8 Attachment(s)
LS steering shaft *Write Up*
Let me start this out by crediting “The Merv” and “96lt1m6” on LS1Tech for providing the information to do this. I figured I’d do a step by step write up so everyone can see just how simple this is. The LT1 cars came with a “rag joint” which is made of rubber and breaks down over time. This process is speed up with the installation of headers which bring extreme heat to the rubber. The result is loose or sloppy feeling steering due to the flex in the deteriorated rubber joint. LS1 cars use u-joint style ends and can be easily modified to fit LT1 cars. An added benefit of the smaller u-joint is additional room for header clearance.
First what you’ll need:
-Steering shaft from an LS1 car
-11mm or7/16” socket or wrench to remove the steering shaft
-Hammer and a punch or similar object (air hammer if you’re spoiled)
-Small grinding tool (Dremel or metal grinding bit)
-Access to a welder (any exhaust shop should help you out if you don’t have one)
-A bench vise comes in very handy but isn’t required
Attachment 2599
Start by removing the bolts from the stock steering shaft. There is one at the top and one at the bottom. Then remove the shaft from the car, it may take some mild persuasion if it’s never been off!
Attachment 2600
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558741&thumb=1
Once it’s out set it next to the LS shaft and you can see exactly what you have to do. The ends of the LS shaft are slightly off compared to the LT one.
Attachment 2601
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558741&thumb=1
The LS shaft has an end that is splined and can be removed and re-indexed to match your LT shaft. If this isn’t done the steering wheel would be off in the car. You will need to grind off the area where the factory crimped the splined shaft so it can be removed.
Attachment 2602
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558845&thumb=1
Once you’ve ground off the factory crimp you must separate the two pieces. I used a bench vice and an air hammer. After you’ve separated them lay the pieces next to your LT shaft so you can see where you need to index the splines. I put a screwdriver through the fixed ends to aid in keeping the shafts aligned. You can see the LT shaft is not a perfect 90 degrees.
Attachment 2603
Attachment 23441
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558783&thumb=1
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558741&thumb=1
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558783&thumb=1
Once you’ve re-indexed the u-joint end you’ll need to press it back onto the shaft. I used the bench vice, a block of wood, and a hammer. Make sure to put it back in the same spot it was in when you removed it (don’t hit it on too far).
Next clean off some spots on the splined area and put a few tack welds on to hold the two pieces together. This does the same thing as the factory crimp you ground off earlier.
Attachment 23442
Congratulations now install your new LS steering shaft in your car and enjoy more header clearance and tighter steering!
Attachment 23443
http://ltxtech.com/forums/picture.ph...558810&thumb=1