steering shaft too short!

[85STR8AXLE]

I purchased a kit to move the steering gear forward after installing my hy-steer kit. The steering shaft is too short. Everyone else I know who have installed this same kit fit perfectly, but mine is too short. Is there a fix for this other than having a custom shaft made????

1985 - 6 inch procomp lift.

 

[KLF]

Did you loosen the clamp on the splined section right in front of the firewall? You can get an inch or 2 out of that section.

 

[85STR8AXLE]

yup... still too short

 

[85STR8AXLE]

I'm talking like 4 inches short. I'm starting to wonder if this is even the original shaft. When I purchased this truck they had the hi-steer all funky. Other than that, the other mods on it looked to be done right.

 

[pappy]

Interesting. I'm using an IFS shaft on my 1985 with the gear box as far forward as we could get it. I wonder if the shaft from an early FJ60 would work. They are a slip style.

 

[KLF]

I assume you have the rag joint in place at the steering gear box?

How long is the shaft part that has the splines on one end and the flange on the other end that connects to the rag joint? I have an extra one here, it's 15-1/2" total from end-to-end. I can't remember if it came from a SA or an IFS truck.

Pic of shaft, and rag joint:

 

[cruiser88]

KLF/Pappy is this a common problem converting over to high steer?

 

[KLF]

I didn't have any trouble, but my steering box is still in the stock location. I did have to lengthen it a tiny bit when I put the 1" body lift on though.

 

[toy4xfun]

there is a nylon pin in the area where the two shafts slide together i have heard of people drilling that pin out but not sure how much that will give you.

 

[pappy]

KLF/Pappy is this a common problem converting over to high steer?

I had no problem.

 

[Tools R Us]

there is a nylon pin in the area where the two shafts slide together i have heard of people drilling that pin out but not sure how much that will give you.

Don't need to worry about the pin, just drive (hammer and punch) the two shafts apart slightly to extend. They are only pressed together, the pin will shear.

 

[toy4xfun]

that is what i done it was a pain while in the truck. thats when i read you could drill it out.

 

[gittinit]

the easiest way to lengthen the slip section is to use heat from a torch to melt the plastic plugs. then some light taps with a hammer. With this method and utilizing the splined section,you can easily get 4".

 

[85STR8AXLE]

Thanks guys. I won't have more time to mess with it till next weekend but I'll let u know what worked.

 

[missouriman]

the easiest way to lengthen the slip section is to use heat from a torch to melt the plastic plugs. then some light taps with a hammer. With this method and utilizing the splined section,you can easily get 4".

that is what I did, slid them apart cleaned them up.
used a bit of silicone on the shaft when putting it back in so it didn't rattle.

trust me doesn't take long to get sick of the rattle.

 

[hardontoyotas]

use a spacer. like the ones you get with a body lift. worked for me.