Slop in steering response due to header heat

[TonyG]

I'm about to install BBK longtubes in a 99 2v GT, and I read a few posts about how the heat from the headers can soften the rubber rag joint on the steering shaft and cause free, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous play in the steering. One solution would be to get a solid steering shaft -like Flaming River or MM. But they are a bit pricey, costing over $200.

How about an OEM steering shaft from an 03 Cobra? They use urethane instead of rubber and only cost $35.00 from ebay. Here is a photo:

eBay Motors: 03-04 Ford Mustang Cobra Lower Steering Shaft NEW (item 260089480174 end time Feb-28-07 09:04:39 PST)

Has anyone tried this before? Not only should it solve the problem, but it should also improve steering response, compared with the factory shaft

 

[blackink00]

never had any problem with mine. if there ceramic coated they should be fine

 

[TonyG]

Well, I learned that the 99's don't have ragjoints, so this is not an issue.

 

[00BlkStangGT]

you can see the rag joint if you look down at the shaft. That way you know for sure if you have one or not. I don't know why they wouldn't have put one on the 99s.

 

[jimfitzgerald]

I melted two of them on my 2000 Mustang GT before I finally got smart and switched to a Flaming River steering shaft.

 

['01 Steed]

Well, I learned that the 99's don't have ragjoints, so this is not an issue.

Ummmm...I gotta believe otherwise. I'm also not sure about the '03 Cobra having a different material. I'm gonna check that out. Even so, I don't think urethane is going to be better than the Flaming River units.

 

[01BlkGT]

Don't have a problem with mine and I've had LT's for almost 4 years now (I have the ceramic coated ones).

 

[LaserRed01GT]

We have rag joints (vibration dampers) and it is sorta hit or miss whether or not the headers will screw up the rag joint. So far my coated BBK's have not hurt my rag joint after almost a year.

 

[TonyG]

hmmm...I don't know what to think now. I cancelled the order for the cobra shaft, but know I'm here about guys with 99+ GT having the problem.

The headers are jet hot sterling coated, so maybe I'll be OK.