Gmt400 steering shaft upgrade. Cunningham Machine steering shaft.

Gmt400 steering shaft upgrade. I have seen fancier hi performance steering boxes and higher output power steering pumps (that are good for hydraulic winches). You must be registered for see images attach You must be registered for see images attach Plus a longer Jul 22, 2014 · Gotta bring it up I'm also in the thread about steering shaft wobble But isn't gear box issues commonly mistaked with the shaft slop? Apr 26, 2021 · Currently I just had the bolt that holds the steering shaft into the steering box break. Out of the box I could tell it was a quality machined piece and it only took me about 40 minutes to install. The cartridge body is constructed of acetal and is fitted with two Buna-N o-rings to Shop GMT400 GMT Trucks Steering Parts and get Free Shipping on orders over $175 at Speedway Motors. Jul 16, 2012 · So its a basically a reworked stock deal. After doing some research, I was told to swap my gear box with one out of a 98. Dec 18, 2019 · Thanks for the info. I'm confident once I start taking it apart I will be able to clear up my confusion but I was hoping someone could look at these pics and tell me if the XJ shaft will work safely in my Jul 13, 2023 · Wolff Engineering M109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing for Saginaw columns with 2" jacket and 1" shaft. This is a super easy swap to eliminate a butt load of steering slop. As soon as I find one at a reasonable price, I'm adding it to my '88 K1500. Then I started reading here on this most recent steering upgrade thread showing stating it won't work safely in my 95. Sep 23, 2022 · XJ Steering Shaft Upgrade (88-94 Trucks) 95+instructions on page 31 Does anyone have a part number for the jeep XJ direct easiest sawp out to a non-rag joint shaft for 88 - 94 GMC K series truck. Last I heard, the GM shaft has been discontinued, but there were still some in dealer Jul 16, 2012 · When these trucks were new they had tight steering but now that there's some play (and we know it's a bad rag joint) we're opting to redesign the steering shaft and use U-joints. Steering shaft upgrade Pillsbury42 Jan 24, 2023 Stock Suspension + Bolt On Kits Replies 6 Views 4K May 3, 2023 MNorton M G Modified 2000 Tahoe Limited For Sale - Columbus, IN gearheadE30 May 6, 2023 For Sale 2 3 4 Replies 35 Views 3K Sep 3, 2023 gearheadE30 G 11 minutes ago Engine Performance + Maintenance 15 minutes ago Axles + Brakes 19 Apr 5, 2025 · I need an OEM 26016265 intermediate steering shaft. Blob joint missing or inside firewall. Im going to look into this EVO you guys speak of. MAYBE all you need is the Jeep steering column shaft with U-joints instead of the rag-joint. Eliminate that worn out rag joint with a U-joint. The shaft will compress at the top. Have Sloppy Steering ? Well Today I Have The Fix For You , Cunningham Machine Lower Half Shaft With U-Joint. com Jan 30, 2018 · That opinion may change when I upgrade the lower steering column shaft Keep in mind that the damned rag-joint at the steering gear input is infamous for slop. I replaced the idler arm and idler arm bracket and now there is MAYBE 1 inch of play, if that. If it's the shaft that connects to the steering gear via a crappy rag-joint, you can do betterif you can find one. The GM part numbers for the shaft and the one longer bolt needed, have already been posted in this thread. If I grab the shaft from under the hood and turn it, it goes Aug 15, 2019 · Hopefully I'm in the correct spot. The adjustment on the input shaft near the rag joint is done first, THEN the easy one on the top of the box. Minus my learning curve the basic swap took about 20 min. The Jeep joint also doesn't fit early 3500s. Now that I have all the parts, I am about to start installing new stuff. Jul 16, 2012 · The center section of the xj shaft does not collapse and you have to melt the plastic inside in order to separate the shaft. Jul 16, 2012 · The plastic piece inside the xj shaft restricts the length. It was GM# 26033170 and looks like it is discontinued. For what its worth, see this thread on what I’m going for Jeep steering shaft upgrade explained Had an extra that never got used. Our crossover steering system comes complete and ready to bolt on, the draglink is already the right length (bent if necessary) and is directly tapped. I used MOOG problem solver parts. 