80-91 tilt column rebuild

[raydav]

I spent most of three days trying to reduce free play. It does have a real U joint. I am guessing it is something they stuffed in a non tilt unit, and that was the best they could do with the space that was available. There are are four balls. They are not all the same size. How they are placed affects free play.

I used everything shown in the pic below.

Then again, if you have a unit like the 0636 pic in the Oct 16 post, then maybe you do have a real U joint.

 

[david85]

The "U-Joint" (air quotes, since it's not technically a true U-joint), can also be adjusted for tightness. That's what the locknut does. It doesn't look very strong compared to modern columns that have actual U-joints, but I've never heard of one ever failing. And like almost everything else on these trucks, it is adjustable, so I won't complain.

 

[david85]

The "U-Joint" (air quotes, since it's not technically a true U-joint), can also be adjusted for tightness. That's what the locknut does. It doesn't look very strong compared to modern columns that have actual U-joints, but I've never heard of one ever failing. And like almost everything else on these trucks, it is adjustable, so I won't complain.

I thought I already posed photos of this but I guess not. Here's how the U-joint goes together in case anyone is wondering. I searched the web for any photos before tearing mine apart an came up empty.

 

[Austin86250]

Got the bearings in, feels amazing but it seems the bolt holes for the steering shift are too recessed into the bearing, thoughts?

 

[david85]

That part of the shaft is collapsible into the column. It's normally quite stiff, but you should be able to pull out enough length to properly attach the steering box shaft.

EDIT: I never took a dedicated photo, but if you look in the background of this one, you can see the telescoping section of the lower steering column shaft. As a side note, this part can also be the source of slack in the steering. Slop is taken up by a leaf spring inside the slip coupling. If that breaks, you get more slop in your steering.

 

[Austin86250]

That part of the shaft is collapsible into the column. It's normally quite stiff, but you should be able to pull out enough length to properly attach the steering box shaft.

EDIT: I never took a dedicated photo, but if you look in the background of this one, you can see the telescoping section of the lower steering column shaft. As a side note, this part can also be the source of slack in the steering. Slop is taken up by a leaf spring inside the slip coupling. If that breaks, you get more slop in your steering.

My question was more the bolt holes for the shaft to column bolts

 

[Austin86250]

See how much farther this is out

 

[chillman88]

My question was more the bolt holes for the shaft to column bolts

His reply is still correct for that part. That shaft is collapsible as well. Put a screwdriver through the holes and you should be able to get it to pull out a little bit more. If you can't, you may need to pull that bearing back off and clean up the shaft gently with some sandpaper. You might have a little bit of surface rust or something holding it back.

I had a similar issue with mine when swapping out the lower bearing.

 

[Rdnck84_03]

That part of the shaft is collapsible into the column. It's normally quite stiff, but you should be able to pull out enough length to properly attach the steering box shaft.

I almost said that last night but it has been so long since I have been into the bottom of one that I couldn't remember if it was collapsible or not.

James

 

[Austin86250]

Ah ok, I though you where talking about the the normal steering shaft, thank you!

 

[Austin86250]

I’m getting excited this is going to be some really nice steering with new column bearings, already have Saginaw pump, redhead steering gear, new tie rods, king pins, tires, and alignment

 

[Austin86250]

Damn y’all never miss a beat came right out with an pickle fork and a Philips #3
Can’t wait to through this in Sunday

 

[The_Josh_Bear]

I thought I already posed photos of this but I guess not. Here's how the U-joint goes together in case anyone is wondering. I searched the web for any photos before tearing mine apart an came up empty.

How friggin cool is that!?!? I've never seen that joint myself(maybe my 89 doesn't have one) but the fact that it's adjustable is so sweet. Love it.

 

[Austin86250]

I am very pleased to say it went very successfully wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it be
@david85 you should really make a right up about these steering columns you where extremely helpful
I guess I’m back off to the alignment shop for the second time in 2 weeks the steering shafts and or wheels are keyed differently

 

[Austin86250]

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I guess I spoke too soon, looks to be an intermediate No fss while crank? The accessories I have powered by the fss triggered relay help me come to that conclusion
Only thing that comes to mind is the ignition switch? It’s new and by that I mean within the time I’ve had it worked great all day until I slapped it back on this column

EDIT: used a power probe confirms loss of power at crank and when I got wire the fss it works as should