Need a little expertise from my fellow Brickers. I've recently completed converting my 82 242 from the 5.0L Ford that powered it since 96 to a new crate LS3. 95% of the hard work is done. Started on first try and first drive was inspiring. Working out the nits/nats.

In order to clear the exhaust manifold, I had to modify the steering shafts/u-joints. I eliminated the larger diameter/rubber filled upper shaft. Using the hollow splines from a junkyard upper/lower steering linkage, I used solid 1/2" steel shaft to change the length of the upper/lower shafts. And I cut up one of the junk ujoints to create a splined 'coupler' --- this allows me to basically extend the steering shaft exiting the firewall a bit further in a straight line before entering the first u-joint. This creates geometry that will clear the manifold. Increases the angle of the top u-joint; decreases the angle of the u-joint on the pinion; decreases the length of the lower shaft -- my solid steel replacement for the rubber filled stocker.

Hard to explain -- picture worth a thousand words hopefully.





I noticed, now that EVERYTHING is in the way (strategic error) that when I tighten the bolt on the steering wheel, it's pulling the steering shaft INTO the car. The only thing constraining it is the lower shaft/linkage connected to the pinion. Whatever originally secured the shaft inside the column is no longer doing so. In other words, the steering wheel nut is spinning MUCH further onto the steering shaft than before -- and it never 'tightens up'.

Anyone care to hazard a guess as to what's going on here? I recall, when I originally removed the upper u-joint (closest to the firewall) - I had the steering wheel on the shaft, but the nut was removed. As I removed that u-joint from the shaft, the shaft began to slide into the engine compartment, the steering wheel slid off the end and fell into the driver's side floor. I was surprised as I just assumed that something secured the shaft inside the column independent of of the steering wheel at the top and the u-joint at the firewall. But apparently not.

What am I missing guys? Prior to the change, I've had the wheel off more times than I can count. Something secured the shaft in the column as the nut would go on and definitely reach a stopping point where it tightened up. And all of that without 'pulling' on the linkage under the hood.

Thanks in advance - Michael
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82 242 6.2L coming...; '15 Honda Fit