Steering Box and Driveshaft Position

[LONNIE WIGGINS]

I'm doubling up here just to save a few bytes of space....

The steering on my '69 seems a little loose, in the steering box (other components seem ok and tight). I've gotten mixed responses when asking mechanics about tightening up the box. Any opinions here?

Also, will re-installing a driveshaft 180 degrees out of "original" position create vibration?

Simple questions from the simple minded.

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering Box and Driveshaft Position

Lonnie----

Forget "tightening up the box". If there is looseness or play attributable to the steering box, you're better of to just rebuild it. This is especially true if the box is original and has never been rebuilt previously.

With respect to the driveshaft, installing it as you describe will cause no problems, assuming that the driveshaft with u-joints has been balanced as an assembly. If you've removed the driveshaft without replacing the u-joints, you really should not have any problem regardless of installation position. However, if you've removed the driveshaft for any reason, I recommend replacing the u-joints and having the assembly balanced at a driveline shop. You don't need to worry about checking the u-joints, if they've been in the car for awhile, they'll be bad.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

By the way, if you haven't already done so, you should check the steering coupling ("rag joint") for wear or deterioration. This may be the cause of your problems rather than the steering box, itself.

[Dick G.]

Re: Addendum

Joe I installed all new u-joints in my drive and half shafts. Should I get all 3 shafts balanced? Also, a friend of mine with a 64 vette told me that some 64 vettes had a vibration from new, and GM suggested flipping the driveshaft 180 degrees. Where he got the info. from, I don't know. I also don't know if it cured the problem. Also, who will do a good and reasonably priced rebuild of my steering gear box? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Dick-----

Only the driveshaft needs to be balanced. The half shafts do not require it.

There are many good rebuilders out there for steering boxes. Van Steel, Bairs, Ikerd's and Mike Allen of Allen's Exhaust are 4 examples.

[LONNIE WIGGINS]

Steering Box and Driveshaft Position

Thanks for the info...I figured a rebuild would be necessary if that's where the problem is. It isn't in the coupling, as it's tight also - was replace within the last 5000 miles.

Also thanks on the driveshaft question.