will fit inside the outer tube, and fold the edge of the tube over to keep it in there!

thanks again

[e015475]

It probably doesn't make any difference in a steering shaft for a truck, but a bearing like that isn't designed to carry very much of an axial load - it is best at a radial load. A 'column saver' has a set of 'pancake' bearings to carry the thrust load and a collar and set screw to locate them on the shaft. It unloads the ball bearing at the top of the column and puts a thrust bearing at the bottom of the column.

It might be a little overkill, but it definitely is smooth. At $70 it is a little spendy, but it beats the heck out of the aftermarket columns $$$ and retains the vintage look.

[Coach529]

This is great info guys. Thanks.

I am about to embark in this adventure.

[sqweaka]

how you tackling it then? looks like you needed to move the column over a little aswell?

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by e015475

It probably doesn't make any difference in a steering shaft for a truck, but a bearing like that isn't designed to carry very much of an axial load - it is best at a radial load. A 'column saver' has a set of 'pancake' bearings to carry the thrust load and a collar and set screw to locate them on the shaft. It unloads the ball bearing at the top of the column and puts a thrust bearing at the bottom of the column.

It might be a little overkill, but it definitely is smooth. At $70 it is a little spendy, but it beats the heck out of the aftermarket columns $$$ and retains the vintage look.

X2 for the column saver. I think you need the pancake bearings to locate the shaft vertically.

[Stevetoxic]

Originally Posted by sqweaka

hi all, how do i strip the upper end of the column to remove/refurb the bushes/bearings, and what size bearing fits in the bottom of the column to support the shaft once the box has been chopped off?

any links

thanks ian

Hi Ian, I'm in England and have a column saver kit new/unused.
Bought it to modify my 59 Apache column but after finding damaged splines and threads I bought a new tilt column.

http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-t...1947-1959.html

Steve.

[sqweaka]

pm on its way steve,

[58SkuzBukit]

I'm not quite getting the column saver. There's photo that shows the stock shaft up inside the column tube is a DD. (I'm at work on an iPad and can't upload images of what I'm looking at)

[Hampshire]

Low-res enlargement, but you can see where I went with what Coach529 is starting with...

Machined collar, screw on top to hold it in place and a grease zerk. A flat machined on the shaft for a DD joint. It worked fine, but I changed it out later for something else (whole different story...)

[mr48chev]

That column saver would help make it work about as smooth as you could hope for.

[cymro]

Has anybody used this modification and then relocated the original column by pushing it an inch or two further towards the front, so that the steering wheel sits nearer the dash to gain a little more cabin space?

I think from looking at my truck that it may be possible to do this. especially if I decide to fit an aftermarket wheel, I feel that in he standard set up i'm sitting on top or too close to the wheel. I assume they were originally set up that way to give the driver maximum leverage on the wheel.

[58SkuzBukit]

Has anyone used the column saver from Tucker's parts?

https://www.tuckersparts.com/1947-19...GM-Truck..html

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by 58SkuzBukit

Has anyone used the column saver from Tucker's parts?

https://www.tuckersparts.com/1947-19...GM-Truck..html

I got one from Tuckers back in June of 2010. Surprisingly the price hasn't increased since then.