best steering shaft extension/replacement?

[neinnein_nein]

has anyone replaced the steering shaft on their 1st gen?
I need something longer to make up for a body lift, right now it's just barely connecting with the upper shaft. There seems to be a lot of stuff out there. Borgeson seems to make ones that go from rag joint to u joint but which one do I get?

 

[ericbphoto]

I think I recently saw a list on Borgeson's site that listed some parts specifically for Rangers. But, I would recommend that you look at your existing shaft. Take it out if necessary. See what joints you currently have and match those with the proper length shaft on their site. You can also substitute regular u-joints for the rag joints while doing this. As long as it mate's with your steering column at the top (3/4" double D?) And the steering box shaft at the bottom (probably 3/4" 36 spline), you can use almost any u-joints and shaft in between.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I converted mine to a second gen shaft which only has one rag joint. I had to reshape my body lift steering extension slightly for it to fit.







Old Aerostar (like from the 80's) shafts are supposed to be a drop in but good luck finding one.

 

[neinnein_nein]

I converted mine to a second gen shaft which only has one rag joint. I had to reshape my body lift steering extension slightly for it to fit.







Old Aerostar (like from the 80's) shafts are supposed to be a drop in but good luck finding one.

Oh nice and the 2nd gen shaft just bolts in at the bottom? Looks like you just shaved off the extension a little. it’s kind of a cleaner look I like it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, I had to drill a hole for that big crossbolt too. But the steering box end is the same a first gen.

If you don't have a bodylift and that adaptor I don't know how easily it could be made to fit. Without the adaptor you would be modifying the shaft that goes thru the firewall.

 

[neinnein_nein]

Yeah, I had to drill a hole for that big crossbolt too. But the steering box end is the same a first gen.

If you don't have a bodylift and that adaptor I don't know how easily it could be made to fit. Without the adaptor you would be modifying the shaft that goes thru the firewall.

No no I do have that adapter! Even with the adapter the shaft came up too short. It barely connects for now but I have visions of myself stepping on it just a little too much and losing ability to steer at 75mph. Not great.

 

[ericbphoto]

How much body lift is installed?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Mine fit perfect with a 3" kit and the adaptor for almost 15 years, just the joints were falling apart. I found a like new 2nd Gen shaft and went with that.

 

[neinnein_nein]

How much body lift is installed?

3" body lift from jeff bronco graveyard.

hard to find info on how many splines the ps gearbox has.. I'm thinking I want to build myself a shaft with Borgeson parts. have seen some on other trucks and it seems like a solid upgrade, if a little expensive..

 

[neinnein_nein]

Mine fit perfect with a 3" kit and the adaptor for almost 15 years, just the joints were falling apart. I found a like new 2nd Gen shaft and went with that.

i'm not sure why it doesn't fit. when i pull on the top shaft very hard it won't telescope out to fit into the bottom u-joint more snugly. it connects but as i said just barely. not enough room to put a bolt through there..

 

[ericbphoto]

3" body lift from jeff bronco graveyard.

hard to find info on how many splines the ps gearbox has.. I'm thinking I want to build myself a shaft with Borgeson parts. have seen some on other trucks and it seems like a solid upgrade, if a little expensive..

Might have to count them. I’m not sure what changes have been made to the steering boxes over the years. I was nervous about getting it right. But mine was 3/4” diameter, 36 spline as I posted above.

 

[neinnein_nein]

Might have to count them. I’m not sure what changes have been made to the steering boxes over the years. I was nervous about getting it right. But mine was 3/4” diameter, 36 spline as I posted above.

oh that's very very cool to hear.. I couldn't go and measure the shaft and took a chance on completely a completely returnable amazon order: 36 splines, 3/4. looks like I'll be able to use my truck soon.

edit: I just realized you posted all those measurements up in this thread, wow, my bad..