Lengthen Steering Shaft for 4x4x2?

[GrillMaster]

Looks like I am going to need to lengthen my steering shaft once I cut off the old U joint (wrong splines for new box) and weld on the new one. It will be about 2-3" short. Is there a way to sleeve and weld an extension on the double D shaft?

What have others done? pics?

 

[SDlivin]

I ended up going with WH custom Flaming River shaft set-up. Kinda pricey, but works great. If you can get away with just replacing One end with a flaming river 'joint' that shouldn't be too bad, price wise that is.

 

[DanWheeler]

I think my steering shaft must be the only thing I dont have a single picture of. I'll take some pics tonight.

I think I used all double-D joints (probably flaming river) and a double-D collapsable shaft. I cut the stock shaft 1-2" below the part of the column that sticks out of the firewall in the engine bay.

I used a grinding wheel to cut the exposed end of the stock shaft so it accepts a double D U-joint.

I can show you a picture of how NOT to do it. (this was when I first got my Bronco and it had a Saginaw box that sat way out on the frame)

 

[MattW]

I ended up going with WH custom Flaming River shaft set-up. Kinda pricey, but works great. If you can get away with just replacing One end with a flaming river 'joint' that shouldn't be too bad, price wise that is.

x2

Haven't installed it yet, but looks as if it will make things easier.

 

[GrillMaster]

It has a rag joint and a collapsable Double D going down to the old universal joint. I just need two inches. Seems I could sleve it, add some double D stock to lengthen it then weld it up. Just need to find the parts.

 

[DanWheeler]

maybe I'm just paranoid but I would avoid welding pieces of steering shafts together to make it work. Steering is kind of important.

also best practice is to use a collapsable shaft so you don't get skewered with your steering shaft in an accident.

 

[GrillMaster]

its got the collapsable shaft. I know your not supposed to heat up the universal joints. I found this coupler at jegs http://www.jegs.com/i/Borgeson/153/314900/10002/-1 I am going to weld it to the end of the shaft and add a short length of double d into the new universal joint. Should be plenty strong. What do you all think?

 

[bushman_22]

I don't see the issue of welding the steering shaft parts. The issue is the person welding the parts and knowing what they are doing. I am certified for welding on bridges, and would have no problem doing this. But that being said I can think of a whole bunch of people who have no business attempting this. There is a lot more going on than just sticking the two pieces of metal together, And if not done correctly, It is a fatal accident waiting to happen.

IMHO
Bushman

 

[Revelation]

When I did mine we had to extend the 89 shaft, We took a piece of DOM that the shafts would fit into, lined everything up then drilled for a roll pin on each end, then welded everything. between the weld and the roll pin I feel secure.

 

[GrillMaster]

I am comfortable welding it. It's heating the universal joints I was worried about but this is a work around that looks like it will work well.