Steering shaft U-joint

[blancojp]

Hello all!

Had a small problem with my car today where I found the upper u-joint connecting the steering shaft to the steering column has massive play. I could turn the wheel almost 60 degrees before the front wheels actually turned.

I know the actual shaft that connects the column to the rack is a 3/4" DD style rod, which I have plenty in stock. I also have a ton of Borgerson couplers in stock so I might be able to repair it easily and convey the methodology. But before I start taking this appart tomorrow, does any one know what size and how many splines does the column end shaft has??

I will be also installing my new Taiwan made $22 wood (or so they say) steering wheel and creating an adapter for it.

[blancojp]

After taking the steering column out, I had a chance to measure the shaft and found out it is a 5/8" shaft with 36 splines. Borgeson makes a steering coupler which can replace the Opel unit quite nicely and in Stainless Steel.

So at least I have that identified and should be no problem in repairing. Once I get the part in (I have every single one in stock except the 36 spline), I will start to assemble the column again and install the new steering wheel.

[blancojp]

My old pal Murphy moved to Acworth last week. He brought me a few gifts like a bent steering shaft, a broken steering column lower bearing and last but not least, two of the four bolts that hold the column in place are frozen.

Since the column on my '72 was modified (shortened), I had to use parts from my spare column to get everything back on track. I don't understand this but the spare column has a 3/4" - 36 spline shaft. The one I took out is 5/8" - 36 spline shaft which was shortened 2 1/4". In any event, I will be making the mods to the spare unit so I can get the column back on.

Will show the steering wheel install when the column is back together.