My own Solid Steering Shaft Conversion

[Gomach1]

I saw a thread over on corral where a guy made his own rag joint to act as a solid steering shaft. Well ive been wanting the MM steering shaft but just cant justify spending 200 bucks on one right now. So i decided to do my own. I didnt particularly like the way the guy who did this created his. But i went my own way and used my laser machine at our shop to make a solid rag joint.
I have the ability to make these if anyone is interested. Please let me know on your thoughts positive and negative welcome as im sure there will be both.
It will be a little bit before i get to road test it, but any who here are the pics...

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02805.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02807.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02810.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02814.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02815.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02816.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02817.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/gomach1/DSC02820.jpg

[1992vert]

Looks good to me...nice work and let us know how it road tests!

[fastoleman]

Nice job! I also saw that post. I feel the same as you. I really didnt like the way if did his with the thin layers of sheet metal. Over time they will crack and brake into with the stress of turning. Are you worried about binding? With the shaft, Its not a straight shot off the rack shaft. Do you think a u-joint would work better than a solid mount? You know that you can buy just the u-joint right. D cut the shaft and use a set screw to lock it together.

[Gomach1]

Looks good to me...nice work and let us know how it road tests!
Thanks, Will do!

Nice job! I also saw that post. I feel the same as you. I really didnt like the way if did his with the thin layers of sheet metal. Over time they will crack and brake into with the stress of turning. Are you worried about binding? With the shaft, Its not a straight shot off the rack shaft. Do you think a u-joint would work better than a solid mount? You know that you can buy just the u-joint right. D cut the shaft and use a set screw to lock it together.
I dont think this will be anywhere near as good as the MM solid steering shaft. I think it will be a good cheap alternative, that is safe and reliable compared to the guy who first came up with the idea. As for binding, i think it will be fine actually. I have yet to put it on, but once i do, ill do lots of testing with the car up in the air before i road test it. So we will see!!

[htrdmstng]

I had to legthen mine, when I eliminated the rag joint it was bnding so I just put in a u-joint. I also have more room with out the large rag joint.

[Gomach1]

Where can you get a u-joint you guys are talking about to take place of the rag joint. I think that would be the best method, since there is potential for this to bind with a solid rag joint...

[fastoleman]

Here are a couple places. I am sure you will be happier going this way. Just find one that fits your shaft and your set.
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/category_id=76/home_id=82/mode=cat/cat76.htm
http://www.streetperformance.com/m/cats/202-suspension-chassis-and-steering/4956-steering-u-joint.html

[Gomach1]

Yea i think id like that set up much better!! How would you connect this to the steering rack? If you or anyone has pics/advice on doing this conversion post up!

[htrdmstng]

I bought a splined u-joint from Kartek. 3/4" 36 spline IIRC. I cut the rag joint off then welded on the u-joint. The splines meshed up with rack perfectly and has a set screw to hold it. I dry fit mine so the steering wheel was straight and the set screw hit the flat side of the shaft. I will try to get some pics.

[Gomach1]

Ok thatd be great. I think i have a good idea now...