Steeroids disappointment
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by MsVetteMan
I just read this whole thread. I'm tired now. Does anyone else but me take this thread as a marketing skeme? Just way to weird.
If SpeedDirect would release a "new" version of their kit with thicker brackets, improved steering joint (maybe something like a rag joint that has more give to prevent binding), and maybe a detailed video of the installation I might reconsider. But as of right now this thread has been a great help to me in my steering decision.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by MsVetteMan
I just read this whole thread. I'm tired now. Does anyone else but me take this thread as a marketing skeme? Just way to weird.
With some coaching from other forum members and the vendor, I am much more happy with the system. Like I said in an earlier post, it's much, much better now but I havn't had the chance to really thrash it yet, after all the adjustments and so on.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by cherrybombc3
any papers or comments on how to replace that lower bushing, or exactly where it is?
Bottom line is it's a very easy project. Took me about 15 minutes, not including the time the bearing spent in the freezer.
The lower column support bearing is the last element that supports the steering column before it hits the rag joint.
To fix it, you'll have to detach the rag joint, loosen and move the steering column assembly back. There is a wire C-Clip that secures the bearing and it's adaptor into the column. Pops right out with a screwdriver. Then you pry the plastic adaptor and bearing out with a screwdriver. Don't worry about breaking the plastic if you have to. They cost less than $10.00 at the chevy dealer and will need replacing anyway.
Put the bearing in the adaptor. Probably supposed to use a press but I just put the bearing in the freezer for about 30 minutes. I then put the adaptor in very hot water for a couple minutes. I popped them together with my hands, no problem.
Slide that assembly back over the shaft and into the column, put the C-clip back on, put the housing back together, put the rest of it back the way you found it, and you're done.
Last edited by cchristo; Aug 23, 2006 at 06:30 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 957
Likes: 6
From: Burlington wisconsin
Originally Posted by cchristo
Probably Jim Shea has something on it. http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/
Bottom line is it's a very easy project. Took me about 15 minutes, not including the time the bearing spent in the freezer.
The lower column support bearing is the last element that supports the steering column before it hits the rag joint.
To fix it, you'll have to detach the rag joint, loosen and move the steering column assembly back. There is a wire C-Clip that secures the bearing and it's adaptor into the column. Pops right out with a screwdriver. Then you pry the plastic adaptor and bearing out with a screwdriver. Don't worry about breaking the plastic if you have to. They cost less than $10.00 at the chevy dealer and will need replacing anyway.
Put the bearing in the adaptor. Probably supposed to use a press but I just put the bearing in the freezer for about 30 minutes. I then put the adaptor in very hot water for a couple minutes. I popped them together with my hands, no problem.
Slide that assembly back over the shaft and into the column, put the C-clip back on, put the housing back together, put the rest of it back the way you found it, and you're done.
Bottom line is it's a very easy project. Took me about 15 minutes, not including the time the bearing spent in the freezer.
The lower column support bearing is the last element that supports the steering column before it hits the rag joint.
To fix it, you'll have to detach the rag joint, loosen and move the steering column assembly back. There is a wire C-Clip that secures the bearing and it's adaptor into the column. Pops right out with a screwdriver. Then you pry the plastic adaptor and bearing out with a screwdriver. Don't worry about breaking the plastic if you have to. They cost less than $10.00 at the chevy dealer and will need replacing anyway.
Put the bearing in the adaptor. Probably supposed to use a press but I just put the bearing in the freezer for about 30 minutes. I then put the adaptor in very hot water for a couple minutes. I popped them together with my hands, no problem.
Slide that assembly back over the shaft and into the column, put the C-clip back on, put the housing back together, put the rest of it back the way you found it, and you're done.
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Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Pinellas Park FL
There is definately something else wrong with your setup. I have had the Steeroids kit for 2 years not on my 71 454. It bolted in as expected and performs fantastic. I had rebuilt the entire front end and have an updated steering column which has also been rebuilt. I have not play in the drive line and the car handles fantastic.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
Seriously though
I have just had the steering box rebuilt, new shocks & bushings. The car handles great with very very little play. (actually, it handles exceptionally).
IT'S A 30 Year OLD CAR for Pete's sake.
Sure, I'll autoX a few times per season, take it to amatuer drag night & generally drive it "street" and kick the pants off of the old 911's & Mustangs that try to race.
I'm not going for professional trophies & land speed/handling records. If that were the case, I'd be driving a new AWD sportscar & not enjoying the "cool-vibe" of the Vette.
Just my 2 cents...
Andy
IT'S A 30 Year OLD CAR for Pete's sake.
Sure, I'll autoX a few times per season, take it to amatuer drag night & generally drive it "street" and kick the pants off of the old 911's & Mustangs that try to race.
I'm not going for professional trophies & land speed/handling records. If that were the case, I'd be driving a new AWD sportscar & not enjoying the "cool-vibe" of the Vette.
Just my 2 cents...
Andy
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
BTW, here's a bracket I made, it's thicker and has an additional gusset. It sure helped keep flexing down, there's still some movement but that's in the rubber rack mounts.
and this is how it sits now, can't see in this pic but I stuffed the rack up a good bit higher, it would have fit without the double joint this way.
how it sat
All that's left to do is redo the alignment and button up the misc. projects going on with the car and then take it for a good spin
and this is how it sits now, can't see in this pic but I stuffed the rack up a good bit higher, it would have fit without the double joint this way.
how it sat
All that's left to do is redo the alignment and button up the misc. projects going on with the car and then take it for a good spin