LivefastZ28

I recently purchased long tube stainless steel headers for my 94 z/28 and after installing them my steering shaft or knuckle is actually in contact with the header itself and when you steer it actually move one of the tubes and is a semi pain in the *** to turn. I got them off of ebay, yes i know, so any suggestions on what to do or is it fine?

robsquikz28

iTrader: (246)

you need to ding that one tube or grind down the steering shaft a bit whichever you prefer

litch2004

iTrader: (1)

^x2 thus is s very common issue in such a tight space that the f-bodies have. I found this out the hard way. My rag joint safety loop on the top side gauged my brand new Hooker super comp jett-hot coated headers. This was within 5 minutes of the install. I almost cried lol. Cut the loops off and good to go. Eventually I will upgrade to a madman steering and manual rack or a rag joint eliminator. But either way cut or hit the header...pick your poison.

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

I would probably ding the header before i would grind down something that is the one link to you steering and controlling your car. Just doesnt sound safe even if you do only have to grind it a little.

n2ocamaro

There is a little adjustment that can be made to the steering shaft. Just loosen the 3 bolts that hold the colomn to the firewall and move it over as far as you can. It may be just enough. I changed to a LS1 steering shaft when I installed my LPP's. It gives a little more room and eliminates the rag joint so no more annoying play in the steering. There are several threads about it here and on LTxTech on how to do the swap.

defaultexistence

iTrader: (11)

take that header or steering shaft out ,heat the pipe with a torch where it rubs the knuckle to get it hott and pliable then ding it and let it cool..the metal will be stronger at the ding this way..then take a bench grinder to the edges of the shafts u-joint knuckles..then repaint the shaft

Spiers

iTrader: (7)

Just take your steering column out, alongate the bolt holes a tad, and bolt it in as far to the left as possible. No hammering or grinding needed..

defaultexistence

iTrader: (11)

^^^If you want your steering off center from the dash cluster and seat centerline a tad.....?i didn't

nascarnate326

iTrader: (1)

I dinged my header and ground a bit of the steering knuckle off. Still seems plenty safe to me.

Spiers

iTrader: (7)

Doesn't move over that much...you wont even notice. Its not like you are drilling new holes for it...you're moving it over maybe a half of an inch. I just wallowed out the holes slightly and slid it over a tad. Not noticable and the steering knuckle clears the primary by probably 1/4 inch, without any grinding or hammering. This is just my experience.

LivefastZ28

Thank you very much I will try them all till one works.

jaycenk

iTrader: (1)

One thing everyone always over looks is make sure the driver side motor mount is good. They tend to crush and this causes the engine to lean twards the driver side and makes the headers sit closer than usual to the steering shaft. You may still need to dig it and what not but a crushed mount can cause you to loose anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 clearance on it.