Im almost ready to complete my steering for my A project Just got one quick question to be sure i got this right. I have to create a 3/4DD in the steering shaft..(not a problem i have the technology and tools) does it have to have some correct orentation to the steering wheel? or once you have both steering joints in phase do you just make the wheel straight buy moving it on the splined end down at the steering box? it sounds like after typing that out , that this is the case.. just wanted to doubble check with you all. Thanks VRF
That sounds like it will work. I'd get everything relatively close and make that final spline or two adjustment at the box.
thats kinda what i thought.. I have to take this all apart and throw it in my truck to take it to where my bridgeport is at, and i figure i have all the steering wheel alignment capability down at the box anyways. so it could really go any orentatation..wont matter No im not going to grind the 3/4 DD into the shaft with a hand grinder. I want to do it nice guys
I always set it up as in line as possible just to be sure.wheels as straight as the eye can do, tie rods even, steering wheel straight.It's good insurance.
Start at the box by centering it. Go lock to lock counting the turns. Then go back exactly 1/2 way. Then you can center the steering wheel to match the box center and hook up the U joints. Once that is done then you adjust the drag link length to get the wheels straight ahead with the steering wheel centered knowing that the box is also centered. It may be tempting to turn the wheel slightly to make the draglink fit but you will end up with a lot of slop in the box that can't be adjusted out. The box needs to be set up on center and the steering wheel and tires adjusted to match. When you do a wheel alignment you first center and lock the steering wheel in place and then adjust the linkage to get the wheels straight. On a factory system you know that everything left the factory with the steering wheel centered with the steering box. Make sure your system is set up the same way. The same applies to a rack and pinion too but it isn't as critical. It's just a good practice when setting up your steering.
Von I just bought a steering wheel and base plate from Limeworks and will probably order the column in a couple of weeks. When you say the joints are in phase with each other I guess that means that they are lined up the same on either end as opposed to 90 degrees off from each other? Haven't done much research on how to set up the u-joints yet just how to figure out where to put the hole in the firewall and how to measure the length of column I need. I think a u-joint on each end of the DD shaft will be enough for my setup. **** starts getting expensive when all the parts are added up. Need to send you some pics of my seat adjusters. I almost have the p***enger one back together and tilting. Went and scavaged a couple of driver side adjusters at the salvage and cut the back legs off and got them leveled up for my flat floor, drivers side is back together and painted. They turned out pretty good I think
Thanks Tommy, those would probably be my next questions to clear up.. but as far as the orentation of the U joint flats (3/4DD) it dont matter? because the centering can be done at the box with the splines, when all else is in order..correct?
yes phasing is also important but not really part of my question..there is another thread talking about this..I'll look for it for you. but from your statement you have the concept down
Djust...here ya go http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=516148&highlight=joint+phasing
If you are making your own shaft then the flats need to be in phase so that the U joints will be in phase. Other than that it doesn't matter unless you want to have them to be oriented a certain way when it's parked. I don't get that ****.
no im just needing to put the 3/4 DD in the steering rod coming out of my column. I will buy a length of 3/4DD to go from U joint to U joint (only using 2).and that will keep both U joints phased or i should say i will ***emble the one length of DD with the joints phased . and the last Joint going into the Vega Box is 5/8 splined..so I should be able to take up my centering at the box with all other things being centered..correct?, Tommy
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