Still having Steering Shaft Problems!

[ThomasAlexander]

ZR1 Blazer came by my shop and helped me with some header clearance problems and he showed me that my motor had too much of an angle on it and I have corrected it. My headers no longer hit the upper control arms anymore.

My steering shaft is hitting my header. My 2inch body lift kit did not healp this problem either.

Here are the options, see if I am missing anything. ZR1 Blazer suggested a steering shaft from a Jeep with knuckles on each end. I have one to put in but I can't believe that would change my clearance.

1# Install the knuckle and see what happens (upgrade anyway). Don't think this is going to be the only fix though.

2# Heat up the header pipe and try to bend it up. I would probably wind up kinking the pipe a little. I could live with it.

3# Slot the holes in the frame for the steering box and give it a twist. I do not need much.

4# Grind the holes at the steering column and move it down a little. My truck does not have tilt steering so I do not want it to feel like I'm driving a bus.

5# Throw in a stick of Dynamite, close the hood, head home and get laid.


Should I be kicking myself for doubting the MAN (ZR1Blazer)?

[adh383]

I would do the latter part of number 5 first--- then in a more relaxed state of mind, go back and consider slotting the holes to move the steering. LOL

[wild572s10]

I would try knuckle option first and than heat and hammer

[spacecadet]

Wow, more diferent opionions than I expected.
Now its my vote. #4 was what I did and #7.
#7 remove the blue or black plastic coller from around the shaft. Either toss it over your shoulder or cut it 4" from the box and reinstall. I just tossed mine.
quote " 4# Grind the holes at the steering column and move it down a little. My truck does not have tilt steering so I do not want it to feel like I'm driving a bus. "
You will have to move it only a little. remove the 4 bolts at the firewall. loosen the 2 bolts on the cloumn to dash a little. From out side the truck, gigle the column to the point where it no longer hits. IF its still close than option #2 might be needed. Not to bend though just to dimple the pipe for cleance. redrill the holes and install new bolts with nuts.

The joints in the jeep shaft make for a cripser, tighter feel on thesteering wheel - no play from the rubber rag joint.
As for driving a bus, the tiny amount moving the column chances are you never notice. And if you do then you'll get used to it.


Space

[XTEN]

remember the old pintos? didn't they have a flexible steering shaft?

[grimpuppy]

If the clearance is that tight, you might want to look into solid motor mounts if you don't already have them. You don't want to hit the gas and have the motor move and bind up the linkage.

[ThomasAlexander]

I keep hearing about this plastic cover around the steering colum. Mine seems to be all metal. Perhaps someone removed it beofre I bought it.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll fix it tommorow at lunch. I have to leave for Mexico tuesday early. More S10 when I come back.

Now if I could just get my computer.......

[ZR1BLAZER]

i have a tilt column in good shape. will fit your truck. its for an auto but can remove the stick. its a parts runner any way right?

[ThomasAlexander]

Thank you! Might take you up on the tilt column.

I fixed the problem at lunch today. I swapped in the Jeep steering shaft (35$ delivered City Auto Wreckers) and then moved my steering column 1.5 inches. I can now get a finger between my steering shaft and the headers!

AND since my GF was off today I did this after the latter part of #5!

Problem solved!

[deezil]

i have an 85 s10 2wd and used a cavalier steering column bolt it in and go!!!