PTFB Steering Shaft

[N PRGRES]

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.

[81Blackbird]

My first thought would be that it acts as a universal joint...not the kind you pass around...

[N PRGRES]

Only if you're going left

[JJ 109]

Isolation for vibrations

[79T/Aman]

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.

[stros]

Very cool.  Dave, how hard is it to swap your steering shaft in?  Is it a simple bolt on?

Thanks,
Darryl

[79T/Aman]

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.

[N PRGRES]

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