headers rubbing steering shaft

[40th Sonic GT]

Ok, I got some brand new BBK equal lenth shorties for my '91 5.0. Everything went great until I cranked her up. I could hear and feel vibration coming from the floorpan. Come to find out the headers barely touch the steering shaft. Anybody ever had this problem? Advise please! Should I just send them back? If the motor was raised like a quarter inch they wouldn't touch.

 

[Flavadave4]

Hmmmmm when i got my headers they had a dent in them to clear the shaft

 

[Brett88lx]

We had the same problem with my buddys MAC headers. Although his were longtubes and rubbed really bad near the steering sahft U-joint.

I would first try to bang out a tiny groove or notch. That might work. Good luck.

 

[RYC CUKR]

check your motor mounts. Over time they can wear and let the engine settle some. Lots of guys have fixed the rubbing issue by replacing the mounts.

 

[bob331T76]

i had same prob... i grined down the steering shaft bolts and put a little dent in the tube to clear...no more problems

 

[Deleted member 87397]

I have the same problem with mine and my motor mounts are new. Most people just grind down the shaft a little or make a small dent in the headers as mentioned above. That's the only fix pretty much.

 

[40th Sonic GT]

Does anybody know if they make adjustable motor mounts or kits or spacers?

 

[joeyd0730]

i had the same problem when i put bbk 1/58 equal length shorties in my 91gt. i had brand new motor mounts as well, i had to beat the header with a hammer, it solved the problem.. good luck

 

[Modular2v]

you could put a thick guaged washer between you motor mounts and the mounting plates

 

[thehueypilot]

You could replace your rag joint steering shaft with a newer, needle bearing u-joint type which is a lot smaller in diameter at that location.

 

[AUBURN1111]

I have the same problem BBK 1 5/8" thinking of using a spacer on the motor mounts.

 

[40th Sonic GT]

I think I will try a metal plate spacer drilled out where the bolt goes on the motor mount or a thick washer. If this dosent work I may consider sending them back in favor of some long tubes and a short h pipe. Has anyone used BBK's long tubes? Any issues with fittment or rubbing? Thanks.

 

[dlpich63]

I think I will try a metal plate spacer drilled out where the bolt goes on the motor mount or a thick washer. If this dosent work I may consider sending them back in favor of some long tubes and a short h pipe. Has anyone used BBK's long tubes? Any issues with fittment or rubbing? Thanks.

I have long tubes and they have the same issue

 

[General karthief]

I have long tubes and they have the same issue

This is an old thread but just for reference I have mac long tubes and I can slip a piece of paper between the steering shaft and one of the tubes, you may get a little relief by loosening the steering column under the dash and moving it, they don't move much but it may help. Or you can ding the header pipe.

 

[nickyb]

Solid motor mounts,cheapest longtubes,no issues with rubbing.besides rubbing is racing right?