steering shaft knuckle

[Baron]

Just recieved the universal joint steering shaft knuckle from the Oregon supplier. Something he makes up out of spicer parts. $90 delivered. Has anyone installed one of these? It seems you cut the shaft at a certain place and slide on the joint and slide back down onto the steering box spline and weld the top portion. Anyone done this?? What about welding a steering shaft? Does this compromise the shaft? Maybe do it in small increments with a wet rag on the knuckle? Any tips would be appreciated... ... baron

 

[JLEONARD]

I work for a company (Torrington) that makes steering intermediate shafts.

I've designed and made many prototypes. . still do. We make a lot by the cut-and-weld method. It will not compromise the shaft.

As you suggest, wrap a wet rag around the u-jiont to protect the bearing seals and grease and you should be alright... we do this often. Leave the rag in place for about 2 minutes and you should be ok.

Good luck and let us know how the steering feels.

Jay

 

[Baron]

thanks for that! I am going to have my mechanic do the job and welding on next wednesday... ... I will report back after this is done baron

 

[Dfeland]

I bought the u-joint from Holbrook as well. It takes about 15 minutes to put it on if you have a welder there handy. IMHO this is the best fix for the steering becuase you can walk into autozone or you favorite parts place and pick up a new u-joint if need be. I used a air cut off saw on the shaft you cut it at the point which the shaft begins to taper. I took a drill and put a recess in the shaft for the set screw and lock tighted it, so in the very unlikely event that the weld broke I would have a backup. I even drove mine into town without the weld and just the set screw becuase I had a professional weld it for me(I can weld I just don't have a mig). When you look at what you are taking off and how it is designed and what you are putting on and how it is designed there is no doubt which one is way better.

 

[Baron]

Well we installed the shaft knuckle today and it is everything it is suposed to be..... and easy to install. The only thing is that I didn't test drive it first and the steering wheel is off center. Now I have to pull the wheel and turn it a bit. Should not be too hard I imagine. But there is like... ... . zero play now. baron