Huffs_91_RS

Very nice product and as described. Super fast shipping. Def don't play around on getting it out to you. Let me know on the bearing.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I have a couple GM Shafts with Rubber Isolator in stock and ready to ship.
I have a few more Solid Shafts on the way.

PM me if you want one.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I got a couple more GM shafts in stock, PM me if you want one.

red90IROCls1

Just received my solid shaft and bearing today. Looks great and looking forward to getting them installed. It is a pleasure doing business with MC87SS.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Thanks, glad your pleased with the product and service.

I have been through 2 batches just trying to get one to every one on the waiting list, i believe i have caught up.
I have 1 Solid & 1 Rubber left.

PM me if you want one.

rwstegne

I second that recommendation. Thanks Ken

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

I got my a while back.. and gotta say I love it... better improvement then the stick one and I like the new steering reaction I get from it at the track
Thanks MC87SS

rwstegne

Guys,

When I was dremeling my steering column for the new upper bolt location, I notice quite a bit of slop in the column and the old plastic bushing, so my question is will a Jeep replacement steering column bearing kit help to remove that slop? Is it worth it?

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

The bearing you want to use if from an Astro van not the Jeep.

rwstegne

Thanks for correcting me. Will it remove the slop and is it worth it?

I had gotten the information on the Jeep bearing from this posting:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...teering-2.html




FrigginA
Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 27

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: 97 Astro Van Steering Shaft Swap info
Quote:
Originally Posted by tylercamaro View Post
thats a great post right there, someone sticky those videos!

now if someone can find me any astro van shafts, bearing, and a 4th gen upper.
If ya can't hit the wrecking yards I'd suggest hitting up MC87SS.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/en...t-upgrade.html (GM Steering Shaft Upgrade)
He's sold a bunch of these things on montecarloss.com, maliburacing.com, gbodyforum.com, and s10forum.com.
He get's compliments on his work and he ships pretty fast.

You'll have to do just a little grinding with his though. I think some of these guys are grinding off way more than they need to. I read about one guy who just slammed the bolt through with a hammer then he could easily take the bolt out and put it back in by hand. This is speculation on my part though as I haven't done the mod yet.

Also from someone elses post it seems the whole bearing assembly is available new from Ebay, Amazon etc. as a Jeep part under Crown PT# 4487696K.
Click the image to open in full size.

That forth gen bearing retainer in the vid looks nice to me. I'd go with that if I could find one.

camarobuff1

I'm curious to those who have done this upgrade, what are your thoughts on the overall improvement? I have a lot of "play" and "wandering" from my steering, and I'm wondering if this provides significant improvement? Looks like a great product.

Thanks!

rwstegne

IMO, the steering shaft upgrade was a significant improvement over my worn out rag joint setup with over 150K on it. It definitely took slop out of my steering. I hear a little bite of hydraulic noise at low rpms.

Just ordered a jeep bearing kit so I will post if it works and my opinion.


Here are my pictures.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/album.php?albumid=8658

Looks better too and I was able to move the brake lines further from the headers.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I didn't realize the jeep bearing works as well. Using the part number listed i found this on E-Bay in case anyone wants one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crown-Automotive-4487696K-Steering-Shaft-Bearing-Kit-/221372893326?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item338ada488e&vxp=mtrThe used Astro bearings are getting harder to get, most of the ones in the yards have cracks in the plastic.

The 4th gen coupling is interesting however i don't think it would be cost effective for me to offer that as an option. It would require me buying 2 different shafts, the extra work converting them as well as all the work i already do to the shafts. I would imagine it would bump the price up to about $125 a shaft.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

GM Shafts are $70 Shipped to the states
Jeep Shafts are $60 Shipped to the states

PM me if you want one, I sell these on 7 different boards so they go fast.


Jeep Shaft:
This is what they look like after i separate and clean them.
Compare this pic to the 3rd, you will see where i weld them to eliminate any slippage.




