Important Notes:
• Phasing – Keep the forks of the yokes closest to
each other in line, and parallel to the center of
the shaft to avoid binding.
• NEVER weld a Universal Joint! Welding reduces
the strength of the metal and can melt the
needle bearing seal.
• Set screws are supplied
on all splined and DD
Universal Joints. However,
it is necessary to
indent, by drilling, the
shaft to properly secure
the set screw mechanism.
A red thread locker should also be used.
Periodically inspect the set screws to ensure
tightness.
• The shaft should be installed 7/8” into the yoke
(flush). A shaft that does not engage fully could
sacrifice the strength of the system. However,
if a shaft is too long, it can cause the shaft to
interfere (bind) with the operation of the system.
Universal Joint Yoke Shapes Shown Below:
(To be determined by individual applications)
Double D (DD) Smooth Splined
Pyramid
(Late Ford/Mustang)
Flaming River
Power
Six Simple Steps for Ordering a Flaming River
Steering System:
1. Choose the type of intermediate shaft you will
be using—Splined or DD. This will determine one
side of the Universal Joint that you will need to
order.
2. Determine whether you will need a two or three
U-Joint system. This is dictated by the angle—we
recommend a 15° angle for the optimal setup,
however up to 30° is acceptable. If using a three
U-Joint system, a Support Bearing is necessary.
The center U-Joint should either be 3/4" DD X 3/4"
DD or 3/4”-36 X 3/4"-36 depending on whether you
are using splined or DD shafts.
3. Use the Reference Application Chart to select
the proper Rack and Pinion or Steering Box spline
size for your system. If the chart does not list your
application, just measure the diameter of the shaft
and count the number of individual splines. If there
is a flat, count half of the splines and then double
that number.
4. Measure your column’s output shaft. If it is a
DD shaft (two rounds, two flats), then measure
the rounds—it will either be a 1” DD or 3/4" DD. If
there are splines, then measure the diameter and
count the individual splines—it will either be 1”-48
or 3/4”-36.
5. If you are using splined shafts and a two UJoint
system, then measure the distance between
the steering gear shaft and the column and then
subtract 3-1/4”. Round this number up to the next
whole number to determine the shaft length you
require.
6. If you are using a three U-Joint system, we recommend
using dowel rods to mock up the system.
Simply measure the length of the dowel rod and
this will be the length of the shaft you will require.
DD shafting can easily be cut down to size.
Application Size Spline
Dia.
Spline
Steering Boxes & Racks
Ford Rack
Mustang II & Pinto Manual
Mustang II & Pinto Power
9/16”-26
3/4”-36
.563
.750
26
36
Ford Box
Manual & Power 3/4”-36 .750 36
GM Box Manual
Vega
5/8”-36
.625
36
Corvair
5/8”-36
.625
36
Corvette (63-68)
3/4”-36
.750
36
Corvette (69-82)
3/4”-30
.750
30
Model 122 (65-85)
3/4”-30
.750
30
3/4”-36
.750
36
Model 525 (86 - Present)
3/4”-30
.750
30
GM Power Box
Model 605 (78-84)
Model 800 (77-Prior)
Model 800 (78-Present)
3/4”-30
13/16”-36
3/4”-30
.750
.813
.750
30
36
30
GM Rack
79-Present
Variations
Corvette (84-Present)
Fiero
5/8”-36
3/4”-30
17MM DD
17MM DD
.625
.750
.670
.670
36
30
.570
.570
Chrysler Box or Rack
Omni Manual
Omni Power
Power Box
Manual Box
9/16”-26
9/16”-36
5/8”-36C
3/4”-36
.563
.563
.750
26
36
36
36
Misc.
Jaguar & MGB
VW Rabbit - Diesel
BMW
3/4”-48
3/4”-36
17MM-54
.750
.750
.670
48
36
54
Tech Tips
Universal Joints • VDOG/Tech Tips
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