Help!! 3"BL done, Now Steering Problem

[tomblin1]

I never heard from flaming river.
I solved my problem 90% by changing out the steering shaft with one from a '91 Explorer Sport. This one had a nice u-joint at the top and a rag joint at the bottom. My original one had a rag joint at both ends. The u-joint is much smoother, steering wheel returns to center if i let go after completing a turn with no problem now.
Look at the photos that udmsvt posted, the first one is of the stock rag joint, the second is the shaft out of his 91. You can see the diffence in the type of upper joint on the shaft. This is what I changed mine with.

I picked it up for $50 from a salvage yard and switched it myself. not hard to do. Took 30 minutes.

From my understanding, if Flaming River makes one for our Explorers, may cost around $200 and bascially has a u-joint at both ends. I'm very happy with my solution. It was cheaper and really helped.

Good luck!

 

[Mascman]

The shaft on my 2nd gen X was too short after the 3"BL. I cut and welded a short section of pipe in...it worked for a while. Where the shaft slides apart became very loose and and was ready to break.

I got a u-joint from www.mcmaster.com. I got another steering shaft and cut it right near the top. I used bolts to put it all back together, but it could be welded in. This made a 2 joint shaft. It has held up fine and it's been close to a year.

Follow the link to the Explorer photos and you will see a pic of the steering shaft. You can get a u-joint with the inside diameter that will fit over the steering shaft. I can't remember how much I paid, but it wasn't too expensive. If anyone needs any help, let me know.
http://photos.yahoo.com/michaelsmascarello