Lower Steering Shaft Needed

[Gary Lewis]

Folks - We have talked about this many times about the lower steering shaft.  But for whatever reason I've not gotten that info documented.  And now I need one but don't really want to spend a lot of money.  

So let's talk about them again.  I've pulled the info from the MPC and I'll put it in here and then, as we get this sorted, put it on the documentation side.

And it looks like I need E8TZ 3B676-A, which is the later, upgraded version that doesn't have the rubber boot.  But most of what I'm finding in my searches say "discontinued part".  And people that say they have them want lots of money for them.  Do any of y'all know of a source?

I don't need it immediately, although I'd take it ASAP.  However, I can put the one out of Dad's truck in to get the lines and hoses run properly while waiting for one to ship.

[old55pete]

There was one in an 84 F250 at U-Pick it and it looked fairly new/ fresh paint. If I get a chance tomorrow and drag it out if it is in fact new....er

[Rusty_S85]

I got the part number for my '82 saved on ebay just waiting for a hit.

One we got for the 5.0 coyote swap '82 I did at work, we got it from a local junkyard, had lots of rust in the collapsible section had to clean it out to get it to slide some what freely to get it painted and then installed.

Mine is just the boot a little messed up but I thought about getting the replacement style shaft like LMC sells but not going to pay $400+ for a lower steering shaft that has no rubber rag joint that will have you feel ever bump in the road.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Gary, I've got to ask about that E8 number, as the bricknose trucks have a riveted rag joint so I don't see a way the later part doesn't go all the way to the steering box.

I'd like to be wrong...

[Rembrant]

The steering shaft I have is from somewhere between 1987 and 1991, but I don't know exactly when...I was just told that it was a Bricknose shaft, and it has an integrated lower "rag" joint that is completely different than the Bullnose lower (traditional) rag joint.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Thanks for that Cory!
I feel vindicated.  

It will retrofit, as I'm sure you know.

[Rembrant]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

Thanks for that Cory!
I feel vindicated.  

It will retrofit, as I'm sure you know.

Well, until somebody starts reproducing the 1980-1986 shafts, a used 1987-1991 shaft is the next best thing unless one wants to spend the bucks on a Borgeson aftermarket shaft ($300 bills?).

The Bricknose shaft is superior to the Bullnose shaft imho, so it's a worthy junkyard part upgrade.

The only issue I had with mine is that the slip joint on this Bricknose shaft was sloppy (the flat metal spring inside was broken) so I welded a couple nuts on the tube and used set-screws to snug it back up.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I remember you explaining that when you did it.

I'm sure in an impact it will still collapse before it impales you.

[Gary Lewis]

Steve - Please do!

Rusty - The later ones still have a joint, just not as big.

Jim - I think that's what is meant by "Lower-1982/88 - also replace (12/88) 3524 & 3E715"

Cory - As we've discussed, that's exactly what I need to find, and for a reasonable price.

[Rembrant]

Oddly, there are aftermarket replacements for the 1992-1996/7 trucks, so I'm curious why they don't fit (Maybe they do?). The steering boxes stayed the same throughout, so obviously the difference is at the upper end (if any).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Ford-F-150-F-250-F-350-Bronco-Truck-1992-1998-Lower-Steering-Shaft-425-350/124044865460?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Somebody would have to grab one of these from a junkyard to see what the difference is in them.

Sooner or later Dorman or similar company will start selling replacement shafts. I believe they are available for 1979 and older, and 1992 and newer, it's just the black hole of 1980-1991 that is currently not covered...

[Gary Lewis]

Actually, I think it is a green hole:

But you are right, someone will step in with a reasonably-priced solution, some day.  And it would sure be nice if that '92+ one would fit.

[ArdWrknTrk]

But remember those later trucks have a stub steering column, and a U-joint inside the cab.

[old55pete]

Gary, I got up there and all of the parts that I wanted were gone, along with the new looking steering box, shaft and pitman arm. Sorry, I tried.

[Gary Lewis]

Steve - Thanks anyway.  You tried.

There's a salvage near me that I'll hit up next week.  Maybe they have something.

[BARRYS83F100]

I am in the same boat mine on my 83 F100 the boot is split so I am also on look out.

[old55pete]

Gary, I was on Jeff's Bronco grave yard looking for pieces for my Bronco and found that have the steering shaft that you are looking for...……………...Albeit, a little spendie. It says it fits 80-92 F100 through F250. The part number is 32855 and the price is 235.00. Just a thought.

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks, Steve.  I'll keep that in mind.  This one will work for the moment, but I do want to find one of the later ones at some point.