88-94 Trucks. it still had the GM sticker on it with the part number, but it pealed off when I power washed it. I put in a new rag joint a while back but you can definitely still see play in the gearbox. I guess there was enough play in the joint on it. Jun 8, 2012 · The shafts that fit are 84-00 Jeep Cherokee XJ steering shafts. * ONLY FOR EARLIER TRUCKS! The later trucks have a second u-joint in the shaft, and if you install the XJ steering shaft and crank the wheel you can lock your steering at the wrong time. Will a jeep steering shaft still work? Jul 16, 2012 · The GM part numbers for the shaft and the one longer bolt needed, have already been posted in this thread. Also fit the 1994-1996 Impala SS cars. Some with quicker gear ratios, ECT. I will say this, I am on my 4th reman gear box from ORilleys. Cunningham Machine Vastly higher quality door pins and bushings, upgraded tie rod adjusters, upgraded steering shafts to clean up that sloppy steering, billet interior widgets. We replace it with a 88-94 Jeep steering shaft. Cunningham Machine seems to constantly be searching for the next thing we need to fix on these trucks. Jul 16, 2012 · The "common wisdom" on the huge steering-shaft Sticky thread is that the '95-newer GMT400s got air bags and a redesigned steering column/shaft with an extra joint in it, that becomes unstable with a U-joint instead of the rag joint. Sep 22, 2011 · But can't remember details. The shafts that fit are 84-00 Jeep Cherokee XJ steering shafts. Downside is that the 3500 shaft only works for '88--'94-ish trucks, because the newer trucks have a redesigned steering column that puts another joint in the assembly inside the cab. May 22, 2020 · This should be do-able on the vehicle since you're pulling the lower steering shaft off to deal with the rag joint anyway. First we start off with a regular Oct 26, 2018 · Me again, another GMT400, another sloppy steering situation. If anyone knows of a member here who is making shafts for the 95+ trucks then please let me know Nov 7, 2024 · The "go-to" rag-joint delete for late-trim GMT400 with the tilt steering is a Cunningham Machine lower steering shaft. Part 64 in the Jul 16, 2012 · Look under your steering column towards the floor. Dec 12, 2023 · Hello, I am new to the group and I am looking for information on Upgrading my steering shaft. May 10, 2010 · I have searched this forum and scoured the internet but I can't find the upper intermediate steering shaft. The steering in my 95 K2500 (8,600 GVW) is pretty unresponsive and tends to wander a little on the highway. It’s made for the GMT400 and is a 1:1 swap with no need for extra fabrication / alteration. Jul 1, 2021 · This is my first time doing front suspension work. But I was wondering, has anyone found a u-joint conversion kit or an entire replacement shaft with only one u-joint for the box to get rid of the rag joint? May 2, 2024 · The steering shaft is in a couple pieces and designed to telescope if you drive into a wall so you don't get impaled. tried to feel the gear lash play by holding the steering shaft pinion in place while Dec 9, 2022 · Hey guys- question for yalls, I’m replacing steering gearbox, and was going to replace the pitman arm as well but they sold me the wrong one, and the old one looks fine so I figured I’d reuse it. And use the best grease every lube. The connections on the ends of the XJ shaft just don't match up, plus it's too short. I never fully removed the steering shaft from the box. I have replaced the steering gear box and the front end is tight. Cunningham Machine steering shaft. Was thinking about upgrading my steering from 1500 to 2500 or 3500 steering parts. Jan 4, 2016 · Theres been much talk of this upgrade on other forums, but the only write ups I could find are for the 88-94(some say to 96, but US models starting in 95 added in the drivers side airbag and went to the new style column so it's to 94 for US models) style shaft. I am looking to replace this and am wondering if there are any better boxes to go with, or would a reman unit be the best bet? I am willing to spend a bit more money to get a unit that will last quite a long time. com Bowman Custom Rubber Jun 7, 2011 · The stock shaft should compress enough to come out without having to remove anything. Anyone here done it? And if so please post pics. They are almost a Jan 6, 2022 · GMT400 upgrades and performance parts information here. Great job guys! Sep 8, 2022 · Got the old steering