I'm trying to get my steering set up on my shoebox but can't find a support bearing for the end of my column. Everything i read says my steering shaft should be .75 but mine is closer to .7625. All the shafts I have are the same too, no matter the year. Kinda going nuts over here. Anyone else run into this? Thinking about taking it to a machine shop to have it turned down but would rather find an easier solution. Also cheaper.
Brass or Bronze stock, others will mention other materials Turn / bore to your spec , ID & OD .750 -1.000 or so thick
As I always ask, what type of measuring tool are you using and is it calibrated? .7625 is equal to 19.45 mm, the closest metric bearing available to that has a bore of 19.5 mm, that may have some clearance, need to know the outside diameter required to fit inside of your column mast jacket. I see one is available with an outside diameter of 1.791, there may be others. Twelve bucks Here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/365018517875
You can use a chunk of Delrin or other plastic and "machine" it at home spinning with a drill. If you know someone with a 3D printer, it could be printed too.
Digital caliper. The outside diameter needs to be 1.375 for the Shoebox coulmn. I've looked at most online supply shops and can't come up with one.
Delrin is a good idea. The header is pretty close to the column where the bearing is needed i wonder what heat delrin can withstand.
I have an extra bushing that goes at the top of the column. It's a bronze bushing in a rubber sleeve. I used sand paper to open it up to a nice slip fit but wasn't sure if the rubber would withstand the heat from the header. Speedway sells a length of .75 tubing with .120 wall for steering. I could cut the splined end off mine and weld it to that shaft from them. Make a plug that is press fit into but the new shaft and the old splined shaft. Then weld and drill it for a plug/ rosette weld.
Well I was able to take a sanding drum on my die grinder and slowly open the bearing and lock collar up till it was a tap on press fit. I went ahead and did a spare just in case. Looks like it will work out just fine. I will split the column and add a clamp to hold the bearing too.
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