Ironing out the wrinkles, Looks like I got shafted Options

[ahycaramba]

Hello Friends, This last weekend was the first day I have driven my project car In years. I am almost done with my project but ran into a problem with the steering. When turning the steering wheel it binds then it frees up with more pressure. I've done some research and found that there are two steering shafts available for this car. I believe the shaft I have is the longer of the 2. My shaft measures 14" or 35.5 cm, Can anyone tell me what is the length of the shorter shaft? Who knew a shorter shaft was better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)
Has anyone shorten the longer steering shaft. Not sure if there is enough splines to shorten the shaft

Thanks In Advance
Al

[mepstein]

I think Rory had the same issue.
Great looking car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@rgalla9146

[ahycaramba]

I think Rory had the same issue.
Great looking car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@rgalla9146

Thanks You Sir. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[bdstone914]

I think Rory had the same issue.
Great looking car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@rgalla9146

Thanks You Sir. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@ahycaramba
Do what Sirandy said. If the shaft is too long you can grind the notch so that the shaft can insert farther into the coupler.
I have seen factory shafts made that way. There is also a difference in tbe steering racks where the mounting bosses are higher on later racks to address a bump steer. I think it was around 72 when they changed.

[bdstone914]

I think Rory had the same issue.
Great looking car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@rgalla9146

Thanks You Sir. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@ahycaramba
Do what Sirandy said. If the shaft is too long you can grind the notch so that the shaft can insert farther into the coupler.
I have seen factory shafts made that way. There is also a difference in tbe steering racks where the mounting bosses are higher on later racks to address a bump steer. I think it was around 72 when they changed.

Sounds like you need the gap in the u joints to get them to slide on the splines of the shaft. I think you need remove all four bolts to get enough movement to pull the shaft assembly. Once you get the shaft off you can tell if the problem is in the shaft assembly or elsewhere.