Flaming River Steering Column_Universal Joint
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 586
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From: Alexandria VA
Flaming River Steering Column_Universal Joint
I'm reso/modding my 72 BB and intend to put the Borgeson PS box on it. Looking for feedback from those who have converted to the FM steering column.
Reason: During the resto process I discovered, upon realizing the Borgeson supplied rag joint would not just slide on the stock column, that the splines in front of the flat spot on my stock column are damaged. Not surprising since I had to use unusual force to get the old rag off the damn thing. I think someone pounded on it previously because that old RJ was a mess.
I'm curious to know if I can simply grind the stock column splines in that area to see I can get it to work? If that cannot be done then I'm thinking about buying the FR column (curious what folks think of the FR column). If I do that does the FR universal joint add anything beyond the brand new rag joint I have? I know that the RJ provides some vibration absorption qualities and the universal appears to be fairly rigid.
Reason: During the resto process I discovered, upon realizing the Borgeson supplied rag joint would not just slide on the stock column, that the splines in front of the flat spot on my stock column are damaged. Not surprising since I had to use unusual force to get the old rag off the damn thing. I think someone pounded on it previously because that old RJ was a mess.
I'm curious to know if I can simply grind the stock column splines in that area to see I can get it to work? If that cannot be done then I'm thinking about buying the FR column (curious what folks think of the FR column). If I do that does the FR universal joint add anything beyond the brand new rag joint I have? I know that the RJ provides some vibration absorption qualities and the universal appears to be fairly rigid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
I don't know anything about the flaming river column, but it seems like you can try dressing up the splines on your original column. If you have to file off the first 1/8" to get rid of the messed up part there should still be plenty left. A wire brush on a drill works to get the rust off. Can you show a pic of the damage?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
I just put a fr column in my 75. I like it, mounting kit is nice. The drop mount needs washers for the bolts (big fender washers). Other than that it fit perfect. As far as the u-joints they make, I was running one on my stock column, also have one in my 69 Camaro and 81 Camaro. I didn't notice any vibration difference to be honest but that's just me I guess. Personally like them better after having a rag joint come half apart on my 69.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 586
Likes: 10
From: Alexandria VA
I don't know anything about the flaming river column, but it seems like you can try dressing up the splines on your original column. If you have to file off the first 1/8" to get rid of the messed up part there should still be plenty left. A wire brush on a drill works to get the rust off. Can you show a pic of the damage?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 586
Likes: 10
From: Alexandria VA
I just put a fr column in my 75. I like it, mounting kit is nice. The drop mount needs washers for the bolts (big fender washers). Other than that it fit perfect. As far as the u-joints they make, I was running one on my stock column, also have one in my 69 Camaro and 81 Camaro. I didn't notice any vibration difference to be honest but that's just me I guess. Personally like them better after having a rag joint come half apart on my 69.
