Borgesen rag joint
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 687
Borgesen rag joint
I'm working on the install of my new Borgesen steering box.
I've read thru a number of posts on rag joint versus u-joint.
Haven't bought either one yet but would like some info on the u-joint.
Since it's connected directly to the steering box does it add a lot of vibration to the steering wheel? I've used u-joints before but typically one on the column, a length of DD shaft and another on the steering box.
Any binding since there could be a slight amount of misalignment between the column and the box?
Thanks,
I've read thru a number of posts on rag joint versus u-joint.
Haven't bought either one yet but would like some info on the u-joint.
Since it's connected directly to the steering box does it add a lot of vibration to the steering wheel? I've used u-joints before but typically one on the column, a length of DD shaft and another on the steering box.
Any binding since there could be a slight amount of misalignment between the column and the box?
Thanks,
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I'm using u-joint and do not notice any abnormal vibration and I have all poly bushings and 550# front springs. My car is more a hot rod than a cruiser, so the only vibrations that have ever bothered me was from my rear suspension . . . had a weird harmonic vibration at 55mph. Fixed that with total rear end rebound. I guess it depends on how you use the car and the level of "comfort" you expect. I'm running BFG 255x60x15 tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Jim Shea who was a GM engineer in the steering division doesn't like the solid Ujoints with the good reasoning that the Vette frame flexes from steering forces. I would think the lower steering column bearing life expectancy would suffer from the use of the solid Ujoint coupler.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,573
Likes: 7,017
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
My '68 project steering column is nearly a "straight shot" to the steering box....I would think a "u-joint" would be O.K. in a vette...and after 30-40 years, the lower column bearing probably needs replacing anyway.
My '34 SBC truck has a u-joint--D shaft combination, and there is no noticeable steering wheel vibration....but I have cushioned leather-wrap on the steering wheel which helps absorb vibration and eliminates hand fatigue.
My '34 SBC truck has a u-joint--D shaft combination, and there is no noticeable steering wheel vibration....but I have cushioned leather-wrap on the steering wheel which helps absorb vibration and eliminates hand fatigue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I'm using u-joint and do not notice any abnormal vibration and I have all poly bushings and 550# front springs. My car is more a hot rod than a cruiser, so the only vibrations that have ever bothered me was from my rear suspension . . . had a weird harmonic vibration at 55mph. Fixed that with total rear end rebound. I guess it depends on how you use the car and the level of "comfort" you expect. I'm running BFG 255x60x15 tires.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 586
Likes: 10
From: Alexandria VA
My '68 project steering column is nearly a "straight shot" to the steering box....I would think a "u-joint" would be O.K. in a vette...and after 30-40 years, the lower column bearing probably needs replacing anyway.
My '34 SBC truck has a u-joint--D shaft combination, and there is no noticeable steering wheel vibration....but I have cushioned leather-wrap on the steering wheel which helps absorb vibration and eliminates hand fatigue.
My '34 SBC truck has a u-joint--D shaft combination, and there is no noticeable steering wheel vibration....but I have cushioned leather-wrap on the steering wheel which helps absorb vibration and eliminates hand fatigue.
Same here, straight shot when I installed mine.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
No. I'm installing the Borgeson kit on an '81. I've read about some folks having interference with their headers and the Borgeson supplied rag joint. I simply wanted to have my ducks in a row in case I needed one. TIA.