shaft (lower shaft in engine bay) off. I bought a used 1988 Iroc Z F-body steering Look under your steering column towards the floor. Next move is to replace steering box and all TRE's (265k- no service records on those parts!) and call it good. Oct 31, 2014 · I have a 95 with the third joint inside. Last I heard, the GM shaft has been discontinued, but there were still some in dealer Installing a high quality steering gear, new front end steering components and eliminating this rag joint are the common fixes to get nice tight steering on a GMT400. Last I heard, the GM shaft has been discontinued, but there were still some in dealer Jul 16, 2012 · The plastic piece inside the xj shaft restricts the length. rag joint and Jun 20, 2020 · It did, however, get an intermediate shaft with a U-joint instead of a rag joint. Mainly because next to the power steering pump and gearbox, all my steering parts are brand new and my truck still has play Nov 21, 2020 · I replaced my rag joint with the Cunningham machine universal joint steering shaft. I have a 1992 K1500 and I'm wanting to upgrade my steering shaft. Is there anyone out there that would be willing to Buy Dorman 425-177 Steering Shaft for Specific Chevrolet / GMC Models Fits select: 1988-2000 CHEVROLET GMT-400, 1989-2000 GMC SIERRA at Walmart. IIRC the shaft needs to expand further to fit properly. No more slop due to the worn-out rag joint. Part of the fact it handles and steers horribly is the Rough Country lift kit and oversized wheels and tires the previous owner installed, but at Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Before Pitman Arm Lock the steering wheel in place. You should check the rubber donut at the end of your steering shaft where it bolts onto the steering box. I Jan 10, 2016 · Ive seen a few images of the GMT400 (+95 and up) column swapped with dash into squarebodies but no tutorial on them. Not a fan of the one in my truck. From suspension kits to LS swap components, explore 40+ parts to upgrade your '88–'98 today! Jul 13, 2012 · I have a 97, so I can't use the XJ shaft. Aug 19, 2019 · I've got one last question and that's about the steering wheel. Jul 16, 2012 · I'm desperate for new steering shaft in m 98 2 dr. Remove that piece of sh. Jul 16, 2012 · Apr 24, 2025 ramba_ral R 95-98 steering column **WITH** 26074286 Shaft & Steering Wheel, Clockspring jus10inbrla Mar 1, 2025 For Sale Replies 0 Views 431 Mar 1, 2025 Jun 15, 2012 · Hoses fit no problem, I did have to purchase an adapter from Borgeson and grind a flat to fit the oe steering shaft to the box. I have a 1999, K3500, GMC, with a 454. How that works, if I remember correctly, is a curved metal shim creating friction between the small square tube centred in your picture and the larger diameter tube below it. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN POST IN YOUR THREAD IN THIS SECTION! Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Jan 19, 2012 · Being that I have a '98 the universally accepted solution to fix sloppy steering, the JK shaft, is out of the question for me. I have to do some testing but I suspect the shaft is the problem, not the box. I have a 98 k1500 box on a 90 k2500 and it went right on, even pitman same. I dropped the steering column to remove the shaft Jul 16, 2012 · The "common wisdom" on the huge steering-shaft Sticky thread is that the '95-newer GMT400s got air bags and a redesigned steering column/shaft with an extra joint in it, that becomes unstable with a U-joint instead of the rag joint. Here's how I did it. I also tied it off inside the truck to be safe. Remove the bolt and pry off with a crowbar. I used a prybar to compress the lower section up and off the steering gear. I have 35's and they track very true especially after the intermediate shaft joint upgrade. Dec 11, 2014 · Whats so great about NBS steering components? If you do a complete rebuild with quality parts (Moog or Delco) these trucks have tight steering that lasts thousands of miles, especially when you upgrade to a quick ratio box, u-joint steering shaft and poly bushings. I found a good junkyard XJ shaft and I had to grind the notch to install it. Parts being replaced are as follows: CV axles; upper control arms; upper and lower ball joints; inner and outer tie Aug 26, 2025 · 88-98 GM Truck ForumThe Build Thread area is for you to keep a closed thread detailing your work on your projects. I'd like an answer to this