Steering shaft securement

[Rip VW]

I am in the process of setting up my steering shaft on the T. The steering linkage from the bottom of the column to my front frame mount Vega box. I have a Vega spline to 3/4 double D U joint on the box. The bottom of the column has a 1" to 3/4" Double D Dual cardan U joint. (a double joint). the connection between column U joint and box U joint is a 3/4" Double D steering shaft. Oh there is a shaft support bearing on the upper portion of the Double D shaft.

Now looking at the way the DD shaft is secured in each U joint, I am concerned that just a small indentation on the shaft is the way the U joint set screw is supposed to keep the shaft from sliding out. I feel if done this way it will not be as reliable as it could be. I am wondering how deep a person should make the set screw indentations? Anyone have any suggestions on how to secure the shaft? I also entertained the thought I could put a spot Bead to tack the shaft and U joint together that way it could be disassembled if needed by grinding the spot weld..
Either way I have finally got the steering wheel connected to the steering box. I have been a bit slowed over the last couple of months due to a relapse of my bone disease which slowed me to a stop for a while. However I am trying to get out in the shop for say an hour a couple of times a week and I am making slow progress..

So if anyone has any ideas of how to safely secure the steering shaft shout out and lets look at everything pros and cons...

 

[old round fart]

I’m going to drill all the way through and put a lock nut on the bolt.

 

[choppinczech]

I think you'd be fine with indentations and cone-point set screws. Just enough detent for the points and some thread locker at final assembly time.



Your sections of shaft are trapped in place and aren't going anywhere.

 

[Spanky]

I think chop has the right idea. Mine has been on the road since 2016 with no problems using that setup.

 

[Rip VW]

Yeah, I think I will use a little bit deeper recess so as to capture all of the tip of the set screw but not go all the way through the shaft. I feel making a hole all the way through will weaken the U joint or shaft and could cause a failure. When it comes to brakes and steering I get a little anal with safety... With that dual cardan U joint there is a way for the shaft to work itself out of the U joint if the set screw loosens. Of course the support bearing would have to come loose also to allow the double U joint to sag down opening enough space to allow the shaft to slip out. Yeah I am probably overthinking this whole thing but rest assured when it is final assembled it will be held with a liberal application of Locktight..

Has anyone had any problems with the set screws loosening on them? Just curious ya know.

 

[T-Test]

No

 

[Neshkoro]

I've also seen them using a setscrew with a jam nut to help lock in the set screw. Belt and suspenders!!

 

[409T]

Has anyone had any problems with the set screws loosening on them? Just curious ya know.

No. My steering shaft doesn't see very high RPM.

 

[Rip VW]

Yeah my set screws use a Nylock nut to lock them so I think I may be ok there. This is what I get for having so much time on my hands setting around over thinking my imaginary problems.

 

[DonnyRay]

Flaming river has videos regarding steering rod installations.

 

[PotvinGuy]

Rip, I too have a double U at the end of the column:


Both ends are splined. I've run it like this with locknuts on the setscrews for 30 years. And here are my shaft supports:



The usual Borgeson, and the other was made by my pro builder with a nylon bushing. My shaft is about 4 ft long (runs up to the R&P in the front crossmember). The shaft supports keep the shaft in place even if the setscrews were to loosen. And as p/o my Spring make-ready I check the setscrews.

 

[Rip VW]

Potvin Guy, I really like you custom shaft support. Yeah my total shaft length is only 11 1/2" long. I will be using a single support about 3 inches from the double U joint. I wish it would warm up a bit more so I can get out and finish the mount for the steering support. I was out the other day and I just can't get going anymore when it is cold...

 

[PotvinGuy]

Rip, it's -14 here in MN this morning...I feel your pain.

 

[Rip VW]

Potvin Guy, I am spoiled I guess if it were 14 outside here, I think I would stay in bed and sleep in!!!