Steering Column and Hydroboost

[AussieBronco]

I've decided to pull on an extreme makeover starting with an EFI conversion and it has spilled over into brakes and steering. Anyway my Hboost seems to just miss the intake when inverted, however one of the hydraulic lines is going get in the way of the steering column.

In the whole process of doing the conversion I realized the power steering conversion was a very amature installation and a very leaky/sloppy box and have replaced the box and lower steering shaft. It is a telescopic shaft.

The upper shaft is also very sloppy. My question is, can I cut the upper shaft closer to the firewall and extend my lower shaft (skinnier) up there to create more room for the hydraulic line? The upper shaft feels so sloppy like it doesn't even have a lower bearing, so in the process of shortening the shaft can I put a new lower bearing further up in the shaft?

My bronco is a 72 and the steering shaft is for a manual. I plan on upgrading my account so I can post pictures tomorrow of what I am talking about.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Lindsay

 

[bronko69er]

I did exactly that and removed the shift levers while I was at it.

 

[Dave]

Here's what I did. The last picture show the collapsible shaft to a 79 FSB steering box. The column was out of a F100. I moved the hydroboost to the clutch position and everything clears nicely. Not an option if you are not auto.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1349513&postcount=110

 

[flousberg]

Rotate it 90 and put a 3/8" adaptor plate between the MC and HB.
See pics in following post.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142272

 

[AussieBronco]

So after looking at it yesterday afternoon it appears if I rotate it 90 and put an adapter plate I will have the same problem with the other hydraulic line. You seem to have more room between your booster and shaft flousberg. It is a manual so putting in the clutch location is out of the question.

What I was planning was chopping the shaft just after it goes through the firewall and if possible getting the old retainer out of the end of the shaft and putting it in where I cut it. If that doesn't work I was going to NAPA and annoy them until I can find a bearing with an OD to fit the outer shaft and an ID to fit the inside shaft. This will also get rid of the messy shifters hanging out the side.

Does anybody see a problem with either of these ideas?
Thanks

 

[Hal9000]

Cutting the outer shaft and installing a new bearing closer to the top of the shaft could potentially increase bearing load on both bearings and increase wear (but hell, they last like 30Y anyway so no big deal). You'd really have to be leaning on teh steering wheel for this to become a problem though.

To make sure I have enough room for my efi conversion (new engine is in the garage and not in my truck ) I flipped my HB unit and moved it outboard several inches. I have a manual trans so I had to modify the brake pedal by putting a matching pushrod off the left side. Getting clearance over the steering shaft and under the pedal bracket (this is all under the dash) was the hardest part, but otherwise it came out good.

 

[flousberg]

What Hydroboost are you using? I have a different column, but that should not make a difference. In the pics you have it at 180. turn it clockwise 90°. I have a ton of room between the column and bottom connection.

 

[AussieBronco]

So just to update. I went ahead and chopped the shaft closer to the firewall and reinstalled the bearing retainer as well as the retainer for the transmission shifter as well. It looks much better that with the linkages hanging out and has given me the clearance I need for the hydro lines. It actually has less slop than when I first pulled out out. I will post a pic tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[AussieBronco]

Here are the pics in case anyone is interested.