Hooker Header to steering shaft clearance

[lightning358]

I'm somewhat new to the forum, i'm that behind the scene guy who watches the posts and have had alot of help from this forum without asking questions. But now I'm running into some header to steering shaft clearance problems that i cant seem to figure out. I've done the search and did what other people did to solve the issue...kind of hoping someone else has had the same issue as me. So here are the details. Running a 347 with solid motor mount attached to QA1 K-Member. Have hooker super comp headers 1 5/8 with a manual rack and steering shaft to go with (ebay special, to be specific its from Dynamic Racing Products...dont buy from them from personal experience). the steering shaft is hitting the header and was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. i tried to post some pics but they are too large. please help if you can.

 

[GT Trooper]

I also had this problem as I have a BBF so it's a tight fit in there. Depending on how close the shaft is to the header, you may have to ding the header to get it to clear. Your next option is to play with the angle of your steering column by using washers to space it down inside the car. This moves the shaft. Another option is to take the bolt out that bolts the shaft to the steering column in the engine bay. You will find at that location the steering column actually retracts just by pulling it out or pushing it back in. Doing this you will either have to extend or shorten your steering shaft between the couplers. Play around with these ideas and you will achieve your clearance.

Good luck

 

[GT Trooper]

If you could post a pic I may be able to give you some better direction. I totally remember how much of a pain this was for me before I learned of those little tricks I mentioned.

 

[Daggar]

I had to do a couple of things to get my Bassani 1 3/4 shorites to fit.

I installed spacers between the motor mounts and the blocks to move the whole thing "up" just a hair.

I loosened the steering column bolts under the dash, wedged a broom stick handle between the headers and steering shaft, then tightened the under-dash bolts back down again.

Either one or a combinaltion of both of these things should give you what you need for clearance, depending on how much additional room you need.

Disclaimer: No parts were modified or harmed in the making of this fix.

 

[lightning358]

I tried the broom handle trick...i did get a little bit more clearance but not enough. i loosen the bolts like you said but got very little movement by doing this. do you think its possible to notch he column mount (inside the car) to make the mount bolts slide? The motor mount trick seems like a good idea, but how much of a spacer do i need. i need about 1/8 to 1/4"...i wish i could post a pic. does anyone know how to reduce the size of pics so i can post? i got a really good shot of my problem. thanks