Ran into an issue installing my UMI tubular K member

[jderry]

I finally got around to installing the k member I picked up from FASHOOTER a while back.

I had a hard time getting my steering rack into the C shaped mounting brackets.

After finally getting it in, I can not get my steering shaft back onto the rack, I removed the top bolt and slide it down as much as I can and it's still 1/2" from allowing the pinch bolt to go through the valley it sits in normally.

Anyone have any suggestions?



Thanks!

[birdie2000]

How easily does the steering shaft slide? Is it possible it's not extended fully? I usually like to lube it up with motor oil to make it slide easy.

[nascarnate326]

pictures?

[jderry]

Would the mounting location on the umi differ enough from the oem one that there's nearly 1/2 in less room? I'll try to get pics when I get home, but it's pretty tight in there.

I just wouldn't think that the new K member would mess with the steering shaft length.

[jderry]

It does not slide easily, I'll try to split it at the pinch area when I get home

[OVRKILL]

I've got UMI too John and didn't have an issue. If you need a reference, feel free to swing by and take a peek.

[DRYSUMP]

From what you described I'm 99.99% sure it's the actual steering rack that is the issue.

I ran into this exact problem when I did my build and I even had a custom extended steering shaft made.

At the end of the day the issue ended up being that when I bought my new steering rack it was made for a 93-97 and I needed the 98-02 steering rack.

I got the new 98-02 style (correct) steering rack, it then slid perfectly into place in the C-brackets (was a PITA with the first wrong one), and then the original stock steering shaft finally fitted perfectly.

My suggestion; go to the auto store and compare the 2 racks. Get the one that is different and go from there.

[jderry]

I'll need a new steering shaft as well then, theyre different for LT1 vs LS1.
I have a modified LS1 version on my car now with the LT1 rack, I just don't know why everything was fine with the OEM k but the UMI it's not.

[Lucky SOB]

From what you described I'm 99.99% sure it's the actual steering rack that is the issue.

I ran into this exact problem when I did my build and I even had a custom extended steering shaft made.

At the end of the day the issue ended up being that when I bought my new steering rack it was made for a 93-97 and I needed the 98-02 steering rack.

I got the new 98-02 style (correct) steering rack, it then slid perfectly into place in the C-brackets (was a PITA with the first wrong one), and then the original stock steering shaft finally fitted perfectly.

My suggestion; go to the auto store and compare the 2 racks. Get the one that is different and go from there.

Fun times fun times...

[jderry]

I will have my dad take a look when he gets back from Vegas.

I would really not think that a "bolt in" "exact fit" k member would change anything.
But I have been wrong many times before.

[MENTION=1023]OVRKILL[/MENTION]

Brent I may have to take you up on that this sometime!
I won't have a ton of time during the week to wrench.

The only plus to this is, since I last posted on here (it's been way too long) I now have a lift at home so atleast I'm not doing this stuff on the floor anymore

[OVRKILL]

No problem man...just let me know.

[FASHOOTER]

Bolted right up in my car. Only issue I had was the steering rack very close to my aftermarket oil pan.