steering setup

[chevyhed53]

I hope someone can take a look at the attached photos and let me know what year this "bell-type" steering joint is from. My truck is a '56 on what is likely a late-'60s frame, but this front-end setup doesn't look like anything I've come across in LMC, Brothers, Ecklers or Jim Carter. As you (maybe) can see from the blurry photos, the rubber seal around the joint is corroded, and though the joint seems tight and there is very little free play in the steering, I want to change this piece out. Hoping I can just swap in a Borgeson U-joint, but not sure. Any other suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

[47 Fasttoys]

I remember having something with that same unit. I could be a little off here but I think it was a 93 Dodge van. A trip to the local junk yard should find you the answer.
Rob

[spreader]

That type of connection is sometimes called a 'tulip'. Used for many years on many different types of vehicles. Early model Scout 80's, mid 70's GM's and many more. Seen them on Fords also. And yes, you can swap in a Borgenson joint. Just have to make sure of the size(diameter) & spline count. IIRC, there was one on my 78 C-20 that now has a 48 GMC sitting on that frame and drive train. The collapsible lower half is from a Ford truck and the upper u-joint is from Speedway(I think) on the cut down OEM steering column tube.

[chevyhed53]

Thanks very much. I was thinking there might be a Ford piece in there somewhere!

[mr48chev]

That looks pretty close to what is in my 71 GMC.
Exposed because I have to pull the Cad 500 back out today to replace a piston.

As the guys said they came on a multitude of vehicles in the 60's and 70's. They don't handle much angle though. I'd think that is why the end seal has popped out of the one on your truck. It also shows me that the one I was planning on using on my 48 may not work because of the angles involved.

[chevyhed53]

Yep, that definitely looks like the piece, and you're right that the angle is probably why the rubber seal popped loose. Good luck on your engine project!

[OrrieG]

When I was setting mine up I found the stock angles for that type would not work, so I got one out of an astrovan and used pieces of the 74 and van to make one. Joints are not as pretty as Borgsen but stout. The column is an 82 eldo with a DD shaft same as the van, box had the same splines as the van, 74 section with slip joint slipped in to the van pieces. I used set screws and spot welds to hold it in place. I need the slip joint because off road the frame can rack a bit in relation to the cab.

[chevyhed53]

Thanks. Yes, the joint feels nice and tight and there is no steering play, and if the rubber was not broken loose I might leave it alone.

[mr48chev]

I'm going to put the Astro van joint in my list of parts to remember. The wrecking yard I usually go to has a bunch of them most of the time.