Machining Steering Shafts for Header Clearance

Not a new story, I know. I just installed a TSP-built 470 in my '67 GS400. Im having issues with my TA headers rubbing my steering shaft and the vibration goes all the way to the steering wheel. The headers were in the car for about 18 months on the original 400 motor so they already have the clearance dents from before, I just had them ceramic coated prior to the 470 install. I really dont want to whack them any further. I saw an article on the net or in a car magazine about a month ago selling a machined steering shaft for GM A-Bodies but I cant seem to find it. Anybody know about one, or have opinions about machining a steering shaft a little smaller in diameter in the center near the headers?

 

How much clearance are we talking about? If machining it will gain you any clearance, the maybe my solution will help without involving any metal removal.

Here's what I did to gain a little clearance when I swapped steering gear boxes. Loosen the firewall plate that holds the shaft through the firewall and the two bolts under the dash that support it. Move it over to the outside and up/down as necessary to gain some clearance. I gained about 1/4" which was enough to clear my headers. I also put as much rotation on the gear box when I mounted it to the frame. Every little bit helps.

 

x2

I would not mechine the steering shaft at all.

 

My header - steering shaft issue was resolved with a set of new engine mounts direct from Korea. :grin:

 

Assuming the 67 is like the 70-72 cars, try loosening the bolts for the steering shaft retaining plate under the dash. Then push toward the driver side and re-tighten. I had a slight rubbing condition that I just could not quite get rid of and that did it for me a couple years back.

regards

 

Thanx for the quick replies gents. I'll try Greg/Ken's solution ASAP. I don't need much clearance actually. When the flat side of the steering shaft faces the headers, there's no issues so I'll try to slide it over as you guys said. Thanx again.

Pete

 

That is EXACTLY what mine did. Flats were fine, round sides would barely rub. And 1 side rubber harder than the other. I had clearanced the header tube as much as I was willing and needed a solution. I may have even "clearanced" the holes on the plate a bit as I did mine when I rebuilt and installed a tilt column a couple of years ago so I had it all out on the bench.

good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

I "think" there is another shaft with a slightly smaller dia that is a bolt in.....forgot which car has it.

 

You could probably get away with machining the shaft to the smaller diameter, if it isn't round. I personally would try the slide-over solution first.

 

I still don't understand why people ding their nice, expensive headers to clear a steering shaft, or go through the trouble of trying to machine the shaft itself.

You should be able to get them to fit by sliding the column over . . .

 

Yep, Im gonna try to slide the steering shaft over as you guys suggested first chance I get. Im currently working outta town, so will do it when I get back. Thanx again gents.