Gm Column Bell Vs. Ujoint

My resolution is posted down the thread a bit...here is my original question:

So I have a GM column with the bell connection to the power gear box. I see a few places where I could possibly replace just the bell with a ujoint style connection. Has anyone done this before and how did you like it?


Sweet Mfg Steering U-Joint, 3/4 Inch DD to 3/4 Inch DD, Universal

Trying to keep cost down and not have to buy a $260 Borgeson shaft.

 

I've not done it on a GM's but have done it on Dodge's. Found that it does remove a lot of "slop" from the steering shaft. WHile the bells can be rebuilt, they seem to wear faster than they did the first time. The rebuild kits usually contain 2-sliders, 2-springs, grease, and a new seal/boot. Think the inside of the bell wears the first time, then it is a little rough when rebuilt causing the new sliders to go bad quickly. Kind of like replacing brake shoes without turning/replacing brake drums.

In my experience the u-joint is a very good option. Just make sure you buy automotive grade u-joint.

 

Borgeson makes some too, I just pasted a pic from my quick search. I've already replaced the bell once a few years ago. There is too much slop in the steering and it appears to be coming from the bell and I want to do something that works, is inexpensive (comparatively), and of course safe.

 

Keep in mind you have to have some slip/flex/give movement in the lower steering shaft somewhere.
The bell coupler provides that.
Solid without slip-n-slide is a no-no.

 

So maybe not so easy to just replace the bell with that u-joint. I see the borgeson and flaming river shafts allow for about 3" of flex and have u-joints at both ends.

Sounds like I might need to suck up the cost to do it right.

 

Folks bad mouth the bell coupler. I don't know why.
If it's packed properly with grease and the boot is maintained, they will last a long time..
I've run them for over 30 years with no issues.
I had to swap from manual to power coupler just because of the power steering swap.
Guess I'm just lucky....

 

I had a PTO shaft around and I mixed and matched ends to mate to my post office Jeep column and manual cj Saginaw box. Twice the heft of a borgeson with a slider n all and greasable too.

 

I also used PTO joints in my Saginaw conversion. I didn't even know borgeson joints were available then. I have less money in the whole shaft than what one joint costs. I do like the look and size of the borgeson stuff.

 

I did replace my steering shaft with a bogerson one. Price is high but the quality is there. If you want a tight steering without any loose go with their product, you won't regret it

 

I think I will be doing that. Plus a home made steering box brace. Once done, the steering should be nice and tight.

I've noticed that it really is a bit sloppy right now. I've already got 6* shims in the front, all the other steering components are nice and tight, so I think those two things will help it immensely.

 

I used the slip joint and u joint from a XJ.. worked peeeeerfect, just had to shorten it a tad.. Went between a Ford pickup Column and a Ford van box mounted behind the front cross member on my CJ.

 

Jim is right. I fact he helped me reconnect a separated shaft on the trail. Before I install a bell coupler.

 

Okay. So here is the resolution to my steering column slop. I was able to trace it to three things...the lower bearing was bad on the GM column (where the steering shaft connects near the firewall, engine side), the u-joint in the OEM column itself, and the bell coupling. All of which contributed to steering slop, some worse than others.

I took the PS gear off (it is a J truck type with variable ratio) and double checked the torque values to turn, everything was in spec and according to the TSM. The PS bracket was nice and tight so nothing there to worry about either as were all of the tie rod/drag link ends.

Since I have a GM column, with a J truck PS gear, I had to buy my components separately. I purchased the 36" Borgeson telescopic DD column that I'll have to trim to fit, part number 450036. For the GM column end I purchased the Borgeson 1" 48 spline x 1" DD u-joint part number 014352, and for the PS gear end I purchased the 3/4" DD x 3/4" 30 spline u-joint part number 014931. All the parts appear to be high quality, unpainted steel with some temp coating to keep the rust away so it will need painting. The spline count on the PS gear is actually 26 and then there is a flat spot, but if it would have continued it would have been 30 spline, the part I bought fits nice and snug, no need to hammer it on. The 1" 48 spline fits tighter but it does wiggle on eventually (I had to use a wooden block as a hammer to tap it into place, nothing crazy though.)

I replaced the GM column lower bearing with a Crown part number 4487696K, made in the USA and nice fit with no slop.

The install requires some cutting and/or drilling slots to enable the set-screws on the new u-joints to sit and tighten down better than just splines alone.

I haven't cut the shaft to fit yet, but instruction are clear to cut the hollow end which is the 1" tube, not the 3/4" end. Once I do that, install and test, I'll report my experience here.

Last update Feb. 13, 2017: Have it all installed now and took a few test drives, it makes a ginormous difference in handling, there is zero slop in the steering linkages now. The CJ feels very stable on the road. Totally worth the upgrade to me, makes it a daily driver if it wasn't for gas mileage.

 

Borgeson maybe a little pricey but those are great product, easy so custom and the quality of the ride worht every penny