Steering Shafts

[0966Sy]

I know Renz and Waller offer steering shafts but im looking to save some cash. $225 for a steering shaft is pretty costly. Seems to be that most people are using a collapsable shaft for safety and ease of installation. Well whats wrong with NOT using a "Telescoping" collapsable shaft besides the safety and ease of installation. I dont see using a one piece shaft causing more vibration at the wheel. Im not sure how much the DD Telescoping shafts go for through Borgeson but you can get a regular 18" DD shaft for $18 through a few hot rod online shops. If your not worried about the safety or ease of installation then I guess the easiest way to install the shaft would be to remove the steering gearbox and slide on the shaft before bolting back down the steering gearbox. This doesnt bother me one bit as im replacing every damn steering component anyway along with a ZQ8 box. I could understand the pain in removing the gearbox to remove the steering shaft but how often do you need to do that anyways.

Im just passing on the prices i found im not sure how much extra it would be for a collapable shaft. But if it means saving $80-100 ill pass on it. I found this site that carry's everything to do the job without the "telescoping" shaft for $153+ship
Sainless upper U-joint 3/4"DD&1"DD $69
Stainless lower U-joint 3/4"DD&3/4"-30spline $69
3/4" 18" stainless DD shaft $15
or Jegs 3/4" 18"DD shaft $19 free shipping
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=247402&prmenbr=361

http://www.srbymichael.com/manufacturers/borgeson/borgeson-ujoints.shtml

 

[93ty475]

Re: Steering Shafts

I found this site that carry's everything to do the job without the "telescoping" shaft for $153+ship
Sainless upper U-joint 3/4"DD&1"DD $69
Stainless lower U-joint 3/4"DD&3/4"-30spline $69
3/4" 18" stainless DD shaft $15
or Jegs 3/4" 18"DD shaft $19 free shipping

Just get in line for a Renz shaft...I don't think they're stainless but don't they only cost around 110.00 shipped? I don't see how you could install one unless it's collapsible or telescoping....

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Steering Shafts

It might be easier to detach the steering column instead of removing the steering box. Would prolly be tougher to do by yourself though. I think part of the reason they make shafts collapsable is for safety. We already lack airbags....why go and make your steering wheel a pole vaulting face smashing one? You get in a front end collision w/ a solid shaft, and you're asking for some problems.

Also those u-joints don't look right. Our splined end (steering box nub) has a flat spot on it, so i don't know if that splined joint will work w/ our setup or not. These are the parts that make up a borgeson shaft for our trucks:

1"DD & 1"DD (upper u-joint), 015252, U16N-1DDX1DD
3/4"DD & 3/4"-30 (lower spline u-joint), 014931, U16N-7DDX730
Telescoping (collapsable) shaft, 450024, Telescoping shaft

 

[0966Sy]

Re: Steering Shafts

I dont see taking out the bolts on the steering box really being a problem to install a solid shaft. All you would have to do is line it up with the new shafts u-joint and put one of the bolts back in place and your done, besides the other 3 bolts for the box, no removing power steering lines or the centerlink from the pitman arm as long as the suspention is unloaded. Im not trying to argue the fact that my idea is the best for everyone, im simply just trying to save some money and pass on the information to others interested. Personally I realy dont care about the safety aspect of the collapsable shaft. If i was to get in a bad enough accident to move the steering gearbox and shaft toward myself then i would already be in trouble considering these trucks have no airbags and at that speed i'd probably hit my face on the steering wheel anyways. And not to mention that the truck would probably be history.

What i have listed is the exact same inboard/outboard & size/spline in the Ujoint besides going with the 3/4"&1" at the firewall because of the one piece 3/4" shaft.

So whats so speacial about your shaft huh Renz? I see you have a borgeson on your Ty from your writeup. Hell as long as it does the job, and is cheaper then a $150 then send me a PM.

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Steering Shafts

So whats so speacial about your shaft huh Renz? I see you have a borgeson on your Ty from your writeup. Hell as long as it does the job, and is cheaper then a $150 then send me a PM.

i USED to have a borgeson, but sold it in lieu of my shaft. The borgeson was only in my truck long enough to spot rust...never even had the motor in while it was installed. :lol:

$125 shipped is the going rate for the renz shaft. But i have none right now. I'll let you know when i have some....but it could be a while. If you're in a rush, go w/ the solid one....otherwise mine is the cheapest solution and gets rid of 99% of the steering slop that comes stock w/ these trucks.

 

[nallj92]

Re: Steering Shafts

i made my own, took a universal joint from a atro van shaft, cut and welded the joint in place of the rag joint, no more slop, and no burning from manifolds, and still collapsable
cost: 8 bucks and a bit of welding

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Steering Shafts

i made my own, took a universal joint from a atro van shaft, cut and welded the joint in place of the rag joint, no more slop, and no burning from manifolds, and still collapsable
cost: 8 bucks and a bit of welding

got pics?

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: Steering Shafts

got pics?

I concur....I wanna see pics of that.....sounds like an ideal solution to me (have a good friend with plenty fo fabrication tools )

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Steering Shafts

if its a viable solution....i'll consider making them and selling them cheaply if there is any interest

 

[turbodog]

Re: Steering Shafts

I've also read that a '84 - '94 Jeep Cherokee shaft is an almost bolt-in replacement (has to be shortened slightly) and has a universal joint in place of the rag joint. JTR recommends them for V8 swaps for additional header clearance.

 

[Loeryder]

Re: Steering Shafts

I have the rusty $200+ borgenson.
Need to yank it out and POR15 that beech.

 

[Jer]

Re: Steering Shafts

I would be interested in one of the cheapys if they became available.