Speed Direct Rack & pinion
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
Speed Direct Rack & pinion
I installed a Speed Direct Rack & pinion on my 1978 Corvette.
I am very impressed with the fit and finish of this kit. The only issue I am having is getting all the binding out of the universal joint. I have adjusted the steering shaft support bearing from all the way aft to all the way forward. I found a spot around mid way where the binding is the least but still lightly felt. The joints are properly phased. The instructions say you may have to loosen the column and slide it back. Do I unbolt the entire column? Just the bolts under the dash or the ones on the firewall as well? How much adjustability for and aft does the steering column have?
I am very impressed with the fit and finish of this kit. The only issue I am having is getting all the binding out of the universal joint. I have adjusted the steering shaft support bearing from all the way aft to all the way forward. I found a spot around mid way where the binding is the least but still lightly felt. The joints are properly phased. The instructions say you may have to loosen the column and slide it back. Do I unbolt the entire column? Just the bolts under the dash or the ones on the firewall as well? How much adjustability for and aft does the steering column have?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,722
From: Summerville SC
On my Flaming River rack n pinion I had to slide the steering column up about an inch or so, if I recall. I had recently rebuilt my column so all I did was gently tap the end of the shaft with a brass drift or hammer. Sometimes the shaft is rusted in place because it hadn't been moved in years. so a good dose of rust remover is called for before tapping it. You shouldn't have to hit it hard, but remember that shaft is designed to collapse into the column, in the event of an accident. I would suggest putting a line on the shaft as far down as you want it to go up. When that line reaches the lower bearing, you know you have gone far enough. Maybe do it in small increments so you don'e have to pull it back out. 
