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anyone know what u-joint fits the Spitfire rack? mine measures 9/16-36 spline. Borgeson has one they say fits a Chrysler LeBaron.
thanks,
Fred V
www.jzrusa2.blogspot.com

I've used the ones from a Triumph TR4/5/6, along with the end of the upper column welded into a 3/4" dia tube. The u-joints are available through Moss Motors, Vic British etc.

But, i seem to recall SkinnyG using a Mazda u-joint on his first Seven.

A little more info:

FAM 1718 is the semi-flexible joint and is standard on Triumph Vitesse, Herald, Spitfire, GT6, Dolomite, and other models.

145377 is the forged ujoint standard on the TR5 and TR6 and listed as a suitable replacement for the TR4 and 250. It is also listed as an upgrade for the Triumph Vitesse and Herald so the ends are correct to replace the FAM 1718. I'm guessing it isn't listed as a replacement for the other applications for the FAM1718 due to the slightly longer length that is not accomodated by the other steering column designs.

145377R is a stamped steel version.

The TR7 uses a joint but the intermediate shaft is integral. I'm guessing the pinion size on the rack is still the same as the spitfire.

It appears the bolts are not included except for the rebuilt unit and may have an odd pitch from metric or sae. I have the fam 1718 joint and don't know if the bolts are different on the 145377. I wouldn't drill and retap as the bolt shank fits into a notch in the shaft and pinion.

thanks, great info. i need to make up an intermediate shaft for a custom build to fit an aftermarket column. so i would have to have a Triumph steering shaft with the correct spline to make the intermediate shaft.

it would be much easier if a Borgeson joint would fit. then i could get all the rest from them too. i may just order theirs and see if it fits. i can get it with anything i want on the other end. i'll report back what i find out.
Fred V

I received the Borgeson joint 9/16-36 spline. It does fit the Spitfire R&P. It is just a bit loose as the spindle measures .557" dia. This joint has a set screw to hold it on and there is a groove in the spindle to receive the set screw. a clamp type joint would probably be better but i could not find one.
Fred V

"A bit loose" doesn't sound very good, but thanks for the info. My original type is in good shape for now. I have a borgeson steering system on my 5.0L ranger for header clearance to eliminate the rag joint, and it fits very snug on the steering box input. I have telescopic double D intermediate shafting. My borgeson parts had no corrosion protection.

Be sure to use loctite on the set screw. I've seen shaft and joint separation when loctite was not used. If it needs to be separated, just use a mini torch to heat the screw for a minute to break down the loctite. My headers are close but it has not loosened up in the 15 or so years it has been installed.


For anyone else with similar needs, ebay is a good place to find odd parts, such as the intermediate shaft / upper column of a TR4 for about $20 which you could weld to and use the clamp joints listed above. If there is no listing for what you need, email a seller that has lots of other odd TR4 or similar bits for sale. The cost should be less than going aftermarket and the joint will fit as designed.

I didn't like the looseness either but the splines engage well enough. my problem was mating this up to the existing aftermarket steering shaft which is a 3/4" ID tube. trying to fit a TR4 stub into the tube didn't look like a good idea. I'm open to any suggestions.
Fred V

CS3tcr is a very experienced craftsman. Check out the link in his profile to his projects.

Is it a question of how to fit the stub to the tube?

i don't know what the OD of the TR shaft is. if it's less than 3/4" then a sleeve would make it fit. I would need 2 of the TR-4 intermediate shafts as they have a rag joint on one end, from what i see on e-bay.
Fred

If you can wait till the weekend, i can measure the OD of the column, as i've got at least two earmarked for my current project. I might have a spare column piece in my pile-o-junk, if i do its yours for the cost of shipping.

As for the rag joint, your right, they use a rubber donut at the join between the upper & lower columns.

Cheers,
Rod

Sorry it took so long, that thing called Xmas and New Years delayed things a bit. The OD on the TR4/5/6 lower column is roughly .560". From what i recall, i had my machinist ream out some 3/4" diameter .120 wall tubing to match the column, then weld in the stubs. I would have done it myself, but at the time i didnt have a lathe, nor do i have a 220V welder that can handle welding thicker material in one pass.

Also, it appears that i dont have a spare column, sorry.

Cheers
Rod