I clean the threads on both the shaft and bolts.




I carefully split and remove the plastic bushings and ship at least 1 with each shaft so they can be put back on after all the test fitting is done and your ready for the final install. I do this so it makes it easier to install and so they don't get destroyed during the prep process. I also clean the inner part of the shaft with a wire brush and grease it before shipping.



GM Shaft:
I do all the same prep to these as i do to the Jeep Shaft plus i clock them 90 degrees and re-weld them so they bolt right in.

The one on the top is the Rubber GM Shaft, the bottom one is the Solid GM Shaft
The theory is the rubber helps to reduce the road vibration in the steering wheel but if that was the case then why would some have it and some not. From what i can tell only 1 year came with the rubber, all the rest were solid.
The one on the top is the Rubber GM Shaft, the bottom one is the Solid GM Shaft
The theory is the rubber helps to reduce the road vibration in the steering wheel but if that was the case then why would some have it and some not. From what i can tell only 1 year came with the rubber, all the rest were solid.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

My current stock is as follows:
8 Solid GM Shafts
1 Rubber GM Shafts
3 Jeep Shafts

GM Shafts are $70 Shipped to the states
Jeep Shafts are $60 Shipped to the states

PM me if you want one, I sell these on 7 different boards so they go fast.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

All ready to ship.

PM me if you want one.

92rsvortec350

iTrader: (8)

I would like the GM with the rubber.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Oops. Supposed to be a PM. Sent.

rwstegne

FYI - Just purchased 4487696K off of ebay, the plastic bushing fits perfect, but the bearing is a little tight on the shaft. Not able to start in on the column by hand. Trying to figure out of there is a trick or a bur in the way. Might be too tight period, but it is so close.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I had the same issue with an Astro bearing and a test steering column.
Just clean the shaft real good, hit it with some sandpaper then wipe a little grease on it to help it slide.

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

+1. I might have even lightly filed bevel on the leading edge of the steering column to get the bearing started. I believe a 1" socket and very light tapping with the head of a ratchet was all that was needed to get the bearing moving.

rwstegne

Yes, the jeep bearing works if you file or dermel the entire keyed area of the lower shaft. I would recommend if you are going to do the bearing upgrade/replacement, be prepared to spend time dremeling the entire keyed area so you don’t have to use a mallet to force the bearing on. I wish I would have waited until I went to work to made a go/no-go gauge out of metal, because I rushed the dremeling and used a mallet be force it on. Bad idea, because it damaged the bearing and loosened it up. My sockets did not bear on it well so I was not only on the center of the bear. It still works but it is not as tight as I hoped. Actually, I do not think it is any tighter then the original bushing I removed. Maybe that is why the engineers did not use a bearing in the first place, because of the process used to form the keyed part of the lower shaft. Plan to go to work and ask one of my friends if there is a good material to shim the bushing and the outer metal of the steering column to tighten it up.

Added pictures of the Jeep bearing kit I installed.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Down to:
4 Solid GM Shafts
1 Rubber GM Shafts
3 Jeep Shafts

GM Shafts are $70 Shipped to the states
Jeep Shafts are $60 Shipped to the states

PM me if you want one, I sell these on 7 different boards so they go fast.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Just ordered the Bearing Kit posted above. Shaft will be here tomorrow. I'll take it to the shop with the new bearing and if the column isn't already in, I'll have it prepped for the new parts. Thanks guys. I hope to update soon with some before and after pictures.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Just got mine in the mail and I must say. A beauty. Also, I don't think I've ever looked at my original shaft. The pictures made it appear much larger. When I saw how big the box was I thought, really, did I really just buy something I should have read more about. Thinking it'd be as long as it is installed. Derp there. Well thanks for the part, thanks for the quick service. I'll update ASAP. Adios.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Just a couple left, PM me if you want one.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

1 rubber and 2 solid left.

