Learn me: moving the steering shaft left and right.

Trackmouse SuperDork
9/4/17 12:13 a.m.

I have a mighty need to move my steering shaft towards the trans tunnel but have never done this. Only need an inch. A quick search shows slotting the mounting holes through the firewall and moving it that way. Wish I could get a pic but it just isn't fappening

Trackmouse SuperDork
9/4/17 4:08 p.m.

Well I suppose I could just do without the steering wheel.

Dusterbd13 UltimaDork
9/4/17 4:21 p.m.

So, what are you working on? Will help to visualize the problem. Also, is the problem engine or driver placement?

sesto elemento SuperDork
9/4/17 5:32 p.m.

You said "fappening" lol. I have nothing else to add.

dean1484 MegaDork
9/4/17 6:16 p.m.

So the short version is you need your shaft to be closer to the tunnel. I think I will stop right there as this is a family type place.

Trackmouse SuperDork
9/4/17 7:02 p.m.

Lulz for days. Yes. It's a 1985 celica. (The rwd one.) I searched high and low for a google image for you guys. Nothing. I can try to get you a shot of the engine bay but the header and steering shaft kinda prevent anything getting in there. And it's dark.

Dusterbd13 UltimaDork
9/4/17 7:05 p.m.

So the issue is header and steering shaft clearance?

Gearheadotaku PowerDork
9/4/17 9:10 p.m.

I just did this on my truck, seems fine but I only needed a 1/4 inch. If you're going a full inch, I would drill new holes rather making slots. It will be stronger and you can move back to exactly where you were if you need to in the future.

dculberson PowerDork
9/4/17 10:51 p.m.

From the title I was picturing something like the Thunderbird slide away steering wheel.

Stefan MegaDork
9/4/17 11:00 p.m.

The only thing I can think of is that it could change the angle of the steering wheel and make it feel awkward to drive.

Trackmouse SuperDork
9/4/17 11:35 p.m.

In reply to Stefan:

Interesting. Never thought of that. So making the u joint operate at a more harsh angle could cause the wheel to have more resistance, but maybe inconsistent resistance, so it would cause some strange behavior.

collinskl1 Reader
9/5/17 6:33 a.m.

In reply to Trackmouse:

Yeah, changing the joint angles will affect the torque/speed some, but most people wouldn't notice. If you're only changing the angle a few degrees, it should be fine.

If you really wanted to, you could do some fancy math to determine the required angular phase shift of the joints along the shaft itself to offset that change from the repositioning... I'd just move it to your needs and let it fly.