who knows steering?

[Nissanclay]

So Ive been trying to figure out what size steering joint I need for a while. Basically the application is Nissan shaft to Scout II box.

I'm getting conflicting stories on how to measure for the right size joint. Do I measure the un-splined part of the shaft or the splined parts?

First, on the Nissan side the smooth part of the shaft measures 5/8" (0.625) exactly and the splines measure 11/16" (0.6875) So do I need a 5/8 joint or an 11/16?

Second is the way I'm trying to figure out the size/spline of the Scout II steering box. Everything I can find on Scout II boxes say they are either 3/4x30 or 13/16x36 output. There is no smooth part so I can't measure it without the splines. From what I can remember, the splines measured just over 3/4" and a 3/4" 12pt wrench fit tight over it. I then assumed it was a 3/4" shaft. Am I assuming right?

The last part is counting the splines on the Scout box (once again I was assuming stuff so I might be in trouble) The output in shaped like a "D" and from flat spot to flat spot, there are 30 splines. This once again led me to believe that the box was a 3/4x30 box. However i was told that you have to account for the splines that are would be in the flat area.

So, if any of this makes any sense, please help me figure out the correct size joint I need for this unusual application.

Do i need a

3/4x30 to 5/8x36

3/4x30 to 11/16x36

13/16x36 to 5/8x36

13/16x36 to 11/16x36

vote and explain!

[tmorgan4]

I really wish I could help but I don't know the answer. Who have you been in contact with? If you haven't already tried PSC, they've been very helpful with some fairly technical questions. I believe the guys name is Lance who I've spoken to in the past. I remember them selling an "import" joint that was common to Toyotas and Nissans but I never did order one and figure out if it fit MY Nissan. PSC is one of the few companies I've ever ordered from where everything gets shipped very quickly and they're in Texas so parts show up quick. Maybe you can order a few and make sure they'll let you return them?

I was sick of trying to figure out the import to domestic spline conversion I so I got a blank 3/4" U-joint (the Borgenson joints are REALLY nice!) and build a new column. It works a lot better to TIG the joint on and do a little at a time since there are rubber seals and bearings an inch from where it's getting welded. Hopefully you won't have to deal with this!

I do agree with having to account for the added splines in the flat spot, though. The spline count determines the spacing between splines so it sounds like you want the 36 spline even if there are only 30.

[Nissanclay]

I'm waiting for a reply back from Borgeson. From the reading I've been doing online this morning, I think I need 13/16x36 to 11/16x36. I have the rag joint assembled and working, but its not ideal, I want a u-joint style.

[CurleyMan]

You silly silly guy go to aaispeed he will match it up in a couple seconds for ya. If you really need the part number PM Alex he just bought one today.

[CurleyMan]

Now that I think about it my scout2 shaft was thicker then Alex's so just bring it to aai.

[Nissanclay]

I did some more measuring and heard back from Borgeson and am not fairly certain that I need a 13/16-36 to 11/16-36 joint. Borgeson can custom make it for about $80.

Ben, where is aaispeed?

[Nissanclay]

Oh, and not sure if Alex's will be the same application. Don't know if anything has changed with the Nissan sizes.

[Alex Topousis]

just picked it up today for 40. mine was 26x3/4.

[tmorgan4]

Does AAIspeed stock all sorts of stuff? I'd just always heard about them for custom brakelines but didn't expect them to have a bunch of steering joints.

[CurleyMan]

Alex has a scout 2 box as well

He ran the scout box to the joint then to a 3/4" rod wich then goes up to the rag joint. I did the same thing piss on that Nissan collapsable shaft we don't have crumple zones anymore so....

Google Aaispeed they have a Tom of racecar stuff and alot of it crosses over into our hobby. Steering coolers, reservoirs, steering wheels, tire sipe tools, fluids, gussets.

They are located off grumble grumble and grumble in Denver close to I-76 and I-70

[Nissanclay]

just picked it up today for 40. mine was 26x3/4.

Mine is definitely bigger then 3/4" the outside of the splines (which I did get clarification from Borgeson that I measure the out side of the splines. They measure 0.8125" or 13/16. Also the there are 30 splines on the box and if I accout for the flat spot, it should be a total of 36 splines. I am waiting for a reply from AAI to get the cost. As soon as I get a reply back from AAI with a price and if its decent I'll head up there with the parts and make sure I get the right joint.

Alex has a scout 2 box as well

He ran the scout box to the joint then to a 3/4" rod wich then goes up to the rag joint. I did the same thing piss on that Nissan collapsable shaft we don't have crumple zones anymore so....

Google Aaispeed they have a Tom of racecar stuff and alot of it crosses over into our hobby. Steering coolers, reservoirs, steering wheels, tire sipe tools, fluids, gussets.

They are located off grumble grumble and grumble in Denver close to I-76 and I-70

So you're running a Rag joint and not a U-joint style? I have the rag joint all functioning but it pretty torn up and don't trust it. If I am going to replace the parts I' going to upgrade to a u-joint style.

Silly Silly Ben, I don't have a collapsable steering column. :crazy:

[CurleyMan]

No it's u joint style I'll post pictures

[CurleyMan]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/curleyben/6f411bd9.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/curleyben/933fb574.jpg

Alex used the aai speed joint and I used a Spicer joint. The rag joint crap on that scout box is garbage so yes the u joint is much better. Just hack off the Nissan crap but save the rag joint y part and insert then weld a 3/4" tube into the Y part. Most of AAI speeds joints are 3/4 ON THE SMOOTH SIDE IIRC. If you want to go to a larger bore on the smooth side I think your gonna have to go to spicer (drivetrain industries) like I did. They will fit ya with a semi truck joint though and it's a little bigger then anyone needs.

[Nissanclay]

Ben this is not the Frontier we are talking about, Nissan has changed a lot.

The steering on mine is no where close to what your pictures show. There is a u-joint at the end of the column, about 12" of 5/8" rod splined to 11/16" and that feeds to a rag joint right before the box. I'm trying to eliminate all rag joints. U-joint to U-joint like a mini drive shaft.

If I can get a 13/16 to 11/16 joint made (which borgeson and AAI say is no problem) then no welding, cutting or grinding will be needed. Just slip the new u-joint in place of the current rag joint.

It had crossed my mind to convert the Nissan side using existing 3/4 steering rod I have laying around. That is my alternative if I can't get the proper joint.

[CurleyMan]

Ahh gotcha sounds sweet go with aai you'll probably get wood the second you walk into the store. Wear carhearts or something so the guy doesn't get the wrong impression.

[Nissanclay]

Yeah it's only a few minutes from my house. And the place does have some cool parts but nothing more then Ontrack or 3R Automotive and they are friendlier then AAI. I had my garage jeans on and a jacket and the guy said about 8 words to me. Didn't have anything close to what I needed. Seems like a neat place but I a bit out of my way to give a second chance to especially when 3R is across the street from work. Thanks for showing me that place existed though it might come in handy.

I ended up ordering a custom made joint from Borgeson for $80.