Steering coupler or Rag joint

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

As you know the shaft has a inner and outer sleeve that permits the slip fit. If I recall the overlap of those shafts was quite generous like 6-8 inches. The length is set by the plastic that is injected at the factory. You have to melt that plastic to allow for length adjustment.
The setscrew is what takes the function of the missing plastic. Although it won't really fix the length it keeps the two pieces from rattling and getting loose and sloppy. I never did this with mine and it's nice and tight but, it will loosen up with time. I will spot weld a nut to the outer shaft over a 1/4" hole so I can install a short bolt. I doubt there's enough meat on the outer shaft to hold a setscrew by itself. You don't want it going thru both shafts preventing it from collapsing in an accident.

Or... You could, but would need to use a plastic/nylon 'bolt' that would simply shear off in the event of a forceful impact that required the steering to collapse.

[rodstored-72]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Or... You could, but would need to use a plastic/nylon 'bolt' that would simply shear off in the event of a forceful impact that required the steering to collapse.

I like this idea.. although I might wonder about engine "heat" making the plastic "brittle" over time - especially here is the valley of the sun!!

the nut on the outer shaft is a good thought as well - although I am not sure if I would be willing to trust my welding skills to make it "for sure" secure...

either way i know now that the next thing for tonight is to melt the plastic

thanks guys!!!