I pulled my shaft today

After getting the frame swap done, I noticed my truck seemed to wander more than it did prior to the swap.

I brought it in for alignment and the toe was way out. The dealer must not have taken the time to do it correctly.

After getting the alignment done, the truck felt better but still wandered at highway speeds. I was constantly having to correct the wheel.

I decided to pull the column out and tack weld the intermediate shaft assembly. The results were incredible, no more wandering and the steering feels tight.

The hardest part was putting the tilt springs back. I didn't disconnect the shaft from the wheel and just welded it in place.

I made sure the column didn't rotate and wreck the clock spring. All in this was about a 40 minute job. I'd encourage anyone who's steering rattles or wanders to do this tack weld mod.

 

That's what she said

 

The thread titles today......suggestive as hell.

The 'intermediate shaft', is that the slip joint thats meant to collapse in an impact?

 

I pulled my shaft today also. Oh wait, we are talking about car parts here?

 

Yup that's the bugger. If the shit hits the fan where that shaft is collapsing I'll probably wish I was dead anyway.

 

I just weld mine all the way around....

 

You just wanted to show off your awesome car collection didn't you?

 

On the serious though, when I modded my column, I much like @ckblum I welded it all the way around. That will ensure a failure free column for years to come.

 

Still waiting for someone to do this with JB weld.

 

I thought people do the tack weld so that, god forbid, you get into a major collision, the tack welds on the slip joint (meant to collapse in an impact), can break free. Is this correct?

 

That is the theory, and that is highly likely, but if your in that major of an accident to the point where your engine is pushed back and your steering column comes with it, you probably would be dead with that sort of impact anyways.

 

yea I just think the Toyota engineers put the slip joint in for a reason, so it may be more than just a theory; but it certainly is a theory on here heh

 

I do wonder at what year they started putting in slip joints in their steering wheels, but I have not seen a design like that in any other steering wheel setup from other manufacturers.

 

That shop looks way too congested for safe and effective work. I'll be a good friend and get one of those vehicles out of there for you.

 

The collapsible column is one of those mandates like "all cars will have seat belts" and goes back to 1966 although the 48 "Tucker" had it and various other companies voluntarily played around with them before 66.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Traffic_and_Motor_Vehicle_Safety_Act

In the 1st gen it is nearly a useless feature due to geometry and the construction of the rest of the column assembly. One is far safer having firm and direct steering control.

Cheaper for Toyota to just follow the mandate than file for an exemption.

 

good to know, thanks