PM me if you want one.

one92rs

iTrader: (5)

jeep shafts? or gm? which is better or the same.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

In my opinion the GM shaft is the nicer unit but they both work the same.

I have 2 Solid GM shafts ready to ship, i do have a couple Jeep shafts that could be ready to ship Monday.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Just a couple shafts left.

PM me if you want one.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Have a few more Solids & Rubber style ready to ship.

PM me if you want one.

Alice89

iTrader: (6)

Just got mine in; it's nice. Thanks Ken

I can also vouch for ebay member "oconeeoff-road" for my 4487696K bearing kit. Found here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JEEP-CJ-YJ-WRANGLER-76-95-STEERING-COLUMN-BEARING-KIT-I-4487696K-/380898359413?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58af4fb875
Both got here quickly and safely and were as advertized. Cant ask for a better transaction!

*edit: bearing kit above is too tight; I would not recommend it.

Here is a pic of the shaft & bearing:

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Glad it all worked out!

I have a few more in stock ready to ship.

PM me if you want one.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Down to 2 Jeeps shafts in stock.
PM me if you want one.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

I have had the GM solid (no rubber) steering shaft in for a few months and I notice no vibration coming up into the steering wheel. Very happy with it, don't be afraid to buy it, no need for a rag joint.

bluehog

MC87SS sent you a PM for GM solid shaft with Astro steering bearing.

Sojer

Still have them

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I have another batch of GM shafts on the way.
PM me to get on the list.

bluehog

NOSHOWALLGO or anyone using the Crown 4487696K bearing kit- any issues with the bearing kit? any mod required? ready and waiting for the shaft when next are available and figured I best order this bearing to be ready. Thanks in advance!

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Going to try and do mine this weekend. Sorry for the delays. Wanted to get my brakes done first.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I have 2 GM Shafts with Rubber Isolator Available.
PM me if you want one.

karl's-92'-z28

iTrader: (5)

Won't the rubber wear out & get hard from the heat under the hood?

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Everyone i have ever got was in great shape plus with the GM shaft the rubber is at the bottom near the steering column so i don't imagine it would get hot.
Just about every other shaft used in automobiles have some sort of rubber isolator.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

I have another batch on the way.

PM me to get on the list.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Have more in my hands and ready to ship.

PM me if you want one.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

GM Shafts are $70 Shipped to the states
Jeep Shafts are $60 Shipped to the states

PM me if you want one, I sell these on 7 different boards so they go fast.


Jeep Shaft:
This is what they look like after i separate and clean them.
Compare this pic to the 3rd, you will see where i weld them to eliminate any slippage.




I clean the threads on both the shaft and bolts.




I carefully split and remove the plastic bushings and ship at least 1 with each shaft so they can be put back on after all the test fitting is done and your ready for the final install. I do this so it makes it easier to install and so they don't get destroyed during the prep process. I also clean the inner part of the shaft with a wire brush and grease it before shipping.



GM Shaft:
I do all the same prep to these as i do to the Jeep Shaft plus i clock them 90 degrees and re-weld them so they bolt right in.

The one on the top is the Rubber GM Shaft, the bottom one is the Solid GM Shaft
The theory is the rubber helps to reduce the road vibration in the steering wheel but if that was the case then why would some have it and some not. From what i can tell only 1 year came with the rubber, all the rest were solid.

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Still have a few Solid Shafts in stock.
$70 shipped to the states.
PM me if you want one!

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

Down to my last 2 solids, all boxed up and ready to go.
Most packages arrive in 2 days, 3 at the most. If you pay my 2:00pm i usually ship the same day.

$70 shipped to the states.
PM me if you want one.

Blue 90 RS

PM Sent

MC87SS

iTrader: (33)

PM Answered, Payment received & shaft shipped with in 1 hour.

Thanks

I have 15 more in stock and ready to ship.
I will be out of town but will ship to anyone Tuesday once i return.
PM me if you want one, i will check in every night.