question as well. After I did the ball joints a couple years ago the shop had some difficulty aligning it because of the shop in the gearbox. With that said, is the 88-94 the same ? Or what are my options. https://cunninghammachine. I'm sure it would work since it's the same truck, but I got into an Dec 11, 2010 · I went searching for a good deal for a rag joint for my truck and during my search I seen on a few forums where they changed them on g bodys and s10s to a jeep steering shaft and it was direct replacement. Apr 15, 2022 · Installed the lower shaft on my 98 Silverado 1500 today. I see that Dorman makes one but would like to know if anyone knows of or recommends another brand. Apr 15, 2017 · Like every other GMT400 I’ve owned, as well as every other vehicle with a gearbox, my recently acquired 97 Yukon has tons of play in the steering. I tried the jeep XJ swap and found it didn't work. Simply unbolt your lower steering shaft The GM part numbers for the shaft and the one longer bolt needed, have already been posted in this thread. Mar 24, 2014 · Ive got a 1992 k1500. Jul 16, 2012 · If you leave the bottom disconnected, can you slide the XJ shaft on and off with the retaining bolt in place? If so, I wouldn't use it. It does give better feedback and response, but man was it a pain to separate the original upper and lower shaft. GMT400 upgrades include suspension, engine, interior, accessories and more. This actually the first truck ive had that I wasnt sure if upgrading would be worth it Don’t worry about spending $200+ for all that, get a steering shaft from a XJ Jeep Cherokee. It was the final thing in the front steering and suspension that I replaced. NOTE - Black Shafts are a Black Oxide Here is the link to a comprehensive article on upgrading your 1988-1996 {NOTE: 97-98 is different which I didn’t say in the video so do your research} Chevy OBS GMT400 trucks steering shaft with Crossover steering is required as part of a solid axle conversion on an '88-98 GMT400 truck and we make a system specifically for it. Jan 15, 2016 · The front steering and suspension components will help, but the main issue with loose steering on these trucks is the rag-joint in the steering shaft get's worn out. Does anyone have Nov 7, 2016 · I have a ton of play in my steering gearbox and it's not the rag joint. My buddy just put a whole new system in his along with his lift and he’s having problems we can’t figure out even tho we’ve completely checked it over. In 98, they changed it to the one I love and used it for the newer bodystyles, along with smaller models like the S10 and Sonoma.   No cutting or welding required! Works with the factory steering gear box. I am wanting to upgrade my steering shaft can anyone tell what is best to go with. Got a new borgeson to replace the old one (figured out the upper is trashed to while I was in there, lots of play). Jul 19, 2019 · @Cunningham Machine I ordered the Cunningham lower a while back for my ‘99 K1500 Classic and it’s great, however, I’m trying to install the Cunningham upper now but I’ll need to turn steering wheel 90 degrees to insert the upper into the steering shaft at the steering wheel. Bump steer is gone and truck finally feels connected to the road again. $50 Shipped to lower Are you tired of your annoying 1999-2007 GMT800 steering column rattle and/or clunk? Solve it once and for all with our ultimate steering column upgrade kit, which features the precision machined sealed bearing upgrade from Wolff Engineering and Borgeson's upgraded heavy duty intermediate shaft. Copy your tech pictures and writeups from other areas of the forum to your thread here. I'm installing all new Mevotech components in the front suspension next week but this steering shaft from Cunningham Machine has already eliminated 90% of the "wander". I’m aware that me driving it without power steering doesn’t make things any better. GM Part number 26074286 is the shaft needed. Best steering upgrade ever. The EVO uses a different shaft set up. I cleaned it up and flushed out the fluid that was in it on the bench. You have several to choose from. But I was wondering if we have that option for our trucks? Dec 18, 2019 · I ordered an XJ shaft for my 95 k2500 burb. This cartridge bearing is designed around a precision, sealed deep-groove radial ball bearing. I have a 96 z71 1500. If you can't even keep the truck straight though, that is a pretty good