Astro Van steering shaft?

[TireFryer]

I’m looking at buying one of these, from someone on the board here. Says that it is a drop in piece. Are these a drop in or do they need modifications to fit?

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

You’ll need to grind a small notch (3/16”) at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft (at the firewall) for the pinch bolt.
Not the most convenient spot. I used a die grinder. I think with the shaft oriented correctly, it would be doable with a rat tail file.
The steering box end of the mine rubbed on the large reservoir return hose. I had to shorten it 1”, but mine is an original ‘86 non recall reservoir which I believe is a bit different.

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

This is what I used. Dropped right in. I test fit, Loctited bolts, & torqued.

Hooker BlackHeart 71223022HKR Hooker BlackHeart Steering Shaft

Hooker BlackHeart has quickly become the leader in engine swaps and we are excited to announce new products for 1982-2004 GM S10/Sonoma trucks and 1982-1988 GM G-Body. The new Hooker BlackHeart steering shafts are designed to work with Hooker Blackheart S-10/Sonoma LS Swap Headers (P/N's...

www.holley.com

No fitment issues, at least not on my car. I also replaced the shaft bearing setup by the firewall.

 

[HyperV6]

With the Hooker Blackheart shaft you still needed to grind on the lower steering shaft for the upper bolt right?

Thanks for any clarification.
Craig

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

No Sir. I did not.

 

[TireFryer]

@HyperV6 I’ve read you have to grind and some say you don’t. I bought it and will update this thread after install

 

[pacecarta]

if you drop it in as removed from the astro the steering wheel will be 90 degrees off
shaft needs to have one end removed (grind off tabs ) and rotated 90 deg (then welded ) to match the regal
there are vids on yutube

 

[TireFryer]

if you drop it in as removed from the astro the steering wheel will be 90 degrees off
shaft needs to have one end removed (grind off tabs ) and rotated 90 deg (then welded ) to match the regal
there are vids on yutube

Well. That’s not drop in is it. Could you link a video to this?

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

I bought mine from Kirban before he sold out, it was re-indext already.

 

[pacecarta]

Well. That’s not drop in is it. Could you link a video to this?