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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Steering shaft hitting headers

  • Thread starter Thread starter 281pony
  • Start date Start date Oct 13, 2009

281pony

Active Member
Aug 31, 2003
2,681
2
46
Oly, WA
Oct 13, 2009
#1
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #1
i got my 93 coupe with a flaming river shaft in it. do they make a 351 swap specific shaft? this car had a 351 before, i believe you need to swap shafts for that conversion right? the car is still power steering, with a stock rack.

if it is swapped, should it work with a 302 still? i have bbk equal length shorty headers. the shaft is resting against it. makes steering more difficult for sure.

would long tubes likely help/make this worse? might as well get LT's if i get too involved in this.
 

ID89GT

10 Year Member
May 26, 2008
1,659
18
49
Spokane Valley, WA
Oct 13, 2009
#2
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #2
I had longtubes on mine, and the steering shaft went through the headers. Was a perfect fit. But those 351 long tubes are a huge PITA to install..
 

281pony

Active Member
Aug 31, 2003
2,681
2
46
Oly, WA
Oct 13, 2009
#3
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #3
so the shaft goes through the headers with long tubes? i've never looked at an installed set.

i have a 302 to clarify. i believe i have a 351 flaming river stem. im just looking for the easiest way to get my steering mended. wether it be ding my header for a relief, get longtubes (kinda want them anyway) or just go back to a stock shaft.
 

SMOKEDYA

20+ Year Stangneter
Jul 13, 2003
3,637
8
79
Tucson AZ
Oct 13, 2009
#4
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #4
we just need to trade them like we talked about.peace













john
 

ID89GT

10 Year Member
May 26, 2008
1,659
18
49
Spokane Valley, WA
Oct 13, 2009
#5
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #5
If you have a 302 you should have plenty of room.. I have bbk longtubes on my 302 and there is no clearance issues at all.
 
J

jerryD

Founding Member
Mar 16, 2000
1,061
0
37
Gladstone, MO
Oct 13, 2009
#6
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #6
i have Flow tech equal shorties on mine. after i did my swap i had to heat up the header tube with mapp gas, and beat the tube in with a hammer till it cleared the steering shaft.
 

281pony

Active Member
Aug 31, 2003
2,681
2
46
Oly, WA
Oct 13, 2009
#7
  • Oct 13, 2009
  • #7
ok thanks.

i think im gonna pick up a set of LT's locally and see how it looks. although the car sounds so good now with my equal lengths..

decisions decisions.
 

SMOKEDYA

20+ Year Stangneter
Jul 13, 2003
3,637
8
79
Tucson AZ
Oct 14, 2009
#8
  • Oct 14, 2009
  • #8
but L/T's are way better sounding in my opinion!Hey i have a trade for you if you want? text me later or call me.peace




john
 

67coupe

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
658
402
93
Huntsville, AL
Oct 14, 2009
#9
  • Oct 14, 2009
  • #9
You didn't mention if you recently installed this shaft.

The steering COLUMN shaft telescopes. During install of an aftermarket steering shaft, it's common for the lower column shaft to get pushed toward the firewall some, reducing header clearance. Make sure the steering column shaft is fully extended before removing/swapping headers.
 
B

bt15

Member
Sep 3, 2003
129
0
17
Oahu
Oct 14, 2009
#10
  • Oct 14, 2009
  • #10
Not only does it telscope, but it's articulated. If you loosen the bolts holding the steering wheel / column in its particular alignment inside the car, you can then get under the hood / car and move the shaft to a position that may well clear all obstacles. Worked on my '85 after install of new headers. Good luck!
 
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