Maximum Motorsports Steering Shaft Question

[JonnyG23T]

Hello, first post.

I purchased a MM steering shaft for the svo. When installing it, I have come across a problem. The steering rack in the car is an autozone reman for an 88 GT (2.5 ttl). The steering shaft looks the same as the original TRW rack. It's like a Splined D. I bought the shaft listed as 79-93 w/ power steering. The shaft I have, at the rack end, is a "complete" circle, not D shaped. After 30min of trying to get it on the rack, I gave up. Does anyone know if the shaft I have is the wrong shaft for my rack(miss boxed?)? Should I just keep trying to get it on?

Thanks
John

[Meotchh]

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/tech_steering_shaft.aspx
If you got the shaft for the proper style rack, you should have no problem. Did you get the shaft for a manual or power rack? Is the rack in your car manual or power. Not sure what the difference would be, but they list a different shaft depending on the type of rack you're running.

[MikeFleming]

The manual rack input shaft is a larger diameter splined shaft. So it can take more load.

[DaveS]

John,
The stock steering shaft is the splined D, the MM shaft is round spline. I too battled a bit with mine to install it...it does fit...remove the allen head bolt before you install the MM shaft. Also make sure you have the rack and steering wheel aligned when you install it (that is the purpose of the D on the factory steering shaft). Also realize that the MM shaft extends and retracts, this helped my installation. I also found that loosening the bolts on the rack, allowing the rack to move, made installation much easier.

There is a pretty high torque value on the securing bolt, I used a ratchet and hex socket to torque it. Hang in there and you'll get it.

Dave

[JonnyG23T]

Thanks for the replies.

DaveS, That is just what I wanted to hear. I have the rack "floating" on the bolts with the nuts threaded by one thread for extra room. With the rack in this position, there is plenty of room, I just could not get it splined. I will try again after work tomorrow.
Thanks

[Mike S]

Yep, DaveS is correct. You need to remove the bolt to install.

[svono50]

Removing the cap screw may not be enough, it wasn't for mine, there was no amount of force that I could apply in position to get it onto the shaft. I ended up removing the screw and wedging the flange apart just a bit so it would slip over the shaft, then I reinstalled the screw and clamped it back down. You are not alone in your struggles, but once you get it in, you will love it!