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Premium shafts for Saginaw Steering

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by lynn, Sep 3, 2004.

  1. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Driving the CJ the past day or so, I'm noticing a bit more "wander" than I recall in the past. It's been a gradual change, not sudden. I haven't checked yet but I suspect the column-to-box shaft is getting sloppy again.
    I'll check, of course, to confirm. But if the shaft is the culprit, I'm thinking of going to the premium shaft.
    I'll have to measure the shaft on the box, I think it's the 13/16 power box.
    Yep, these are pretty spendy, but I've heard they are worth the price.

    So who is running a Flaming River or Borgeson?
    Your impressions?
    What model?
    Best price you could find?

    Comments/suggestions/discussion??

    Thanks,
     
    lynn, Sep 3, 2004
    #1
  2. Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    I'm running a Flaming River collapsible shaft that is cut to fit. I ordered a custom ujoint from them for the stock column (7/8 round to 3/4 DD) and am using a 3/4 x 3/4 DD joint on the box end. I ordered it all throught Flaming River so it may be able to be found cheaper.
     
    Project71-5, Sep 3, 2004
    #2
  3. James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    I just had a 3/4" new "D" shaft put in with a FR joint on top with my new FL column and a new FL u-joint next to the column and a Borgeson on the bottom (next to the sagi box).

    I was suprised at how much slop the orig shaft with the old pin joints had in it. When the wind blowed (common in Havasu), the Jeep wandered a bit. NOT NOW.

    I ask Gerry to put a flex shaft in it, but he didn't. He said the FL shaft had about 3/4" "silp" in it and the 2 u-joints would take up any flex I had in my frame. Now, Gerry has been building "Hot Rods" since he was 15 years old, so I trust him. So far, works great! :)
     
    James P. Enderwies, Sep 3, 2004
    #3
  4. Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    save yourself the huge amount of $$$ go to the boneyard and hijack a sterring shaft from a late model jeep cherokee (XJ) they have awesome U joints at each end and a nice slipyoke design with a vibration isolator in the middle. You will have to lengthen it but that is very very easy to do with a little patience....


    BUBBA
     
    Jeepenstein, Sep 4, 2004
    #4
  5. fivos

    fivos Member

    I have the same issue with the lower steering shaft u joint. To be more specific i use manual steering box and steering column non tilt from a cj. When i bought the parts the guy in the junk yard gave me one steering shaft that fits to the steering box and not the column and a half shaft that fits to the column. Because i didn't want to cut and weld every time i wanted a new shaft, so i had the end of the column steering shaft converted to fit the steering shaft. The problem now is that i don't know what part to order to change the bad u joint.
    Any help.....?
     
    fivos, Sep 6, 2004
    #5
  6. James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    Fivos: If you know exactly what kind of u-joint you need, say a "D" type on the shaft end, and a "splined" on your column (or visa-versa), Flaming river makes ALL combinations.

    Their site is: http://www.flaming-river.com/

    You can e-mail them with your spects and they can help you.
     
    James P. Enderwies, Sep 6, 2004
    #6
  7. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Thanks for the info guys.

    Scott, I'm going to take a look at an XJ shaft. I have a nearby source for XJ parts, they will pull it for me, guaranteed to be good, for $35. I'm going to measure an XJ shaft out in the parking lot at lunchtime, then measure my CJ shaft tonight. This just might be the ticket... :) Scott, got any details of how you lengthened the shaft? Weld in a new piece, or just extend the slip joint?

    A number of my CJ buddies also suffer from the worn rag joint problem... I know they are going to be interested in this as well...
    I'll keep you all posted on how this works out.
    Scott, thanks again for this "Dutch" idea!! :D
     
    lynn, Sep 7, 2004
    #7
  8. Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Be very careful if you have to lengthen the shaft. If it needs to be welded use a certified welder to do it. If it breaks while you are on the road you'll have one hell of a ride till you get it stopped. My guess is you'll have a hard time finding a responsible welder who will take on the liability. Flaming river has shafts that you can cut to length. Remember, you are betting your life on that part. Just my .02
     
    Posimoto, Sep 7, 2004
    #8
  9. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    The only way I have ever 'extended' a shaft was to use a coupler specific for the shaft (in this case 3/4 with a keyway), Know they went the half way with a full length of keyway and then welded the ends of the coupler.

    FWIW - been 12 years and it still works.

    :stout:
     
    Warloch, Sep 7, 2004
    #9