Steering Intermediate Shaft Question?

[1996BLKBauer]

OK, so after going to the Junk yard EVERY 2 weeks to find a SIS for my 96' Explorer, I am giving up, I either find one that is in the same condition as the one I have, OR none of the explorers are the right one. So I went to my local Ford dealership, and of course there are none in stock anywhere, so I asked the guy what can I do, because driving is becoming dangerous, especially with it locking up.

I told him about the thread here to remove it and grease it, he agreeded that it would work for some time, but it would not be a good fix. He then showed me many after market company's that produce custom steering shafts for everything, and told me to take mine out, and measure, and take photos of EVERYTHING, and to then call them up about it. Now if I can get a new aftermarket shaft produced by some company, would anybody else be interested in getting one as well? Or is there another option? I have to take mine out to grease it this week in my Steering and Suspension class, so that is when I am doing everything.

 

[woodr004]

Intermediate shaft

Ford no longer carrys the part. I have been told that 95-2001 use the same part. I am seeking clarification on that. I know that the Ranger, Aerostar and Explorer have a lot of common parts. I found 3 97 Explorers that have the shaft in place. I started pulling parts from one and got two of the three I needed. I am going to go back and pull the shaft and see if it will fit my vehicle. It is only 10 bucks for the part so I am not out too much if it does not fit. I guess you could always take it apart and rebuild it. Look on car-parts.com and see if you can find what you need. PM me and tell me how you made out.
Pat

 

[sport97]

Mine needs replaced too. The boot is half gone, so it fills with mud and gunk. I clean it out time to time with brake cleaner and pour gear oil into it. (Spilled some on engine, man that stuff smells when it burns!) I pulled the torn boot off, it was just in the way.

That seems to hold up for a bit unless I do some gnarly wheeling.

What is your issue? I was thinking about cleaning it, greasing it, and finding a boot to fit. I saw somewhere that it may be possible to modify a tie rod boot to fit it...

I plan to look for a replacement for one at a junkyard... Are you guys saying there are differences in design? When did they occur?

 

[woodr004]

I think the 2nd generation 95-2001 are the same. Note I said THINK! Mine is binding. It binds than releases, makes driving it kind of a challange.
Pat

 

[sport97]

I think the 2nd generation 95-2001 are the same. Note I said THINK! Mine is binding. It binds than releases, makes driving it kind of a challange.
Pat

Mine did that, it had tough spots in the steering. You have to turn the wheel back straight because it doesn't spin back when finishing a turn.

Try spraying brake cleaner in there and getting some oil to grease it. Mine steers great currently, although I know its only until the oil dries up.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Flaming River Products makes replacement steering parts for our application. You can call them up and give them all the measurements and they will come up with a solution for you. Granted, they're not cheap. Probably almost 2 bills for everything but it's all highest quality. If you want a permanent fix, check it out.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Mine binds off just off center, the boot is still there. but it if for sure past just greasing. so that is why I want a decent used one or new. When talking to the guy at the dealership he said that the 96-97 V8's are different then 98-01 V8's, I am unsure if this is 100% true, but this is what he said.

Flaming River Products makes replacement steering parts for our application. You can call them up and give them all the measurements and they will come up with a solution for you. Granted, they're not cheap. Probably almost 2 bills for everything but it's all highest quality. If you want a permanent fix, check it out.

That is the exact company I was looking at, to be honest $200 is nothing for my safety, plus I want to keep driving the truck for the next 150,000 miles.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

In the process of doing my research for my steering upgrade I called Flaming River and talked to their tech support people. They were very knowledgeable, very helpful and really eager to help. With their help we determined what parts were needed to do this upgrade on our 98-01 Ex's and Mounty's. According to FR only one u-joint is needed. That along with their collapsible steering shaft and you're good to go. The shafts larger end slips right over the upper shaft coming through the firewall, and the smaller end goes into the u-joint installed at the steering rack. The correct part #'s for our application are FR1789-DD(u-joint, $129.95) and FR1856-S(steering shaft, $126.95). They're also doing free shipping on orders over $175 until 3/13/13. I'll be ordering mine probably on Friday. Thought I would share and save a little leg work.

Edit: Added bonus, All their stuff is made in the U.S.A.!

 

[woodr004]

I did some more research, the 95-97 use the same part. I found that out the hard way, I pulled one off a 98 and it did not fit my 95. So now I have a very nice one with the boots intact that I can't use so I will ebay it I guess. The parts that albi1cnobi1 listed won't work for me as they are for the 98. I am getting really good at pulling these little Bas@%@@ds! I have checked out all of the local yards and am now searching the southwest. I tell the guys, reach up through the drivers side wheelwell and feel the boot, if it is torn, don't bother. It took me two pulls to figure that out as I am not very bright!

 

[albi1cnobi1]

The correct part #'s for our application are FR1789-DD(u-joint, $129.95) and FR1856-S(steering shaft, $126.95). They're also doing free shipping on orders over $175 until 3/31/13. I'll be ordering mine probably on Friday. Thought I would share and save a little leg work.

Edit: Added bonus, All their stuff is made in the U.S.A.!

Correct, this is for 98-01. Sorry should have been more specific.

New update. The part number for the u-joint is incorrect. I had a problem with the fit on the rack end. Flaming River is working on this with me. I think they will have an updated part number for me shortly. As soon as I know something I'll post it up.

Newer update: The correct part number for the 2nd gen racks is FR1789P. The part number for the column is the same. The FR1789DD number is for the Mustang racks. They actually didn't have an application for our trucks but they worked with me and we figured it out. This new number is actually for their own power rack but we figured out that the yokes on both the Ford Explorer and FR racks are the same.