[03_Vortech_GT_Vert]

I was hoping someone could provide a little advice. I just installed long tubes on my car.

I put in new mounts and bolted up the k-member. For the life of me I can't get the rag joint to go back on the shaft.

I know it's keyed ... I assume the notch goes where the bolt threads through. I locked the column before I started, but the shaft must have rotated slightly.

Anyway, I unlocked the column and rotated it 360 degrees and I couldn't get it to go over the shaft.

Getting in there with a hammer is going to be next to impossible, especially with the header in place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[poweredpony69]

I had the same problem with my long tubes, I ended up buying offset steering rack bushings and notching the headers a tiny bit with a hammer.

 

[WickedSnake00]

First, clear off the splined part as much as you can. That can make life a lot more difficult than it has to be. A little lube also helps it slide on. You're right that it's keyed with the notch corresponding with the bolt hole. Leave the steering wheel unlocked so you can wiggle it. That should be able to work it on.

Second, if all else fails it's really easy to remove the whole midshaft. There's another pinch bolt underneath the dash, and it collapses. Disengage it from the column, get it lined up and installed on the rack, and then reinstall the midshaft in the column. That one is really easy since it's a square tube with a pinch bolt. Sometimes the shaft doesn't give you quite the alignment you want or need with the rag joint so it's tough to force on. Easier to mount it to the rack first where you can angle it any which way you want, and then get it to meet up with the column.

 

[dexdiman]

I bought a new steering shaft and I had a similar issue and I don't have longtube headers. WickedSnake nailed it if you're having issues assembling it, but if the rag joint and headers are just not working out then you are going to have to notch the headers or buy a steering rack without a rag joint.

https://www.maximummotorsports.com/...Power-Steering-Rack-1994-04-Mustang-P460.aspx

 

[03_Vortech_GT_Vert]

Thank you so much guys. I think I'll try the column approach first, then see what kind on clearance I have.

Currently I think the clearance is good (about 1/4 inch to the primary), and I'm on the shaft; It's that last 1/2 inch where everything mates together that's giving me fits.

Once everything mates up if I don't have good clearance I'll bust out a c-clamp and dent the primary. Thanks again for the advice.