Steering Column Extension

[chriseyj]

Could do with some advice again, my steering column is the adjustable type and my downlink that I need to extend is the 2 piece extendable type.

Do I need the extendable part of the lower downlink? or can I just remove it and join the upper UJ and the lower rubber one?

Thanks again.

[HandyAndy]

sorry you,ve lost me a little there

what i did was to buy a splined shaft from Rally Design, cut it in half & fit it into the rack end using a new "group 4 " coupling, the original rubber end shaft was then cut to remove the rubber bit then that went into the extension i made, so the triangle part(rubber coupling) is now fitted just below CP16 which makes it easy to remove the steering column without needing to remove the steering wheel section,
i have a few pics if that would help?

andy

[chriseyj]

Hi Andy sorry for confusing you, my lower downlink is like this one below not sure whos picture this is.
I was wondering if I need to include the triangular clamp piece (looks like 2 wings) just before the extension tube is welded on, and after the UJ joint on the left.



Cheers

[HandyAndy]

the way thats done in the photo is precisely how i,ve done mine, the reason i did it like that was to make the column between Cp16 & the steering rack removeable without needing to remove the steering wheel or the rack itself, & also the part that clamps onto the triangulated part that is just below Cp16 has a locating pin too, so it all more or less keeps the original spec of the sierra column which must be good for the safety aspect of having a deforming steering column in the event of a frontal impact. also it helps with installing the engine as its easily removed by undoing just 2 bolts.

andy

[chriseyj]

I see I think I've seen a picture of yours.
What is that joint piece of the lower link used for? (directly above engine mount in photo).

Thanks again Andy.

[RAYLEE29]

Also if you do as in the piccy above the top joint remains a standard replaceable part which is always a good thing
if it wears out just pop on another no welding or cutting etc
Ray

[chriseyj]

I see now, it is a good idea to be able to remove that universal joint incase you need to replace it, and with out that second joint piece it would be permanently fixed to the rest of the down link.
Cheers.

[RAYLEE29]

Also if you do as in the piccy above the top joint remains a standard replaceable part which is always a good thing
if it wears out just pop on another no welding or cutting etc
Ray

[squbti]

is there a good way to make the extinsion itself collapsible?
Samy

[squbti]

5221000k.jpg
this one has a 70mm collapsible section, but i´m not sure how its made.
does anyone have any ideas?
cheers