Steering Shaft

I have not posted in a while. However, I still visit the site regularly. I have recently completed the install of my fiberglass tub (CJ5) and it has a slight body lift 1-2inches. Last night when hooking up my pedals and steering I realized that some things may be a little short. The clutch rod and linkage I have adjusted and work fine, my brake master cylinder push rod is fine. Yet my steering shaft from bottom of column to steering coupler on the steering box seems about 3/4 to 1in short. (Manual steering)
I have considered loosening the universal and sliding further down splines, but, I am not sure this will make up the difference.
Here is my question...
What if I cut shaft and weld in an extension of the same diameter? Or, cut and create an adjustable joint somehow?
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

I think that if you try to slide the shaft universal down you will find that the pinch bolts that secure it to the shaft crosses the shaft in a groove. This is to keep it in that location. You would have to grind another groove in the steering shaft to relocate the joint.
I know the lower joint that connects the shaft to the steering box is that way and from what I remember, the shaft universal has these bolt groves as well. It's been a while since I had that joint separated on my vehicle.
I guess I would look towards a shaft extension, providing it was a good weld job. Maybe others would not recommend welding a critical part like that.

 

i would look at getting an aftermarket shaft. there would be alot of liability involved if the shaft should come apart for some reason.

 

Thanks! The cut and weld method has me worried as well.

 

sleeve it with a pipe and weld both ends.....if you feel confident of your welding skills...

 

Go with a new after market shaft, if your worried about welding.