Steeringbox to Subframe Position/Shims

Thommo · Post by **Thommo** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:30 pm

Gday all

I want to swap steering columns from my donor car(auto) to the van(manual)

I've read the workshop manual where it explains about the shims between
the steeringbox & subframe should go back in from where they came.

Now I assume the shims are there to only help line up the steering column
to sit nicely in the dash recess, becuase everything between the steeringbox & the front wheels, swivels &/or is adjustable.

Question is......Is that a correct assumption?

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:54 pm

Hi Jeff,
not sure - something is ringing bells here - will have a think on it..............
Think it has something to do with correctly aligning components to ensure the box is held "square" so to speak with frame - to avoid "slop" or movement in relation to steering as the vehicles runs along................

Will chase this up - just can't remember what I researched (and didn't make notes on) a long, long time ago (in a galaxy far away).................

frats,
Rosco

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:56 pm

Just one more thing Jeff,
I know there was a bracket available which held the box more securely to the frame - that part of it is what makes me think it's got something to do with it being correctly shimmed............

frats,
Rosco

oldnek · Post by **oldnek** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:00 pm

Rosco, your exactly right.
That's the stiffener bracket your speaking off, I have seen that on mainly on the commercials. I can't understand why, cause you would think that the commercials would be laden so there is less weight on the front end.

John

EK283 · Post by **EK283** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:05 pm

Gents,

The shims you speak of are for keeping the steering box hard up against the subframe without distortion or any stress.
When the subframes were made not all were the same so things like steering boxes were shimmed to take up any clearance and measurement issues that may have accured during building.
They are not normally that thick and are very easy to reinstall.
First put the bolts in and tighten finger tight. Looking between the subframe and steering box simply shim the gaps and tighten uniformly.

Regards Greg

Thommo · Post by **Thommo** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:18 pm

EK283 wrote:Gents,
First put the bolts in and tighten finger tight. Looking between the subframe and steering box simply shim the gaps and tighten uniformly.

& center the steering column to the dash mount by adding or removing shims.

If I did that, you couldn't go wrong aye!

The bracket you speak of Rosco, from what I believe,
Would help stiffen up the 'feel' of your steering,
though reduced flexing under harsh driving.

Thanks for your help fellas

Cheers
Jeff