VinR1

iTrader: (17)

I installed a re-indexed LS1 steering shaft yesterday. Fwiw, my steering wheel was already slightly crooked so when indexing the new shaft, instead of the 90deg most people have to use, I only had to go ~15deg or so. Before, I had maybe 2in of play, now I have maybe 1.5" but the steering is extremely 'grabby'? Like it seems tight one minute and extremely loose the next. The front also seems to wander all over the road now, almost to the point of feeling dangerous. I didnt have to jack up the front, wheels balanced a week ago and alignment is maybe a month old

Thoughts/ideas? Is there anywhere else I can tighten the steering or could this be the power steering pump going out?

96lt1m6

iTrader: (31)

I have done 3 of my own F bodies and 12 others and NEVER experienced any negative results... My best guess is either your rack is going bad or you have some issues with your front suspension.......
*****side note****** glad to see another ppm TA

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

Thanks, I just picked up some staggered chrome ZR1s so now our cars are identical

96lt1m6

iTrader: (31)

Lol oh snap!!!!!!!
I did not realize the rarity of the color until I picked mine up in January. Building a new motor for it now then off to the paint Booth to get repainted Original of course.

BLK95-Z

iTrader: (2)

I have one on my lt1 car without issues...

nitroheadz28

iTrader: (3)

I had 1.5-2" of slack at the wheel as well, indexed the LS1 shaft and threw it in. It looks like my wheel is 10* off, I must have gone overboard a spline or 2 but that can be fixed soon enough. My steering is 100% tighter now, very precise and responsive.

I would agree that its probably your rack, or possibly the steering column itself.

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

I happen to have a spare column - where in the column can it get loose?

nitroheadz28

iTrader: (3)

This is when I thought my problem was with the column, it still feels weird when the engine is off. But when driving the steering is tight and very responsive.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...ng-column.html

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

Thanks nitro! Looks like i'll be tearing into my spare column - worst case, I destroy it and I still haven't lost anything

nitroheadz28

iTrader: (3)

You got it, good luck!

socal

iTrader: (1)

sounds like time for a new rack

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

Since you say that, is is more likely the rack or the column? Reman racks are cheap and easy to replace...

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

Another question - is it possible my 19yr old, 115k mi rack was already going out and the sloppy LT1 shaft was hiding it? After swapping the LS1 shaft, I can now feel how bad the rack is? Just curious

warriorcustoms

iTrader: (10)

was gonna PM you & ask how old the rack is Because the worm gear thingy wears out 100k plus Time for a rack

goinfast

I had the same feeling when I did the ls1 shaft. Put a new rack in and it went away. The steering has never felt so good.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

Would it be best to get a 98+ rack to match the indexing of the LS1 steering shaft ? It is just a bolt-in deal as long as they are both changed right?