Flaming River tilt column......

[Greaph]

Well, I'm back out on a rig for an extended period...... Which means, of course, that I am not wrenching on my buggy. I was wondering if anyone that has used a Flaming River tilt column with a 2" body lift could tell me what column length and u-joint sizes are required to fit the bell just outside the dash. I would like to have the parts sitting at home waiting for me when I go on days off. TIA!!

David

Info that might be important: King pin front end, stock steering box.

[jspbtown]

I used a Flaming River column but no lift. Here are some pics:




I think it was a 30" length...but I am not 100% certain. The u-joints were from Borgeson. One used a 1" Double D (DD) and and a 3/4" DD. The extension was an 18" section of 3/4" DD and I cut it to length. They don't have a joint that mates perfectly to the steering box. One end is for the 3/4" DD, the other end I take a dremel sander and ream out some of the splines until it slides over the shaft tightly. I then drill and tap a second hole 90 degrees from the factory set screw hole for a second set screw. I slide the u-joint onto the shaft and mark the location of both set screws onto the steering box shaft. I then remove it and grind two small flats for the set screw to sit onto. Loctite all set screws.

If you need the u-joint number from Borgeson let me know.

[Greaph]

FR didn't have the u-joints required? If not, then yes, please supply the required parts numbers (including the parts you did get from FR, withstanding the actual column). I think I 28" column should do fine, esp. if I use the slip joint from FR. Thanks for the info and your response!!

David

[ckolek]

i used a 32" column in both of my buggy's and used a flamming river u joint 1"DD X 9/16 36 spline with the stock vw rag joint. works great for me.

[Greaph]

Thanks for the info!

[jspbtown]

I did not use FR u-joints. Mine were from Borgeson. They have a great down loadable catalog.

I am surprised that the 9/16th x 36 spline fit. I wonder if the rag joint side (I am assuming you kept the rag joint and just mated the u-joint to where the column would attach??) is a different size then the actual steering shaft?? I went through about 4 or 5 joints trying to find one that was snug but had no success. Weird.

I have emailed Borgeson to get my part numbers. As soon as they respond I will post them....and save them for the future!

I think my column was 30 or 32. I would save the extra cost and just buy the solid shaft like I did. With two joints you only need a short section.

[ckolek]

i do believe they are the same size, i used a press to press the ujoint to the rag joint, it was tight but it went together and i guarentee that it wont come apart......

[Greaph]

ckolek- you used just the column, one ujoint, and the stock ragjoint? No intermediate shaft? Did you use the 2" diameter column, or the 1 3/4"? I also plan to use the dash mount clamp and the floor mount. Did you use these, or are both/either or are they not needed? I looked through the pics you had posted, but unfortunately, there were none of your steering installed. More info please, as I would like to order the parts tomorrow and have everything I need to install and have it working while I am on days off...Trying to get a running driving buggy by Salado meet. Won't be finished, but then, my "Projects" never are

P.S.- the steering wheel you have on the short body- is that a standard Grant wheel? Or just the Grant horn button? I was looking at a wheel very close to the one you are using on the FR site.

Thanks!

*edit- I can't seem to find a 1"DDX9/16 36 spline on the FR site...Am I blind??

[ckolek]

went out and took this pic just for you, the column in my car is not solid mounted yet, but you get the general idea. i used the 2" column 32" long, the part# for the u-joint is FLA-FR1735DD..on the blue buggy i used a brace that i fabricated that went from one side to the other and a 2" u-bolt to secure the column under the dash, and at the fire wall i made a bracket that i copied from BillK (i think he has those photos in the gallery). the steering wheel is a Grant that was bought @ Hi-Lo..hope this helps...

[Greaph]

Thanks! I appreciate the photo. Now if I can only find the flaming (:P) u-joint!!

[ckolek]

summitt racing is where i found mine..

[Greaph]

I've looked everywhere, can't find a 1"DD X 9/16 36....I can find the 9/16 26 though

Edit- I think I may just get a 1" DD X 9/16" smooth and pin/weld it to a new ragjoint....

[Greaph]

Meh...I've just noticed in the Borgeson catalog they can put together any 2 of the standard sizes when you order....not just what they show.

Thanks for the help everyone. Steering is not a place I felt like just "winging" it.

[ckolek]

call or email summitt racing give them the part number in my previos post and they will send it to you...

[Greaph]

Meh, I pays to read the ENTIRE post....I assumed that was the part number for the 32" column..


Thanks.

BTW that part # pulls up a 1"DD X 5/8" 36

[ckolek]

my bad, thats right..

[Greaph]

Can't seem to get the u-joint and rag joint end to mate....tried freezing the rag joint end and heating the u-joint end, to no avail. I have no press available to me. Maybe a nearby shop has one, I will check around.