Unisteer 8010400-02 Tri-Five Chevy Rack & Pinion Kit 1955-57 - Manual (Page 6)

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For Stock Column Shift Steering Columns
Tri-Five Steering Shaft Kit Instructions
8050050 & 8050060
The steering shafts for the Tri-Fives require some assembly and some trimming. Please
follow these instructions carefully and read completely before starting.
Steering Shaft Installation
This rack and pinion kit should only require two steering joints, and one intermediate shaft. The
steering column has to be a specific length, in order for the shaft angle to be correct. If the
steering column is too long or too short, the steering joints will bind. The pinion shaft can rotate in
the rack mounts to help reduce the shaft angle. The pinion size of our rack is 16 millimeters
double D.
1. Measure the distance between the rack and pinion and the steering column to
determine shaft lengths. Loosely fit the upper assembly, and determine how much of
the shaft will have to be trimmed.
2. Trim shaft and machine or grind notch to accommodate u-joint pinch bolt.
3. Put the shaft into u-joint, so that the u-joints are 90 degrees out of phase (fig1) this
can be done by repositioning the upper joint onto the splined shaft (fig 2).
4. Torque the allen-head bolts holding u-joints onto shaft to 30ft/lb.
Stock Column (KIT # 8050050):
1. Install steering shaft on the column and the rack and pinion. Drill and pin the u-joint to the
steering column.
2. Tighten the nuts on the u-bolts.
Aftermarket Column (KIT # 8050060)
1. Determine if the column being used has a 1-DD hollow column shaft or a ¾-36 splined
shaft. Both these columns need to be extended to get around headers, and is done by
using either an 8” DD shaft alone or with a ¾-36 coupler. (Note: 1-DD columns will only
need the 8” shaft)
2. When using the 1- DD column; slide the 8” shaft into the hollow column shaft (De-burring
may be necessary). Adjust the depth so that the lower shaft assembly (see top of the
page) has the least amount of angle. Once the set up is turning without binding drill and
pin the 8” shaft to the 1-DD shaft.
3. When using the ¾-36 column install the splined coupling on the column shaft. This is best
accomplished by dimpling the shaft with a drill so the setscrew will bite in.
4. Insert the 8” DD shaft into the smooth side of the coupler.
5. Install the lower shaft assembly and determine how much of the column shaft will need to
be trimmed to have the least amount of u-joint angle.
6. Trim the 8” DD shaft to the correct length, and re-insert into the coupler. Drill and pin the
coupler and shaft, and reinstall lower shaft assembly.