steering shaft problem

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 10, 2017 | 12:55 PM

BigGoom

Thread Starter

Teching In

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 33

Likes: 0

From: Parma, Ohio

steering shaft problem

Swapped out the V6 crossmember with the V8. Put new lower control arms and swapped the gear. Went to hook up the steering shaft (coupler) and it won't reach the rack. It hits the headers, but may reach if we damage the headers. Don't want to damage the headers and I don't really want to change the headers unless absolutely necessary. What do I need to do. V8 gear, different shaft?

Apr 10, 2017 | 01:51 PM

bbond105

TECH Junkie

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 3,050

Likes: 716

From: Poplarville, MS

What car, engine and headers. More info. Please.

Apr 10, 2017 | 01:58 PM

BigGoom

Thread Starter

Teching In

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 33

Likes: 0

From: Parma, Ohio

95 Firebird, 5.3L engine, stainless works headers

Apr 10, 2017 | 02:45 PM

blackbyrd

TECH Veteran

iTrader: (14)

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 4,641

Likes: 392

From: cookeville, TN

Im guessing the car was a v6 car to start off with. In this case you need the v8 steering rack. the angle of the input shaft at the rack is different on the v6s cars. Usually the issue is the ls engine has the alternator low on the driverside and this would interfere with the steering shaft. It angles it away from the block about 30 degrees as well as being angled back towards the the firewall. the short of it is you need a ls1 rack or one out of a v6 with the y87 rpo code ( performance and handling option included ls1 steering rack)

Apr 10, 2017 | 03:36 PM

Badazz 97 TA

TECH Addict

iTrader: (18)

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 2,169

Likes: 2

From: Arizona

Yup, the ls1 steering rack and shaft should fix the clearance issue. Like mentioned above Make sure you get the one with a y87 or ws6 code v8 style. I forgot the exact verbage. It has a better steering ratio.