U-joint on steering shaft: float or bolt down?

Abodysrule said
OK, I have a data point. Luckily, my pot coupler was powder coated, so the wear pattern inside where the shoes rub was very easy to see/measure, all four tracks are 23 mm long. The edge of the shoe that rubs there is 21 mm long. 23 mm - 21 mm = 2 mm So, that means the flex my system was seeing at most 2mm up and down the steering axis (more likely 1 mm up and down from a central shoe position). No way those splines would pull out of the U-joint.

I'd be curious to see if anyone else has made this measurement and what the numbers look like.

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There are many reasons the shaft or column can move back. Why take the chance. All manufactures allow for vibration. Some use rag joints. But all are held securely to the splines on the steering box.

They must have a reason for this. Even the coupler has a pin to prevent it from coming apart.

Do what you want. See you in the Ditch if you lose connection to your " Borgeson box" LOL. Just tossed one of them in the scrap metal bin last week. My 53 6400 Chevy Wrecker steered better, And easier when loaded heavy. The numbers on the door call me if you need ditch removal service.