Tight Fit Steering

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Q:

While I have owned several classic cars over the years, I am currently building my first real hot rod. The car is a glass bodied 1934 Ford Roadster with a Mustang II front suspension. I have installed a 454ci big block Chevy motor and a set of shorty block hugger headers. Needless to say, everything fits tight between the rails. Now I need to route the steering shaft, and can’t figure out how to get everything connected, yet clear the exhaust. I asked a friend who has built a couple of cars and he told me I needed to install hanger bearings on each length of steering shaft and make sure I had all of my steering joints properly phased. He went on to explain it a little further but I left not really sure what to do next. Can you give me a little direction on what I need to do next?

Dave Jensen
Des Moines, IA

A

Your problem is common amongst hot rod builders; there is simply a limited amount of space between the frame rails of most 30’s cars. Throw in a Big Block motor and the problem only gets worse, but like most problems there’s always a solution.

Typically two types of steering shafts are used in building hot rod steering systems; they are splined shaft and double-D (photo 1). My recommendation would be to use the double-D style shaft as the joints will then automatically phase themselves. Phasing is simply the alignment of steering joints on opposite ends of the same section of steering shaft, (photo 2) they need to be aligned to ensure they’ll work together and that none of the components are put into a bind.

Planning out your steering setup is an important next step. I have seen pro-builders use wooden dowels and duct tape, to mock up their systems, as the two are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of steel rod. Generally speaking the simpler the better, fewer joints and shaft sections are ideal but not always achievable. Support bearings are only needed if more than 2 steering joints are used (photo 3). These systems will require one support bearing for each additional universal joint. Support bearings should be located close to any additional joints to prevent them from “looping” as the steering is engaged.

Here are some important precautions you should consider when designing your system:

SHAFT SIZE

Never use steering shaft sizes less than 3/4-inch. Even a 5/8-inch shaft is 42-percent weaker than a 3/4-inch shaft diameter.

NO FLEX CABLE

Ford used a flex cable on the Pinto in the ’70s even though it proved unreliable, a problem compounded in a front-heavy hot rod.

NO WELDING

While common for racing enthusiasts, many states have laws against welding on steering components. Heat transmitted to the universal joints can cause them to fail prematurely; additionally, hairline cracks in a weld can go unseen and fail under stress.

COLLAPSIBILITY

Design your system with some means of directing the energy away from the driver in the event of a collision. This can be done by either incorporating some angles in the system to deflect the column away from the driver or by using a telescopic steering shaft or collapsible column.

Finally, the steering joint manufacturers have a vested interest in doing everything they can to ensure you use their components in the manner they were designed. Check out their web sites for a host of additional products and information.

Mark Simpson
Managing Editor

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7 Responses to “Tight Fit Steering”

  1. Bill Butkus

    What glass bodied kit are you using, I built a 34 ford cabriolet by street beasts! Remember to install terminal blocks for grounding so you won,t have any problems. </strong>

  2. jane don

    Would it be easier to put steering column in then fight with/adjust Headers to fit??

  3. Charlie Holowach

    I put Unisteer rack and pinion in my 1969 Chevelle SS 396. Was wondering if there is a header I can use off the shelf or do I need a custom exhaust. Or if I use double knuckles can I make it around the exhaust?

  4. BRENT R SMITH

    I'm rebuilding a 1962 Corvair (early model 769, 4 door) and was wondering if I could use a collapsible steering wheel (for safety)? If so, would you have any idea of which type might fit?

  5. Alco Fribas

    I have 3 steering knuckles !

  6. David

    What steering box would work on a 30 Ford A pickup

  7. Joshua Burdin

    I have a 96 mustang GT I have aquired another 4.6 liter that's locked up. I want to learn how to rebuild it from scratch. Can anyone set me in the right direction. For some directions and rrquirements to begin this rebuild. Plz I am a novice when it comes to internal mechanics of a engine but I do have a Haynes manual for all bolts and nuts torque requirements.