indicator that your pitman arm and idler arm are worn out. If the rag joint is loose you have a few options: Replace it with a new steering shaft with a new rag joint attached, Apr 24, 2025 ramba_ral R 95-98 steering column **WITH** 26074286 Shaft & Steering Wheel, Clockspring jus10inbrla Mar 1, 2025 For Sale Replies 0 Views 368 Mar 1, 2025 Tired of fighting your steering? Tired of the constant swaying back and forth? We have the fix for you! Introducing our 95-00 (Old Body Style ONLY) Steering Shafts. I usually deal with one ton steering components on most of my trucks. Plastic clip still intact as I never messed with this one. Mar 26, 2024 · Today I ventured out to the pick a part yard and found a unmolested GM large bore steering gear box for the 95. Simply unbolt your steering shaft and put this one in its place for an all new driving experience. Oct 20, 2022 · Hopefully this is the right place to post this. Jul 4, 2021 · The flimsy, under-engineered rag joint on the steering-box end of the original shaft is infamous for wearing-out. I tried to save my ACD Pitman arm but it didn't oblige during removal and I ended up using the original that came with the steering gear. The 3500 shaft replaces the rag joint with a U-joint. Hope it doesnt affect me using or making another shaft. They are almost a direct fit for OBS trucks up to 96. Last I heard, the GM shaft has been discontinued, but there were still some in dealer Nov 15, 2011 · Is there a steering shaft available for the later trucks (97-00) that has the u joints instead of the ragged out junk that GM used? Replaced the pitman arm with Kyprtonite death grip one, replaced lower part of steering shaft with Cunningham machine, still got steering slop!!! What’s next? Gearbox? Top half steering shaft from Sep 15, 2020 · Explore OBS Parts guide for Chevy GMC trucks. GM part number 26068771. I have Tired of fighting your steering? Tired of the constant swaying back and forth? We have the fix for you! Introducing our 88-94 (Old Body Style ONLY) Steering Shafts. Gearbox was replaced a little over a year ago, I have the receipt from the previous owner. Dealership told me 26033170 but searches give the lower shaft. There’s a whole thread May 20, 2010 · Hey guys, haven't been on here in a long time but got a quick question before I take my truck in for an alignment. Also Feb 22, 2013 · So after having removed the EVO Fitting on the back of my 98 K1500 power steering pump, i found that my steering is way too easy to steer on the highway. I noticed a very small amount of play on the sector shaft when I was replacing the pitman arm. Also replaced both side's upper and lower control arms, installed new variable rate coil springs, new solid sway bar and bushings from Jegs and Bilstein shocks. When I went to torque the pitman arm onto the shaft of the new gearbox, it went very reluctantly In this video we show you how to upgrade the 88-98 OBS Chevy junk rag joint on the steering shaft. Jul 16, 2012 · The GM part numbers for the shaft and the one longer bolt needed, have already been posted in this thread. For 97+ there's a link at the bottom. I understand that on 95 and up steering columns, there is a tulip joint on the cab side of the firewall so the Jeep intermediate steering shaft mod will not work due to the addition of a third joint. For cheap. I wound up just pulling my steering shaft, replacing the rag joint and then getting everything to fit together ultra tight and that helped a lot. 75 turns lock to lock with much better "road feel" or "resistance" or "high effort" depending on how you want to call it. I've upgraded my steering box to 12. Apr 17, 2011 · You pill puncture/ruin the boots, but that doesn't matter. Problem is now when driving Oct 19, 2015 · I've read where people have been able to swap the upper steering column shafts from a later model and make it work. If you see a universal joint on the steering column towards the floor then that is the third joint that will cause problems using the xj steering shaft upgrade. You must be registered for see images attach Start by removing the Rag joint at the bottom of the stock Shaft. Apr 15, 2022 · I got the lower shaft u-joint for my Burb. Is there an upgrade or something different I can use? I'm not even real sure about the part number. I also found that the P# for the 96 trucks were only used for Dec 24, 2016 · I'm not sure if I'm in the right forum to ask