Steering column options

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Digger
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Steering column options

Post by Digger »

So my rig still has the old style solid steering shaft and I would prefer not to become shish kabob in an accident. While the engine is out, I thought about pulling the shaft, cutting it down and milling flats for a double-D steering joint, then adding a collapsible steering shaft.

For the guys with earlier EBs, what have you done to upgrade the steering shaft?
Cummins R2.8 diesel, ZF5, AtlasII, HP44/BB9, ARBs, coiled / linked suspension, 37" KO2s, full cage, bumpers, etc.
Build Thread: http://www.coloradoclassicbroncos.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5420

Average 23.5 mpg, Best tank: 26.3 mpg
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Viperwolf1
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Re: Steering column options

Post by Viperwolf1 »

Another option would be to find a short upper shaft that is already splined on the lower end. Those were found on '73-'77 power steer columns. This just means you'll use a different upper u-joint though. You do want a collapsible lower shaft.
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Justin
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Re: Steering column options

Post by Justin »

I'm running a column out of a 2wd '71 F150. It's a hair shorter than the original, but works fine and got me the splined shaft I needed.
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Jesus_man
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Re: Steering column options

Post by Jesus_man »

I just gave measurements and details to a bronco vendor and had them make me one. It's been great for several years now. But something tells me, you are not quite happy with just ordering something...
1973 Bronco, 351 SEFI, Locked, discs, 35's ZF-5spd and Atlas 4spd. 235:1 Crawl Ratio. It may be ugly, but it's slow.
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Digger
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Re: Steering column options

Post by Digger »

Jesus_man wrote:I just gave measurements and details to a bronco vendor and had them make me one. It's been great for several years now. But something tells me, you are not quite happy with just ordering something...



I have so much going on and my wife said "Is it a safety thing?" and gave me the nod to buy a tilt column. So I did.

I'll measure for the lower shaft when I get the column in. I hate throwing money at it, but in this case, time is money.
Cummins R2.8 diesel, ZF5, AtlasII, HP44/BB9, ARBs, coiled / linked suspension, 37" KO2s, full cage, bumpers, etc.
Build Thread: http://www.coloradoclassicbroncos.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5420

Average 23.5 mpg, Best tank: 26.3 mpg
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RJLougee
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Re: Steering column options

Post by RJLougee »

XJs have a nice factory collapsible lower steering shaft. I've integrated several of them into projects over the years.

Many ways to do it, cut/weld onto a stock shaft; add a splined joint at one or each end; cut/weld a double 'D' u-joint; etc... I'm actually running a Scout PS gearbox on mine, so it has the same 3/4" splined joint at the bottom for me, vs. the 13/16" EB box.
HTH, Joe
'70 Bronco, MAF 5.0, NP435, D44/9", 4.10s, 33" MT/Rs, PS/PB
'71 Bronco, HP D60, Hi-9, 5.38/ARBs, 101" WB, 408 Stroker, AOD, Atlas, 40" MT/Rs, PiMP EFI.
'78 F150 SWB/Stepside/4WD, 351W/4R100/NP205, 35" KM2s, under const...
'81 Coachman Caper XL MH, 4WD, EFI 460/ZF/BW1356, D44/Sterling, 4.10s/35s, under const...
'83 Bronco, D60/Sterling, 5.13/ARBs, MAF EFI 351W/ZF/BW1356, 37" MT/Rs.
'12 Buggy, HPD60, Hi-9, 4.10s, Explorer 5.0, Atlas 4-speed, my chassis, EB skins.
And the latest project is a '99 Ranger Extra-Cab, custom frame/tube work, on 40s...
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Digger
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Re: Steering column options

Post by Digger »

RJLougee wrote:XJs have a nice factory collapsible lower steering shaft. I've integrated several of them into projects over the years.



I'll have to check that out. I have a Delphi 600 box.
Cummins R2.8 diesel, ZF5, AtlasII, HP44/BB9, ARBs, coiled / linked suspension, 37" KO2s, full cage, bumpers, etc.
Build Thread: http://www.coloradoclassicbroncos.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5420

Average 23.5 mpg, Best tank: 26.3 mpg
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