HDK steering

[70b7duster]

In the middle of installing my HDK and would like to see what others have come up with. Stock or aftermarket column, and how you Hooked up to the rack.

 

[HemiDenny]

After adapting many different ways for different applications. My preferred way is to remove the shaft, cut it just north of the drive pin hole for the factory vibration / rag joint and have the 3/4" od end machined to DD.

From there use a DD universal joint and finish off to the rack and pinion with a combo vibration dampner and universal. Of, course , use DD shaft for the connection. Safe and secure.

It is a good idea to make sure you have a properly functioning poly-bushing in the end of the column to keep the shaft centered and secure.

universal joint
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005/s0011/FR2516DD

virbration dampner/ universal....manual
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005/s0010/FR1889

vibration dampner / universal....power
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005/s0010/FR1883

DD shaft
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0008/s0004/FR1850SS

 

[HemiDenny]

The above universals / shaft come in ....

steel.....................the least expensive/ needs painted or finished or will oxidize.

stainless steel....no paint/ no rust/ but a little more $$$ (my choice)

polished stainless steel....pretty but expensive

All three function alike.... just depends on your budget and preference in looks

 

[HemiDenny]

In the middle of installing my HDK and would like to see what others have come up with. Stock or aftermarket column, and how you Hooked up to the rack.

If you are using an after-market column / shaft that is splined adapt to DD with a spline to DD universal or straight coupler/ adapter. Of course, using a straight coupler depends on whether the steering shaft needs lengthening before making a the angle change with a universal.

 

[blue missile]

I just cobbled mine together, 1" rod stock and a support bearing on a plate welded to the frame.

 

[70b7duster]

Thanks for the replies. blue missile what column are you using?

 

[hemisedan]

Right, what column and what length are you using? What motor as well?

 

[blue missile]

70,
I'm using a Mazda RX9 column with the paddle shifter built in.
As far as the motor, it will be aR3 based 440 stroker in front of a TCI electronic 6 speed.
Andrew

 

[CJP4130]

I just installed the HDK in my car and did just as Denny suggested. I didn't even have to pull the column to do it. Cut the shaft with a cutoff wheel and cut the DD on the shaft with the same wheel, whole thing took less than 10 min.

 

[hemisedan]

I asked on another HDK site about this, so I'll ask here as it is more appropriate. Anybody out there used one of Ididit columns with an A Body? I know that they are coming out with a column for A Bodies, but have one for B Bodies now. Except that that price tag? $900. and not even painted let alone stainless. Ididit has many columns at half that price, with tilt feature and other things. So, I guess that I am asking, has anyone used one of these Ididit hotrod columns in their A body car? Also if so, what length of column and how did you mount it to the dash? Can one just take off the A Body stock mounting column and attach the new column to the dash like a stock unit? Also, wiring? Just curious.

Bill

 

[70b7duster]

Finished a few weeks ago. Here's what I came up w/