this, but I'm needing help with a steering shaft question. Just put a Redhead quick ratio steering gearbox and new pitman arm on my truck. But don't know about duramax power steering pumps much???? Carquest gold series parts or others high end is mostly it. Pitman Arm Alright all you mouth breathers and pencil pushers out there, this is by far the best upgrade I've done for my truck. I have been eyeing the Dorman 425-185 replacement shaft as one of my next pickups but can't find anyone who has written any information on it. . Jul 16, 2012 · I am sure this is similar to the XJ shaft feeling as its more direct and less play than the rag joint. This thread is so overgrown with bad info and duplicate posts as to be cumbersome and non-helpful. Jul 23, 2021 · Wolff Engineering GM109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing for GM columns with 2" jacket and 1" shaft. Alternatively, you could DIY the rag-delete with a 1" Double-D to 3/4" 30 spline U-joint, Borgeson 015231 and Flaming River FR1746DD are the two I've seen mentioned in the past, but from this youtube video, getting the rag Idk if anybody has already confirmed this or not, but I had no issue using the lower portion of a '98 Ram steering shaft and my stock upper steering shaft to get rid of the factory rag joint. Check the stickies on this sub-forum, XJ steering shaft upgrade. Mar 25, 2013 · Also, all of my other steering components appear to be in decent shape, so i think the slack is still in the rag joint. Thought I'd detail it out. This is confirmed in F-body installs and S-10s so far according to the net Apparently GM used the same upper shafts for many different models and they interchange. Unbolt Your Stock Shaft And Bolt This One Up In Apr 23, 2023 · I used a Borgson steering shaft, new "rag joint" into a Redhead steering box. Apr 2, 2013 · Hello, I am looking to do the XJ steering shaft upgrade and the cheapest I can find one is for $75. Loosen the 10mm bolt holding the steering shaft to the steering box. That being what it is, IMO, if you were to remove the section of steering shaft ( on your truck) that bolts to the steering box, then mark the length, and cut off the rag joint connection, and cut the U joint off of the CJ shaft so it will replace where the rag joint connection was. Dorman also had a similar shaft. Please see Oct 6, 2017 · I'm replacing all of my steering components and have ordered everything but this shaft that includes the rag joint. Has anyone foes this or know if it's gonna be a bigger problem then I'm thinking. I don't know what a 26016265 shaft is. I dont get what the difference in 88 and 98. Feb 27, 2023 · Heard jeep xj steering shaft is an upgrade. If you don't have the damned air bags, you slap in an intermediate shaft from the 3500HD, and SHAZAM! you've got a U-joint instead of a rag joint at the steering box, and ZERO fabrication 'cause it's a Genuine GM part that was designed to fit properly. May 26, 2018 · So i know on the 95-98, the upper shaft can be changed out with alot newer models to accept the newer steering wheel. Website states that Jun 2, 2024 · I have a 95’ 2500 and I took my steering shaft off to replace the rag joint and all went well and I put the coupler part on first then I tighten the bolt and extended it to the steering column and the holes will not line up at the column and at the end of the shaft can anybody help me? OBS refers to Chevy C/K trucks that were manufactured by General Motors between the years 1988 and 1998. That's usually the source of some amount of play in the steering system on an older GMT400 truck. I How does a brand-new rag joint compare to eliminating it for a U-joint? My 93 burb's steering is super sloppy with its 30 year old rag joint, and I'm weighing the pros and cons of switching to the 3500 steering shaft with a U joint. I have already disassembled most of my front end. New ujoint doesn't set all the way down because of this piece sticking out of the input shaft, can this be cut off? A Jul 5, 2012 · My steering wheel used to turn 45 degrees each way without moving the wheels. my 225k mile steering box is starting to get a bit sloppy. Requires a "flat top" style Oct 25, 2016 · XJ Steering Shaft Upgrade Hey all, Read about this in one of ChrisAU's threads. 7 ratio-2. The entire front end is freshly rebuilt along with new hubs so it's down to the steering box. o4 07ike didym jpmnps fsul g01dy afw8u 8yya 26ja mrch