17-inches worked out to be the magic number for the '70 Camaro. We're working with its high performance AGR box mounted in the stock location.17-inches worked out to be the magic number for the '70 Camaro. We're working with its hig Steering a car is sort of like programming a computer. If the input the computer receives is not correct, then the computer cannot work correctly. Likewise, if the input the driver receives-from the steering wheel-isn't correct, then the car won't drive right. While we love our old Chevrolets, there's a lot they can benefit from. One big improvement you can make is replacing the old steering shaft and its totally outdated "rag joint." A new collapsible steering shaft from Borgeson offers several enhanced features over the old stock unit. First, it eliminates the rag joint with a new vibration-reducing coupling that transmits a firmer feel back to the driver. Also, the billet U-joints create much less slop in the steering mechanism, which gives better feedback to the driver. With good feedback from the wheel, driver's can anticipate what the car will do next and react accordingly. Installing the new shaft assembly took only about two hours, counting paint-drying time, but we did it with the engine out of the car. With the engine in, you'll probably have to remove the driver's side header for installation. You'll only need a few basic hand tools, a drill, a hacksaw (a metal chop saw works better if you have access to one), and maybe a bench grinder. Once you're done, you'll immediately notice a difference in the first corner you turn. After removing your old steering shaft, you need to install the new U-joints and measure the distance between their centers. Allow extra length to slip into the couplings on each end and add another inch to that measurement to allow for slippage in the collapsible shaft.After removing your old steering shaft, you need to install the new U-joints and measure t We used a Porter-Cable metal cut-off saw with a 90-tooth carbide-tipped steel blade to make quick work of cutting the tubular portion of the collapsible column. We didn't need to cut the solid section of the shaft.We used a Porter-Cable metal cut-off saw with a 90-tooth carbide-tipped steel blade to mak After cutting to the proper length, install the shaft into the U-joints and tighten all of the setscrews that secure it. Then remove the shaft and drill a 3/8-inch hole at the dimple left from the setscrew through one side of the flat portion of the tube only. This will keep the tube in place if the setscrew loosens.After cutting to the proper length, install the shaft into the U-joints and tighten all of Next, using the same 3/8-inch drill bit, dimple all of the setscrew locations on the entire shaft. This gives the screws more holding power.Next, using the same 3/8-inch drill bit, dimple all of the setscrew locations on the entir Our Camaro had an interference problem with the setscrews at the K-member. To fix this, we simply ground down the bottom of the setscrew on a bench grinder.Our Camaro had an interference problem with the setscrews at the K-member. To fix this, we A neat trick for grinding small round parts-like the setscrews-is to mount them in a drill chuck and spin it as you grind the part. Be sure to blow the chuck out with compressed air when finished.A neat trick for grinding small round parts-like the setscrews-is to mount them in a drill Tighten all setscrews firmly and lock the jam nut with a wrench or socket. Recheck them after about 100 miles and periodically afterwards.Tighten all setscrews firmly and lock the jam nut with a wrench or socket. Recheck them af The U-joints and hardware are stainless steel so they won't rust. We painted the shaft, masking off the area under the rubber boot to allow for shaft slippage, using high-temp VHT SP-139 GM Black Satin spray paint.The U-joints and hardware are stainless steel so they won't rust. We painted the shaft, ma Another benefit is the compact size of vibration reducers. Two styles of vibration reducers are available: the "In-Line Vibration Reducer" and the "Vibration Reducer / Universal Joint Combination", which is the model we installed shown here.Another benefit is the compact size of vibration reducers. Two styles of vibration reducer SOURCES Borgeson Steering Systems 187 Commercial Blvd. Torrington CT 06790-3098 AGR Inc. 4920 Rondo Dr. Fort Worth TX 76106 (VHT) PJH Brands 8747 E. Via De Commercio Scottsdale AZ 85258-3328 By Mike Petralia Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
