Upgrading Your Classic Car: A Guide to Measuring and Replacing the Steering Shaft

When it comes to upgrading your classic car's steering system, one crucial step is replacing the steering shaft. In my case, I'm working on a unique project - grafting the firewall from a 1972 Dodge Dart into my 1951 Plymouth. With this modification, I need to ensure that all components are compatible and properly sized.

One challenge I've faced is determining the size of the steering shaft at the rack and pinion unit. My power rack and pinion unit comes from an '87 to '95 Lebaron, but I don't have any information on the size of the shaft. To avoid guessing or making a costly mistake, I decided to research and find the correct measurement.

After some investigation, I'm still unsure if this is a metric or SAE size. However, I do know that my universal joint for the column is 5/8' 36. This gives me a starting point to work from. Ideally, I'd like to measure the shaft at the rack and pinion unit but, unfortunately, it's not immediately visible.

As I continue working on my project, I'm reminded of the importance of accurate measurements in classic car restoration. With the right tools and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process. In this case, I'm relying on my research and experience to get the job done correctly.

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