Steeroids, problems? Benefits!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
Thats because they couldn't be adjusted to not bind. There are lots of vettes on this forum that have the same problem. The system was re designed because why? Why were the brackets re designed and why was the angel changed on the support. The bottom line is the angel's on the system are no good. I understand you want to make a bolt in system because most vette owners wont take a drill to there vette or cut anything but that doesn't make it a good system. I am sure you are aware that there is lots of flex in those brackets right do you realize that? that would explain the cracking around the bolt hole right. How do you explain the torn metal on the bottom where the rack mounts to the bracket? binding joint? no I don't think so More like driving down the road and hitting bumps. whenever that tire turns or hits a bump that rack wants to rip off the the mount. It needs to be mounted more securely. Do not try to discredit me I will not sit back and look like the fool so your company can make a sale. I think more people should speak up who are not happy.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
I have been talking about the Jeep box for years now. I have been running it for about 4 years and over 20000 miles with no problems.
I also autocross it alot and usually finish in the top 5 cars (mostly late models) which I give most of the credit to the steering box.
Here is the box in action a few weeks ago, we finished about 6 out of over 130 vettes competing.
I also autocross it alot and usually finish in the top 5 cars (mostly late models) which I give most of the credit to the steering box.
Here is the box in action a few weeks ago, we finished about 6 out of over 130 vettes competing.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Thats because they couldn't be adjusted to not bind. There are lots of vettes on this forum that have the same problem. The system was re designed because why? Why were the brackets re designed and why was the angel changed on the support. The bottom line is the angel's on the system are no good. I understand you want to make a bolt in system because most vette owners wont take a drill to there vette or cut anything but that doesn't make it a good system. I am sure you are aware that there is lots of flex in those brackets right do you realize that? that would explain the cracking around the bolt hole right. How do you explain the torn metal on the bottom where the rack mounts to the bracket? binding joint? no I don't think so More like driving down the road and hitting bumps. whenever that tire turns or hits a bump that rack wants to rip off the the mount. It needs to be mounted more securely. Do not try to discredit me I will not sit back and look like the fool so your company can make a sale. I think more people should speak up who are not happy.
This forum is the greatest test bed for any Corvette R&D and any company who is looking for a sucessful market needs to pay close attention to feedback. No one here is interested in just discrediting anyones R&D without good cause. When mods are purchased a a premium price then the R&D should be complete. Many Corvete oweners on this forum should be thanked by the manufacture for the feed back.I have found this forum on steering mods to very informitive and usful in making my purchases.
Some one is going to devlope or inprove a rack mod that has the required capibilities.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 81
From: Santo TX
78 Vette, we have extensive instructions on how to set up the u-joints so they don't bind and when that doesn't work we list our tech support number for further assistance. Some installations are just difficult to get the binding out but I have never encountered one that I haven't been able to get working smoothly. You have no idea how much force is applied to the brackets when the u-joints are binding. You may not agree with my analysis of the cause of your bracket problem but I have a lot more experience with these systems than you do and, therefore, better understand why things happen. We have thousands of our Corvette systems on the road and on the race track. I am not trying to discredit you. I am just filling in important information relevant to the particular situation.
We don't "hard sell" anybody. People can make up their own minds about what fits their needs best. I have intentionally stayed out of this thread for that reason. I have no problem with happy customers as well as detractors commenting. That is what this forum is for. However, I will comment when I can provide important information that others can't.
We don't "hard sell" anybody. People can make up their own minds about what fits their needs best. I have intentionally stayed out of this thread for that reason. I have no problem with happy customers as well as detractors commenting. That is what this forum is for. However, I will comment when I can provide important information that others can't.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Remember many C3 owners do not put very many miles on their car, so problems will not show up for some time. You redesigned the brackets to make it stronger as a result of some failures. Are you going to offer this to all steeroids owners? I'd hate to see you wait until they start failing. If there are truely that many installations out there, you have quite a bit of exposure to liability. I'm sure you want everyone to be safe.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Just my 2 cents. I just installed my Steeroid R&P. As for the u-joints go. I didn't tighten any of the set screws at first. I let them kind of set/center themselves. Then tighten the shaft support just a little. Turn the wheels no binding tighten support. Then I tighten the set screws. I drive my vette up and down the state of Florida. Got locals shows until ThanksGiving. The go to Turkey Rod Run in Daytona. That will be the road test. If all goes well you won't here from me. But if I have any trouble I will post it.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
There is only one adjustment and there is a very small window to fall into. The problem is the brackets are not sturdy enough to hold adjustment in that small window. If there were that much force on the brackets from binding joints I would imagine all the force transmitted through the shaft would have damaged the rack.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
Remember many C3 owners do not put very many miles on their car, so problems will not show up for some time. You redesigned the brackets to make it stronger as a result of some failures. Are you going to offer this to all steeroids owners? I'd hate to see you wait until they start failing. If there are truely that many installations out there, you have quite a bit of exposure to liability. I'm sure you want everyone to be safe.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 12
From: Midwest
I am still unsure about the steering setup to use. There are many good arguments for each route. Does anyone know if the VBP jeep box mount has an improved method for mounting it? One downside to the jeep box is header clearance. It does not seem good to have your headers almost touching the steering box. With my current setup, stock manual box, the headers boil the grease out of the box. Regardless of what I do I need to fix this problem.
Last edited by 68L71; May 26, 2009 at 12:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Is frame flex also a part of this equation?
Im looking for the best solution to upgrade my steering since Im probably keeping the C3. My biggest fear is the OEM steering fails with the kids in the car with oncoming traffic.
Not cutting up the car is important as doing this by the backyard mechanic is what makes it economically feasable, but it has to be safe and fool proof, maybe even idiot proof.
A couple of questions if you'all dont mind:
I like the idea of a rack system. Is a shim for the pump available with these kits to give a better feel? Im not oposed to pulling the pump apart.
Anyone have any links on the jeep box?
Thanks.......
Im looking for the best solution to upgrade my steering since Im probably keeping the C3. My biggest fear is the OEM steering fails with the kids in the car with oncoming traffic.
Not cutting up the car is important as doing this by the backyard mechanic is what makes it economically feasable, but it has to be safe and fool proof, maybe even idiot proof.
A couple of questions if you'all dont mind:
I like the idea of a rack system. Is a shim for the pump available with these kits to give a better feel? Im not oposed to pulling the pump apart.
Anyone have any links on the jeep box?
Thanks.......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
MN-Brent brings up a good point about potential stock system failures. My POS steering, I mean power steering tried to kill me and my passenger one afternoon by suddenly yanking the wheel out of my hands and pointing us across opposing lanes. Fortunately there was no oncoming traffic at that moment, and I got stopped just a couple of feet from a utility pole. 
I got out and took my knife to the belt, got home and removed the entire system, including replacing the drag link with Guldstrand's HD piece. Been manual ever since. True, it can be a bear in parking lots, but I don't care to play Russian Roulette. On the up side, my upper body strength improved, as did road feel.
Of course, the General's "suit" said it was impossible... And yes, I've heard that others have died because of this happening. So, does anyone still insist on keeping your Vette all original?? (Don't answer that. It would ruin a good thread.)
OK, rant over...
I got out and took my knife to the belt, got home and removed the entire system, including replacing the drag link with Guldstrand's HD piece. Been manual ever since. True, it can be a bear in parking lots, but I don't care to play Russian Roulette. On the up side, my upper body strength improved, as did road feel.
Of course, the General's "suit" said it was impossible... And yes, I've heard that others have died because of this happening. So, does anyone still insist on keeping your Vette all original?? (Don't answer that. It would ruin a good thread.)
OK, rant over...