Classic Industries 14470 - 1982-92 F-Body Intermediate Steering Shaft with Plastic Shroud

Service replacement intermediate steering shaft with rag joint for 1982-92 models. Fits between the steering gear box and the steering column shaft. Includes the plastic shroud that is correct for 1982-92 models. For this shaft without the plastic shroud use # 15028.

Has anyone purchased the above item? I have and it fits extremely loosely on the steering wheel end. Manufactured by OER. Installing as is will be unsafe. I'll contact Classic Industries. Purchased it in February, which is past their 30 day return policy. Will let you know if they stand behind it. It fits so loosely I categorize it as defective.

 

Uh yeah I would say that's a little off.

 

Were the measurements taken after it had been assembled and the bolt/nut torqued to spec?

Granted I'd assume it's a Taiwan or Chinese or Mexico produced part with sloppy tolerances and QC, but I could see the thru bolt cinching the shaft tighter.

Never really had a problem with the GM rag joint. Not like the polymer joint in my Ferrrd, that was crumbled to dust.

 

Oh great. Now I'm going to have to read.

OK, book says 50 ft/lbs. I'll give it a go. Gave it the 'ol what have ya on the the work bench with the box end. But 50 could do the trick.

For whatever non-Ford reason the original has play. In hindsight should have bought the Lares 205.

 

Just be sure it's ft/lbs and not inch/lbs. I'd look it up myself, but contrary to all appearances I'm trying to peel myself away from the confines of the indoors and get busy working on an actual thirdgen!


Is the play in the rag joint end, or the knuckle at the top? The knuckle is a sort of universal joint. Under the rubber boot there's sort of a T arrangement with the top arms of the T riding on the steel of the outer casing. Over a long enough time, I'd imagine the bearing surfaces of the T and the socket inside that knuckle can develop wear and slop. That makes logical sense.

The idea that just because there's a rubber rag joint in the linkage to absorb noise and vibration so it must be inherently sloppy and bad (the argument and justification behind the Asstro Jeep shaft) doesn't really hold water.

Damn, now I am tempted to go find the oldest, highest mileage intermediate shaft in the stash and pull it apart to see exactly what's inside the knuckle... Hmm.

 

Despite the short walk to the garage, the troubleshooting will have to wait until tomorrow night. Work was enough to earn a static position on this couch. I’m gonna torque that thing on there, even if requires a better bolt. Get it done and move on with the plenty to do list. Can tackle it another day if not satisfied. Will update this thread with progress.

Thanks.

 

Ive had very good luck with classic industries parts. If its a bad part im sure they will stand behind it. Let us know how it turns out

 

Never followed up.

I torqued the heck out of it to clamp the oversized steering shaft down on the steering column shaft. Not ideal. But functional. I recall doing most of the squashing on the bench and finishing it off installed.