Steering Assistance Please
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Shillington PA
Steering Assistance Please
HI everyone... Hopin someone can help me. I did try searching, however from my phone...its glitchy...and my laptop is broken.
I know on the 4th gen fbodies...its an upgrade to get rid of the steering shaft with the rag joint, in exchange for an LS shaft.....????? is there a similar mod for the earlier c4s?
My 85 has alot of play in the steering...and Id really like to tighten it up.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
LTXtech.com is my DRUG!
I know on the 4th gen fbodies...its an upgrade to get rid of the steering shaft with the rag joint, in exchange for an LS shaft.....????? is there a similar mod for the earlier c4s?
My 85 has alot of play in the steering...and Id really like to tighten it up.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
LTXtech.com is my DRUG!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Shillington PA
I have,,, I know what the problem is...and if it was a fourth gen fbody...I know what the fix is, as stated above.
However I DONT know if the c4s have a similar fix...upgrade, THAT is why I asked the question about the "upgrade," here.
However I DONT know if the c4s have a similar fix...upgrade, THAT is why I asked the question about the "upgrade," here.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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You could actually construct it yourself I believe with the correct DD joints and a DD shaft. I believe the C4 is 17mm DD at the rack and 1" DD at the column. That would need confirmed but I'm quite confident.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 27, 2014 at 04:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Shillington PA
Ok... But outside of a custom made piece..there is no upgrade that is done by swapping out a piece that comes from a newer or later model c4 or vette?
SEE the lt1 fbodies utilize a rag joint in the shaft...after tine...it wears out...hence the play. In 98 the ls fbodies eliminated the rag joint..and that same swap into the older fbodies is the "upgrade/fix" removing that play in the wheel.
I thought at one point I had read someone having an upgrade like that on here... But i cant seem to find it utilizing the search here.
SEE the lt1 fbodies utilize a rag joint in the shaft...after tine...it wears out...hence the play. In 98 the ls fbodies eliminated the rag joint..and that same swap into the older fbodies is the "upgrade/fix" removing that play in the wheel.
I thought at one point I had read someone having an upgrade like that on here... But i cant seem to find it utilizing the search here.
Team Owner
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From: Park City Utah
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,384
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Ok... But outside of a custom made piece..there is no upgrade that is done by swapping out a piece that comes from a newer or later model c4 or vette?
SEE the lt1 fbodies utilize a rag joint in the shaft...after tine...it wears out...hence the play. In 98 the ls fbodies eliminated the rag joint..and that same swap into the older fbodies is the "upgrade/fix" removing that play in the wheel.
I thought at one point I had read someone having an upgrade like that on here... But i cant seem to find it utilizing the search here.
SEE the lt1 fbodies utilize a rag joint in the shaft...after tine...it wears out...hence the play. In 98 the ls fbodies eliminated the rag joint..and that same swap into the older fbodies is the "upgrade/fix" removing that play in the wheel.
I thought at one point I had read someone having an upgrade like that on here... But i cant seem to find it utilizing the search here.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 27, 2014 at 05:11 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Shillington PA
I ref to "rag joint" because im comparing to the upgrade on the fbodies. Known problem is the rag joint... "KNOWN" Fix =`s replacing it with a shaft that does not utilize a rag joint.
As for the c4 and "welding"....what are u refering to that would be welded?
As for the c4 and "welding"....what are u refering to that would be welded?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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here's an eBay with an early intermediate shaft that the seller has mis-advertised but it's what I believe you should find in your '85. You can "zoom" this for a closer look. You can or should be able to feel the problem in yours under the hood. Determine from that I guess if you'd be happy with what others have done.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-corvette-intermediate-shaft-1984-1986-1989-1988-1989-/331071786656?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d156a8ea0&vxp=mtr
Corvette Central offers a reconditioned one. Enter 7843500 in the part # search box:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~A2~cadefib
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 28, 2014 at 01:33 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Shillington PA
You need to inspect yours first and I believe it would become obvious as to what could be done to accommodate a "fix". Welding would eliminate the collapsible aspect of the shaft but it's been done.
here's an eBay with an early intermediate shaft that the seller has mis-advertised but it's what I believe you should find in your '85. You can "zoom" this for a closer look. You can or should be able to feel the problem in yours under the hood. Determine from that I guess if you'd be happy with what others have done.
1985 Corvette Intermediate Shaft 1984 1986 1989 1988 1989 | eBay
Corvette Central offers a reconditioned one. Enter 7843500 is the part # search box:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~A2~cadefib
here's an eBay with an early intermediate shaft that the seller has mis-advertised but it's what I believe you should find in your '85. You can "zoom" this for a closer look. You can or should be able to feel the problem in yours under the hood. Determine from that I guess if you'd be happy with what others have done.
1985 Corvette Intermediate Shaft 1984 1986 1989 1988 1989 | eBay
Corvette Central offers a reconditioned one. Enter 7843500 is the part # search box:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~A2~cadefib
Im thinking maybe I was not clear with my issue.. There is not issue with the collapsability of the shaft, but rather play or slop in the wheel.... Im not sure what welding or "pinning" the shaft so that it would not collapse during impact would do for left and right slop.
Or maybe Im misunderstanding you... idk.
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Im thinking maybe I was not clear with my issue.. There is not issue with the collapsability of the shaft, but rather play or slop in the wheel.... Im not sure what welding or "pinning" the shaft so that it would not collapse during impact would do for left and right slop.
Or maybe Im misunderstanding you... idk.
Or maybe Im misunderstanding you... idk.
Safety Car
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Team Owner
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Why are we talking about rag joints and re-engineering the problem? What's wrong with fixing it the right way? Is your problem the intermediate shaft, the steering rack, or the tie rods? Please be clear. It sounds to me like you just need a good intermediate shaft! If you see movement of the pins that are perpendicular to the centerline of the intermediate shaft, that's your problem! I'd encourage you to fix it the correct way! You'll be good for another 30 years!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Drilled and pinned or weld can/could eliminate the left to right issue that you have presently. Pinning or welding also eliminates the collapsibility of the shaft from impacts. An issue? Maybe not, personal decision. Change to the later with a rag joint - done frequently.
I know the fix of replacing the intermediate shaft is easy, effective, cheap, and reliable!
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
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I have this same issue with my 1985. The slip portion on the intermediate shaft has a lot of slop in it. Any help would be appreciate. I can't seem to find a remanufactured one. I am at the point of removing it now that I know it is the cause of my loose steering.
Last edited by billelovski; Jan 29, 2021 at 05:38 PM.
Safety Car
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From: Fairfax Virginia
I would probably call Turn One and see what they say. They are experts on anything to do with the steering system in a C4. They are online and easy to find.
My rack was sloppy and making noises so I had Turn One rebuild it for me. It is tight and just like a new car "tight". The suggestion they had for me was "Keep the Power Steering Fluid COOL" and your seals will last a lot longer. I have done this on my C3 but not yet on the C4.
I am anxious to learn a way to install Electric Power Steering and get rid of the old power steering system altogether. I would like to do the C3 first and then maybe the C4.
My rack was sloppy and making noises so I had Turn One rebuild it for me. It is tight and just like a new car "tight". The suggestion they had for me was "Keep the Power Steering Fluid COOL" and your seals will last a lot longer. I have done this on my C3 but not yet on the C4.
I am anxious to learn a way to install Electric Power Steering and get rid of the old power steering system altogether. I would like to do the C3 first and then maybe the C4.