Steering Question

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Squirrely Brother

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I need to replace the lower steering column bearing on my 1981 Silverado and wanted to see if anyone has made the change to the Jeep or Borgeson intermediate shaft with positive results? Or, if replacing the rag joint, since it’ll be off, would be the best way to go. Any and all constructive advice and experience would be appreciated.
 

Craig 85

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I didn't feel like going to the wrecking yard so I bought a Crown Automotive #4713943. Easy install, just need to put a small notch in the upper steering shaft to clear the bolt. The rag joint was my last piece to replace of the steering assembly. It took the remaining slop out of my front end.

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Squirrely Brother

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@Craig 85 I appreciate your response, pictures and part number. It looks really clean and straight forward. I need to head to Summit to pick it up and get it done.
 

Squirrely Brother

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@Craig 85 I just received the steering shaft and was curious if you unbolted your steering box or heated up the center of the shaft to make it fit? Or, if it just happens to be the right length overall? I’d rather not put a torch to it if not necessary. If you get a moment and you could let me know I’d appreciate it.

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Craig 85

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@Craig 85 I just received the steering shaft and was curious if you unbolted your steering box or heated up the center of the shaft to make it fit? Or, if it just happens to be the right length overall? I’d rather not put a torch to it if not necessary. If you get a moment and you could let me know I’d appreciate it.

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I put heat to it, but you could unbolt the steering box. I never measured to see if that way was a direct bolt in (length).

I had a small butane torch and applied just enough heat to soften the plastic in the joint to collapse it past the shaft on my steering box. Heat the large diameter portion. A little plastic will come out as you collapse, but don't make it boil out as you're heating.

Once short enough, bolt it to the steering column after you made a small grove to clear the upper bolt for the clamp. Go back and heat if just enough to soften the plastic to let you slide it onto the steering box. I got lucky and did not have to repaint the new shaft.
 

Squirrely Brother

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@Craig 85 Very cool. I’ll follow your advice and post a picture tomorrow afternoon when it’s done. Thank you, again.
 

Squirrely Brother

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@Craig 85 It came out good and was straightforward. Replacing the bearing was the only problem I had, but ended giving in and used a cutoff wheel. The steering response is night and day. And, there’s zero wiggle after changing the bearing. I’d recommend this mod to everyone. Thanks, again.


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Raider L

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Really? @TPISly-C10, What do you mean you, "...just add some sleeve insert...". Discribe what you did. How did you know an Astro van shaft would fit? I had not heard of that one. I have heard of Jeep shafts, and the various after market one's.
 

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