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Re: [GMCnet] lower steering shaft complete new replacement [message #265342 is a reply to message #265336] Mon, 03 November 2014 08:11 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
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Senior Member
Ken Burton wrote on Mon, 03 November 2014 01:04
1. I see on their web site that the maximum angle on their u-joint is 35 degrees. After that you need a double u-joint. I'm wondering what the angle is on our upper joint.
I'll try and measure it after while but my eyeball says it's pretty close to 35 degrees. That said, a more compact (shorter) ujoint will lessen the angle.

Below are some left over components from my roadster because I changed things after I had purchased them. Below my finger (for scale) is a double Ujoint. Above is a single Ujoint and you can see the shape of the DD shaft.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p56385-borgeson-components-on.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6256/IMG_20141103_071301_288.jpg

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2. Also they are offering polished shafts. I'm wondering if polishing is something for functionality or strictly for show.
Show. If your street rod has a big Chevy engine and lots of bling, you're golden.

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3. When trimming the shafts do you trim the double d ends or the splined ends going into the u-joints?
Normally you trim the DD.

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4. Does the double D connection get lubricated (greased)?
Yes, see the grease zerk in this photo?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p56389-borgeson-components-on-my-roadster.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6256/IMG_20141103_071434_628.jpg

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5. Is there some indexing done between the u-joint and the splined shafts of the steering column and the of the steering box? Those splined shafts currently are hollowed out and the clamp bolt only goes in with the collar indexed correctly.


The Ujoints themselves are indexed so they are 'phased' correctly. That is, it's hard to mess them up.

This is a non stainless (flaming river I think) joint going into the Corvette rack.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p56391-borgeson-components-on-my-roadster.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6256/IMG_20141103_071540_519.jpg

Note, on these Ujoints, the attachment is two set screws with jamb nuts. You drill a dimple in the shaft, tighten the set screw, and lock down the jamb nut. Some folks use locktite also....I will.

I don't recall seeing an aftermarket Ujoint with a pin clamp like ours. One other point of information is that the fear of things falling apart isn't really an issue because you build the linkage with very little 'compression' (other than the collapsible link which you treat as a fixed length). That is, there isn't enough in and out movement to allow anything to come out of the Ujoints even if the fastening mechanisms were to fail. For instance, if you want 2" of movement, your shaft needs to have 6" inches of movement. This way, at maximum extension, there is still plenty of 'bearing surface'. That is, you still have plenty of the male/female shafting engaged. On my roadster, I have to loosen my steering column clamps and slide it back in order to remove the steering shaft because I use the collapsible shaft that is fixed length unless there is ever an impact. There are a couple ways to accomplish this. One would be to allow the shaft to collapse enough to assemble both splined ends and then use a bolt to lock one end of the DD shafting to restrict the movement so it can't come out of the splines. Look at the lower end of the female shaft in my photo, you'll see a thru bolt that keeps the shaft at a given minimum length.

On the GMC with splines on both ends there is going to be a challenge to get the, as Alex says, "steering straight". I'd THINK you want to set your box and wheels correct and straight ahead, set your steering wheel straight, then assemble the shaft to the closest splines. Minute steering wheel positions can be done via an adjustable drag link or by tweeking the tie rod ends.



Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
 
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