Flaming River Steering Columns

[ncw1115]

Has anyone installed a Flaming River steering shaft AND column in their scrambler? I'm wondering how good a replacement they are? They advertise their steering parts as heavy duty, so they would seem to be an upgrade.

Does anyone have any experience with FR's steering gear, as a total package? I did a search of the forums, and found a few recommendations to use their steering shafts. I'm wondering if there's any particular issues with installing them, operating them, etc.

I'm also thinking of adding cruise control, so I wonder if I can install the cruise lever and wiring from a newer used Jeep column onto the FR column.

I guess I could ask folks at FR directly, eh? But I trust you guys so much more already.

Thanks.
Nathan

 

[Randyzzz]

I've put FR columns in street rods...unless it's a show vehicle I'd say it's money better spent elsewhere. They are great columns, however. Two easy column swaps that utilize multifunction switches are Grand Waggys, almost a direct bolt in, but most come with column mounted auto shifters. For a non-column shift unit, a XJ Cherokee column works great, once you grind off the bottom flange...takes about a minute. The lower shaft is not splines like the OEM Scrambler, it uses a large double d design. If you get the intermediate shaft with the column from a donor Cherokee, you can combine both intermediate shafts to make one that fits. The plus is the upper joint on the Cherokee shaft has a vibration isolator...nice on long drives.

 

[tinymay]

Hey Nathan. I've doing the Flaming River auto column w/ tilt and their shaft to the sector. So far, I really like the install. It appears to be Chevy-like but who cares if it works.

The tilt is tight and the Grant steering wheel used an adapter for a Chevy van. Auto Zone had the parts for $15 so don't pay the $100 that FR wants for their adapter. I used the floor mount bushing on my dash and it looks okay.

No info on using your cruise as a substitute.

 

[Bollocky]

... For a non-column shift unit, a XJ Cherokee column works great, once you grind off the bottom flange...takes about a minute. The lower shaft is not splines like the OEM Scrambler, it uses a large double d design. If you get the intermediate shaft with the column from a donor Cherokee, you can combine both intermediate shafts to make one that fits. The plus is the upper joint on the Cherokee shaft has a vibration isolator...nice on long drives.

Uhmm... Are you saying that one could grab these parts from a bone yard and use them to make a steering shaft that will compensate for a lift...at a fraction of the cost of an aftermarket shaft?

 

[Randyzzz]

Use the following info at your own risk...you're modifying steering components, so be careful.

Ok...so much for the disclaimer. Most steering shafts are constructed from "Double D" stock, a small diameter solid bar which goes into a larger diameter tube. The two pieces are held in place by nylon, injected into grooves in the smaller shaft through holes in the larger one. This design is so that if the vehicle is involved in an accident, the shaft will collapse instead of becoming a spear.

You can free the two shafts by heating the nylon to the melting point, and then sliding them apart. Usually it will take some persuasion from a hammer even with the nylon melted. Sand the nylon area of the shaft smooth so it will go back in easily. I have combined steering shafts by using this procedure- for different lengths or "conversion shafts" for different u-joints. You must make sure there is enough surface engagement on your new setup, never use a shaft that has the nylon injection groove visible after assembly.

Once you have constructed your "frankenstein" shaft, and the length is set, use the 2 nylon injection holes on the bigger shaft as guides and drill 2 1/8" holes all the way through. Install 2 roll pins, and you're set!