MK3 steering shaft question

[Dan Babb]

I'm looking to retrofit power steering into my MK3. Kit was originally shipped in Dec,2006, so I believe it's a MK3.

The lower steering shaft is a solid round piece. The kit was ordered with the Manual rack option.

At the end of the steering shaft is a clamp on style U-joint. I need to replace this u-joint to get one that will fit a power rack.

Here's a picture of the lower shaft.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/ujoints_zpsfb799e05.jpg (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/DanBabb/media/ujoints_zpsfb799e05.jpg.html)


The shaft is 3/4", but the splined end near the steering rack is thinner.

Using an index card with a slot cut in it, I think the splined section is 9/16.

Can someone at FFR confirm the spline count and measurement of the lower shaft?

I found this u-joint on the flaming river site and want to confirm that the lower shaft wasn't some type of goofy metric measurement before I buy it.

9/16"-36 X 3/4"-36 STAINLESS STEEL U-JOINT
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005/s0011/FR2570


Can anyone there dig up specs on the lower shaft for me?

[Jason Lavigne]

Hi Dan,

I checked records here, and while that is definitely for a Mk3, I don't have specifics on the spline type of the lower end of that shaft. We always stocked those shafts as one-piece units, so the joints were always already attached.

If you can count 36 splines on the end of that shaft, it seems pretty likely that it would be a proper fit. I've never known those spline sizes to have been metric.

If you have any other specific questions, just call 508-291-3443 or email tech@factoryfive.com.

thanks!

Jason @ FFR

[Dan Babb]

Took my stuff apart and figured I'd post this here (in case anyone needs it in the future).

The solid MK3 steering shaft is 9/16" 30 spline. Found the adapter I need to install power steering at Uni-Steer. They seem to be the only people making this one off the shelf.

U-Joint 3/4"-36 (Ford) x 9/16"-30
part number: 8050500
http://www.unisteer.com/search_by_product/u-joints/u-joint_3/4_-36_ford_x_9/16_-30.html

[Jason Lavigne]

Thanks for posting, Dan!