Steering column concern

[Mark7640]

Getting ready to pull my worn steering box from my 76 for a rebuild. The end of the column near the rag joint looks a bit suspect to me. Somebody please tell me I have nothing to worry about! It looks cracked.

 

[sggoat]

It does look cracked--on the surface--prob could use a replacement, but prob also is serviceable for several more yrs.--relatively rust-free
Check Mark's Off Road-he has them--so too George @ Valley Hybrids-prob others-if you feel the need--

 

[78fj40mg]

Do yourself a favor and install a new steering shaft that's solid and also replace the rag joint and be safe. You lose your steering you lose life, pure and simple!

 

[65swb45]

Bigger question: are we looking at a culprit or a victim?

Does the shaft pass through the center of the firewall support or is it rubbing on one side? Rubbing could be a sign of a bent frame.

 

[honk]

View attachment 1240327. The end of the column near the rag joint looks a bit suspect to me. Somebody please tell me I have nothing to worry about! It looks cracked.

Is the steering column above the rag joint stock? Or has someone maybe swapped in a tilt column or some other non OEM setup?

It looks like a spacer was added yet there doesn't appear to be any welding done. The column looks like it isn't straight, having a slight misalignment between above the 'spacer' and below it.

If it were mine I'd want to take it out just out of curiousity, to see whassup with it and whether it is strong and adequate to the job it does. (I'd probably also change out the rag joint in favor of a good strong universal joint, but that's just me.)

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

In my opinion, it's a manufacturing anomally. Mine has identical markings just above the rag joint.

 

[65swb45]

In my opinion, it's a manufacturing anomally. Mine has identical markings just above the rag joint.

View attachment 1240499

VERY INTERESTING! I'll have to take a look at what I have on the shelf now.

 

[diogenese]

I think the marks are from forging the yolk on the end of the bar.

 

[Mark7640]

It does look cracked--on the surface--prob could use a replacement, but prob also is serviceable for several more yrs.--relatively rust-free
Check Mark's Off Road-he has them--so too George @ Valley Hybrids-prob others-if you feel the need--

Thanks! I'll check into both for a new shaft

 

[Mark7640]

Thanks! I'll check into both for a new shaft

Then again, after AlaskanWheelers pic I did a little searching. I found thi

s example on IH8mud showing some example lengths of steering shafts and they all look like they have the same condition. I am thinking he is spot on and it is a result of the mfg process. Thanks to all that replied. I think I will pull the old steering box and take a closer look at the shaft before I worry about a replacement.