The steering wheel connects the driver directly to the road, more so than any other system on a vehicle. With only a few mechanical components in between the driver and the pavement, every component is vital. So when something is wrong with the steering system, like excessive play, it's easy to detect and is very unsettling.
This is what we noticed recently while driving our '01 GT, Project Icebox. We were experiencing about 45 degrees of play before the wheels would turn. With the stock steering shaft still on duty, we figured the rubber rag joint had failed. So we called up Maximum Motorsports for one of its high-performance steering shafts.
Maximum Motorsports offers a full line of steering shafts for Mustangs from '79-to-'04 with manual or power steering. The shafts feature twin universal joints, which are welded onto the shaft, eliminating the need for a rag joint.
Other than the possibility of the rag joint failing, it also flexes, reducing the driver's feel when driving. The rag joint is also known to soften over time, especially when used in conjunction with aftermarket headers. Replacing the rag joint with a universal joint gives the driver instant feedback from the wheels, without any of the energy being absorbed by the rubber rag joint.
The stock steering shaft was...
The stock steering shaft was definitely showing its age, and also its history of commuting New Jersey roads.
Upon removal of our shaft, however, we found that our rag joint wasn't the major flaw with our stock shaft. Though the rag joint was very soft, we were feeling slop in the telescoping portion of the shaft itself. The MM shaft is telescopic as well, but utilizes a D-shaped shaft as opposed to the clover-shaped original. This increases durability and responsiveness.
Follow along as we remove the stock piece and replace it with the MM shaft. The procedure is very similar for Fox-body Mustangs as well. Maximum Motorsports high-performance steering shafts are available for '79-'04 Mustangs with manual or power steering.
We used a 10mm wrench to remove...
We used a 10mm wrench to remove the retaining bolt under the dash. This bolt will be reused later to install the new shaft.
Next, we removed the bolt...
Next, we removed the bolt holding the shaft to the steering rack. With both ends loose, the shaft can be removed from below.
The original stamped-steel...
The original stamped-steel shaft has become very sloppy.
The Maximum Motorsports shaft...
The Maximum Motorsports shaft (PN MMST-14) is much stronger than the stock unit. Also, unlike many other aftermarket steering shafts, the universal joints are welded to the shaft.
The stock shaft (top) features...
The stock shaft (top) features a stamped steel shaft and a rag joint. The MM shaft (bottom) is noticeably stronger and lacks the rag joint.
A universal joint resides...
A universal joint resides where once was a rag joint.
The new shaft is most easily...
The new shaft is most easily installed from the bottom. Just make sure the upper end goes through the firewall before you attach the end to the steering rack.
Maximum Motorsports provides...
Maximum Motorsports provides a hex-key bolt to attach the shaft to the steering rack. Reuse the original bolt to attach the shaft to the steering column inside.
Here is our new shaft installed....
Here is our new shaft installed. The entire job takes about two hours, depending on how much rust you have to contend with.