TAC Tech => Mechanical => Topic started by: N PRGRES on January 14, 2022, 09:24:59 AM

Title: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: N PRGRES on January 14, 2022, 09:24:59 AM
I was looking at the PTFB steering shaft and noticed it doesn't have a rag joint.  This made me curious why there is a rag joint in the stock system and whats it's purpose.
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: 81Blackbird on January 14, 2022, 10:02:38 AM
My first thought would be that it acts as a universal joint...not the kind you pass around... :D
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: N PRGRES on January 14, 2022, 11:04:52 AM
Only if you're going left
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: JJ 109 on January 15, 2022, 09:36:09 AM
Isolation for vibrations
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: 79T/Aman on January 18, 2022, 10:51:44 AM
the PTFB intermediate shaft is made to minimize sponginess in the steering system, this why it does not use a rag joint.
the oem of course made cars for the masses regardless of how sporty we may envision them, all GM cares about is selling to the largest number of customers, 99% of car buyers don't want to feel anything, a rag joint is just a form of prevention against possible NHV especially on a direct straight line column to steering box application.
PTFB also specifically sells these shafts as Racing parts because it does not have the rag joint, harshness is dealt with by the telescoping portion of the shaft.
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: stros on January 18, 2022, 11:33:00 AM
Very cool.  Dave, how hard is it to swap your steering shaft in?  Is it a simple bolt on?

Thanks,
Darryl
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: 79T/Aman on January 18, 2022, 12:44:15 PM
Very cool.  Dave, how hard is it to swap your steering shaft in?  Is it a simple bolt on?

Thanks,
Darryl

yes it is very easy, however there may be some fitting at the column, usually needs some cleaning and filling/grinding the edge of the column shaft because the factory just formed the end and the new shaft is a machined part, the factory part is much sloppier.
Title: Re: PTFB Steering Shaft
Post by: N PRGRES on January 26, 2022, 06:12:43 AM
the PTFB intermediate shaft is made to minimize sponginess in the steering system, this why it does not use a rag joint.
the oem of course made cars for the masses regardless of how sporty we may envision them, all GM cares about is selling to the largest number of customers, 99% of car buyers don't want to feel anything, a rag joint is just a form of prevention against possible NHV especially on a direct straight line column to steering box application.
PTFB also specifically sells these shafts as Racing parts because it does not have the rag joint, harshness is dealt with by the telescoping portion of the shaft.
I never thought I would say this, but that's one nice looking shaft