Headers in the way of steering

I've put the 304 back in my '73 CJ6 with Headman headers. I know there are pros and cons for headers verses stock manifold, but at this point there in. So I was wondering what options were available to help clear the steering shaft from the steering box to the firewall without denting the new headers. There is only about a 2 inch difference to clear the headerl, maybe less. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

You have 2" clearence? That will likely be more than sufficient. Actually 0.5" can be enough depending on motor mounts and frame flex. I would assemble everything and the jack the front end off the floor one corner at a time to see if something hits at near maximum flex.

 

Do you have fenderwell header or in frame? do you have any picture so we could see the problem?

 

Are you saying you need 2" to clear them or you have 2" clearance? I just rerouted my steering around in-frame headers using a shaft eye and an extra u-joint.

 

IMO it would be better to modify the headers to clear the steering, rather than changing the steering shaft. If you have to dimple one of the tubes for clearance, I don't think it would hurt anything. Or if nessecary, you could heat & bend the tubes, or even cut out and re-weld the offending tube in a different position.

 

Sorry fo the confusion; I need about 2 inches to clear the header and they are in frame headers. The headers themselves fit great. I'll try to get a pic on here this weekend. I'm not sure that I want to dimple the header unless it is a last resort. I'd like to see a pic of the extra u-joint that grannyscj used if possible.

 

I'll have to post a pic later. Sitting at Chili's and photobucket uses Flashplayer to upload pics and I'm on an iPhone.

 

Here you go. Column to eye.


Eye mounted on engine mount and joint.


Joint to spud.

 

Sorry for the perspective. Stupid iPhone pics.

 

Thanks for the pics! Did you fabricate this yourself or use a prefab set up. Either way, feel free to share the part information if you would - I like what you did here.

 

Everything comes from speedwaymotors.com they have various sizes of DD shaft and joints to fit anything. I welded some with a DD at other end for removal. I used 3/4" dowel to set it up with then ordered the shafts.