Tech: Affordable Collapsable Steering Shaft

[Nobody]

Tech: Affordable Collapsible Steering Shaft

I just wanted to share what I did for a steering shaft. I always try to use OEM parts where possible. After striking out on ideas a few times, I was almost ready to give in and buy the $200+ aftermarket steering shaft.

I decided to hit the pull-a-part one more time first. This time I ventured into Dodge territory . I stumbled across a 90's dodge pickup with a promising lower steering shaft. I coughed up my $3 and went home to see if I could make it work. It was of course too short. The cool thing about this shaft though is it has a nice small ujoint, and a double-d shaft that can be removed. The assembly also appears to be packed with rubber section for vibration dampening.

I was pretty sure I was going to have to make my own double-d shaft, but a quick search on the net turned up double-d's at summit. (no not those kind, sorry) $20 + shipping BRG-409418

I have a F-series tilt column and power steering gear. I cut the double-d to about 17". Grand total was about $35. If you choose, you could run one of these ujoints at both ends. You would need a longer Double-d. For a few more bucks you can get 36", which is what I did. BRG-409436

Anyway, I hope this can save someone a few bucks.

 

[boydknudsen]

ujoint

I am looking to build my steering shaft for my power steering conversion.
I have built a 79 F150 4x4/2x4 gearbox and was wondering if the dodge shaft you used is the same size and spline as mine. I'm not sure is it is 13/16" or 3/4".

 

[Nobody]

I'm also using the 78-79 box. Perfect fit!

 

[mattt]

Would you happen to remember if this shaft is from the early 90's/late 80's Dodge fullsize truck with the square headlights, or the mid to late 90's new body style Dodge Ram truck with the outside front fenders?

 

[Nobody]

I haven't been back to the pull-a-part in awhile, but I think it's actually from a dodge dakota. I'll check the next time I go. I'd like to know if these are available new. I don't recall if it had the step in the fender or not.

 

[broncnaz]

I think its 3/4" splines as I've pulled the same setup but my stock bronco box has the 13/16" splines. A lot of Dodges seem to have nice collapseable shafts.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Nobody -

You freakin rock!

I love stuff like this, keep it up.

 

[BroncoWanted]

Has anyone else tried this recently? If so what year dakota did the parts come from?

I have a 78 tilt column that I need to mate to a stock power box on a 75. Any other suggestions other than flaming expensive and ididbreak the bank would be appreciated.

 

[Nobody]

Sorry I don't have a specific model/year, walking around the junk yard, I saw this same joint on several dodge vehicles. Shouldn't be hard to find.

 

[sprdv1]

Cool.. glad that worked for ya

 

[mattt]

Junkyarding the other day I spotted a collapsible steering shaft that looks like it has some promise. It was in a late 90's to early 2000's Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was a double D design collapse shaft with a U joint on each end. Totally collapsed, it was roughly 21-22" long. The only digger with it was both U joint ends are straight double D, no splines. I would say it was 3/4" double D, but I didn't measure. I modified my steering column shaft by grinding it into the shape of a double D to work with the U joints I already had.Anyone think they could make a straight double D(without splines)work on the ford splined shafts?