Using Jeep steering shaft to improve square body steering

[75gmck25]

I've read several articles about using a Jeep Cherokee steering shaft to replace the shaft and rag joint in a square body. However, then I ran across one post that said the replacement won't work with a '79 and earlier GM truck because the steering shaft is different (splined?).

Anybody have any details on this shaft swap, and whether it will work for my '75?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[theblindchicken]

I'd like to know if it would work on the early trucks as well, but I have the assumption that it would be either quite the project for us or that we'd probably have to cut up a shaft to retain the splines.

Retro's thread is stickied at the top of the subforum: http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/retro-mod-jeep-intermediate-steering-shaft.1812/

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

My understanding was '76 and earlier trucks because of a splined column end versus the later D-shaped one. The same rule applies to the cars that used the Saginaw steering system.

 

[theblindchicken]

The overall intention is to eliminate the rag joint, right?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

The overall intention is to eliminate the rag joint, right?

Yup

 

[75gmck25]

Thanks for all the information. Replacing the entire steering column is more work than I want to do just to get one that will accept the jeep shaft.

I plan to rebuild my front end and steering this winter to try tp tighten it up (replace ball joints, tie rods, etc.). I had hoped the steering shaft solution would work for my rebuild, but may just have to replace the old rag joint instead.

I've already tried adjusting the mesh of the steering box worm gear, and it did reduce play when I tightened it down a little. However, to do it right you are supposed to have the box disconnected from everything, and then use a spring scale to measure the resistance after you tighten it up. That will have to wait until I get everything else disconnected.

Bruce

 

[MikeB]

I used to have a car on which the rag joint was replaced with a u-joint by the previous owner. However, without a rag joint, noise and vibration from the steering pump was transmitted up to the steering wheel. Replacing the u-joint with a new Borgeson rag joint solved the problem, and I didn't notice any change in steering feel.