Sierra Steering Coupling Joint
 

Im installing the steering column on my car now and have a Sierra unit. However, since it is to short I have to lenghten it so no sweat. The unit has a coupling joint I will use at the top of shaft at the steering wheel side and a funny coupling made with a rubber disc/link on the rack spline side that is flexible and acts sort of like a universal joint.

And this is my problem. From the engine bulkhead (bearing) to the steering rack spline is aboat 900mm odd and the mis-alignment longitudinal is about 135mm and gives an angle of about 8 degrees at the steering rack spline.
My question: can this rubber coupling joint be used as a universal joint at 8 degrees angle or do need to add another universal coupling before the rubber joint coupler?

Most replace the rubber with a u/j type fitting,dont know about SA but in the UK a sliding joint is needed for IVA.

Finally sorted out and fitted
 

Finally got the Sierra steering bits fitted with the Escort Mk2 rack.:cool:

The way I did it was to turn a three piece nylon bush that encased the Sieera steering bearing and this was fitted to the chassis steering tube at the steering wheel boss end and secured in place with the steering boss. I the fitted the upper tube and adjusted the triangle tubing thingie in place and drilled right through and fitted a bolt and nut that locks it firmly in place so it cannot slide.

Then turned a steel bush in the lathe that fits snugly over the triangle thingie and tightly in the swivel bulkhead bearing and welded in place on the triangle tube.
The lower steering rod with the swivel connector and rubber conector was split and lenghend to size with steel tube and welded fast. The whole contraption was fitted and the bulkhead bearing grub screws locked onto the welded on steel bush over the triangle thingie. Steeing nice and secure with no play at all.

The offset at the steering rack is so little one can barely notice it on the rubber coupling when turning the wheel. Steering clears the engine bay and also the mountings by a good margin.