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Hey thirdgen people! Just wondering if anyone else has had trouble lately replacing the OEM steering shaft or AKA intermediate shaft??? Recently, I've tried twice from 2 different online part retailers to install replacement unit, but have failed. Both the rag joints will NOT seat fully becase of a pesky metal tab on the inside of the receiving end. Plus the actual hole depth is too short, so my AC Delco quick ratio steering gear box with a Locating Pin will NOT seat. Help!!!
I've never heard of this. Have you compared the new shaft to the old shaft to see if the new one needs to be modified?
Might be a good time to do the AstroVan upgrade...
Hey thirdgen people! Just wondering if anyone else has had trouble lately replacing the OEM steering shaft or AKA intermediate shaft??? Recently, I've tried twice from 2 different online part retailers to install replacement unit, but have failed. Both the rag joints will NOT seat fully becase of a pesky metal tab on the inside of the receiving end. Plus the actual hole depth is too short, so my AC Delco quick ratio steering gear box with a Locating Pin will NOT seat. Help!!!
I recently replaced my steering gear. The original had this pin, as yours does but my replacement did not. I tried driving out the retaining dowel from the original thinking that I would install it in the new one but it must have been an interference fit. I went ahead and installed it without the pin.
Not sure what options you have but could you possible grind it off?
I've been running mine for a few months now with no issues. Would love to understand what this pin is for...?? Perhaps for alignment during the install?
Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah basically the new shaft (which I bought from Hawk's) need to be modified by removing the inner metal tab. I thought about the Astro van shaft, but in the event of an accident: Does that shaft collapse like the OEM Camaro shaft?
Thanks for the quick reply. I bought this new shaft from Hawk's which is an advertiser here on third gen, I have contacted them and awaiting their reply. Since I might have to take a Dremel to the inner tab which is in the way, got to get an ok from them. I had a 'real' mobile mechanic come by my house and assess the situation. He gave me the same solution: "grind off the pin!" To be continued....
Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah basically the new shaft (which I bought from Hawk's) need to be modified by removing the inner metal tab. I thought about the Astro van shaft, but in the event of an accident: Does that shaft collapse like the OEM Camaro shaft?
The AstroVan shaft is telescopic just like the original shaft, so it would collapse just like the original...
