My Project 56Chevy1300

[56chevy1300]

Had some time to finish my airbag cutouts. Also bought a fuel pump, brake calipers and a a power brake booster and master cylinder from CPP.

[texascowboy593]

Nice progress!

[tiggerstoy]

love the progress...on another note, my band will be playing the urban lounge( the one on whyte) we are called Smart-Alex...will be there by 7pm,come on down with some pic's, and i'll buy you a drink....if you can.
oh ya.....it's on the 4th, hope you can make it......max.

[56chevy1300]

Hi Tigger, sorry I missed your gig, hope it was a good one, I haven't been to the urban lounge for several years!!!

[56chevy1300]

front suspension starting to come together.

[56chevy1300]

On the advice of Poncho Villa, I sent my old steering box to Randy at Steering Solutions, he sent me a completely rebuilt box.

[jkaylor68gmc]

You have done a really nice job, kudos, hope it continues to go well. It is going to be one awesome truck.

[56chevy1300]

1) Picked up a Flaming River u-joint; 2) Mating the stock Trans Am shaft to the '81 GMC van column; 3) 10 bolt Camaro rear axle w/342 gears.

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by jkaylor68gmc

You have done a really nice job, kudos, hope it continues to go well. It is going to be one awesome truck.

Hey thanks, jkaylor...Truck Builder rocks!

[56chevy1300]

Another pic of the steering shaft...any advice would be appreciated (angle, length, etc.)

[1-ton of fun]

you may need to start over with the column linkage. it looks like you need two u-joints to get the shaft to line up, and some cut to fit DD shaft. with two u-joints, i would have a bearing on the middle section of shaft (many people use a big heim for ease of fabrication)

[56chevy1300]

Thanks for the feedback. I have seen many setups with 2 u-joints. What is the main reason for using 2, is my angle too great?

[1-ton of fun]

it just looks like it doesn't line up to bolt together. if it does, then i don't think the angle is too bad.

[56chevy1300]

You are correct, 1 ton of fun, the u-joint binds, so I think I do need 2 u-joints.

Also, how is the column attached to the firewall? Is it welded, or is it just clamped? Feedback please and thank you!

[pgf545]

56, I just pulled the column out of my camaro and it has a plate the is attached to the column and the is bolted to the firewall. I haven't done the truck yet so I am not sure what I am going to do on that.

Bernie

[1-ton of fun]

i would bolt it, in case it would ever need to be serviced in the future. i try to design my stuff so i can work on it easily for maintenance and repairs.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Hey 56, The angle on mine is close to what yours is. I did use 2 joints and a double D shaft. I did not use the rag joint at the steering box. Here's a few pic's.

[OrrieG]

Borgsons web site gives some good info on where and how many universal joints you need. I'm getting ready to tackle mine and have figured I would need one at each end with a slip joint in the middle because based on previous experience with 4wd the cab and frame will flex when off-road.

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

Hey 56, The angle on mine is close to what yours is. I did use 2 joints and a double D shaft. I did not use the rag joint at the steering box. Here's a few pic's.

Thanks guys. Hey Cal 58, did you install a vibration dampener as well?

[56chevy1300]

Also Cal 58, how did you attach the bottom u-joint to the steering box? Thanks!

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by 1-ton of fun

i would bolt it, in case it would ever need to be serviced in the future. i try to design my stuff so i can work on it easily for maintenance and repairs.

How do you suggest I bolt my column to my firewall, keeping an asthetically pleasing both in the cab and in the engine compartment?

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

Thanks guys. Hey Cal 58, did you install a vibration dampener as well?

No, I did'nt use the dampener. I can fill a small amount of viberation in the wheel but nothing really bad. I still might put the dampener in later. The bottom u-joint is attached to the steering box and then to the double D shaft. If you in need of a double D shaft let me know, I have a new one that was powder coated I would let go real cheap.

[1-ton of fun]

i'm using one of these, and making a plate to cover the factory hole:

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd169.htm

[56chevy1300]

I've looked at those floor mounts...doesn't it need to slide over the column from the bottom? Would my shift link on the bottom of my column get in the way?

[1-ton of fun]

yes, i am trying to figure out how to disassemble the column linkage to get it on there