how do u take the steering shaft off a vit?

[SiKiD_01]

is it possible to take the steering shaft off a vit (non ps) with out taking the steering box off?

if i have to tae the steering box off, i will most likely need to take the radiator out. not something i want to do.

has anyone done it? and easy ways?

thanks

[Impulsive]

In terms of ball joint removals, it's usually a reasonably simple process of the following (particularly if you have power steering and it leaks and is therefore well lubricated):

1. Put some weight on the drag link/steering shaft

2. Get two reasonable sized hammers and hit the drag link on both sides simultaneously where the ball joint passes through it.

3. It should drop off.

That way you won't damage the ball joint or the steering box by shocking it.

Regards,

Adam

[SiKiD_01]

well, i got it off! just undo the bolts, slide it down, the top should drop out, and then pull it off the steering box.


next problem! how the hell do i lengthen the steering shaft. i need to lengthen it by 20-25mm!

no cut and welding. so is there any other way to do this?

my original shaft is a one piece fixed unit, and i got another one from the wreckers, with a rag joint, off a later model ('94) with power steering, and its like, 30mm shorter than my original one. wtf?

can i make a 55mm spacer to replace the rag joint? this will allow it to have the amount of spline contact Mr. PITA engineer wants.

someone please help..... i can afford to pend any more money on things that arent going to hel, and im almost ready to throw in the towel.

someone please help? anyone?

[nicbeer]

Have u checked what the engineer wants to see done in the way of fixing it.

If it is legal maybe use a spacer and two rubber bits.

cheers

[WHITVIT]

My advice would be to use a rag joint then a spacer made of something like 20mm square bar(solid) then a second rag joint. use rubber ones not urethane. hope this makes sense. kinda hard to explain. it will end up that the input and output at this joint will be aligned on the same holes in their respective rag joint.

[kimclive]

Hi SiKiD,

I was browsing the net and found this site.

http://www.masterkit1.com

They make body lift kits and other gear for Vitaras. One item that they make is an extended steering bar for 3" body lifts.

The whole kit including the extended steering is $150 (Canadian dollars ~ = Australian Dollars) and postage to Australia is $80 for the kit.

They are currently selling on eBay USA a bit cheaper too.

I though they might just sell you the streering parts you need. There is some infor about Vitara steering and lift kits on their website.


Cheers

Clive

[SiKiD_01]

thanks Clive.

anyway, i've been able to get a steering shaft spacer made up locally by an engineer, which will be about $100. it will be replacing the rag joint on the shorter steering shaft. the spacer will be about 95mm long, and overall, will extend the shorter shaft 25mm over my original fixed shaft.
the spacer will be machined out of 4140 HT steel. engineer is happy.

i will get pics when its all done, and post up. it should be ready on wed arvo, and so rego on thurs-fri. can't wait.

and i wonder what the steering shaft extension is like in the kit. theres no possible way to extend my original steering shaft, unless you cut and weld it. maybe its only specific to some models?

thanks