SBF 302 swap using STS machining steering shaft

[CTessmer]

Hello, All. Has anyone done a 302 SBF swap using STS steering shaft?
I have switched to Borgenson double joint on rack and single joint on column and will be using a Heim joint midshaft. I need to build a brace bracket for the heim joint and I’m looking for examples.

 

[mikep]

I need to look at a car in the morning to get my head around it.

 

[mikep]

What i’m thinking is bolt on a flat steel plate using the 2 crossmember bolts.

 

[CTessmer]

What i’m thinking is bolt on a flat steel plate using the 2 crossmember bolts.

That’s what I will probably end up doing, but my engine mount brackets use the same bolts, so I’ll have to acquire longer ones. I have a press break for my 12 ton shop press, so I’ll probably bend some plate. Just have to go between the brake lines and fender apron.

 

[culberro]

You don't need a steering shaft support if using OEM steering-u-joints, but there is an argument to be made that it will help reduce bearing loads in the lower column bearing and the input bearing on the rack.

So my question to you is: Why did you change to a double u-joint/cardan?

@CTessmer There is an easier and less obtrusive way to make the motor mounts work with a 302/5.0. Instead of mounting to the "frame rail", have the motor mount adapters go to the cross member and OE mounting locations. This frees up a lot of room and makes working on the car and engine a lot easier. I'll see if I can dig up some pics.

See pics below, taken with a potato circa 2014:

 

[CTessmer]

I was going by the info I had at the time. I searched the internet for examples until my eyes crossed. Wish I had seen your design first. Maybe I’ll redo them now. The reason I’m using a double Borgenson ujoint at the rack and a single at the column is because my block hugger headers are coated, and I don’t want to bash them (or the firewall if using stock shorty headers) to make clearance for the steering shaft. Would you happen to have measurements/angles for your mounts? I know it’s asking a lot. Thanks.

 

[CTessmer]

You don't need a steering shaft support if using OEM steering-u-joints, but there is an argument to be made that it will help reduce bearing loads in the lower column bearing and the input bearing on the rack.

So my question to you is: Why did you change to a double u-joint/cardan?

@CTessmer There is an easier and less obtrusive way to make the motor mounts work with a 302/5.0. Instead of mounting to the "frame rail", have the motor mount adapters go to the cross member and OE mounting locations. This frees up a lot of room and makes working on the car and engine a lot easier. I'll see if I can dig up some pics.

See pics below, taken with a potato circa 2014:

My mounts utilize two of the original engine mount bolt holes in the crossmember on each side. I also gusseted the mounts to keep them from flexing. There is adequate room to drop the oil pan easily if necessary.

 

[culberro]

I was going by the info I had at the time. I searched the internet for examples until my eyes crossed. Wish I had seen your design first. Maybe I’ll redo them now. The reason I’m using a double Borgenson ujoint at the rack and a single at the column is because my block hugger headers are coated, and I don’t want to bash them (or the firewall if using stock shorty headers) to make clearance for the steering shaft. Would you happen to have measurements/angles for your mounts? I know it’s asking a lot. Thanks.

The block hugger headers will fit without hitting the firewall, but you have to rotate the 2-bolt flange first (assuming these are bbk shorties).

There is ample room between the header and steering shaft on the car I did when using the STS solid column. Not sure why you’re having issues.

Anyways, back to your problem: you can mount the support anywhere, but the closer you get it to the double u-joint the better.

 

[CTessmer]

The block hugger headers will fit without hitting the firewall, but you have to rotate the 2-bolt flange first (assuming these are bbk shorties).

There is ample room between the header and steering shaft on the car I did when using the STS solid column. Not sure why you’re having issues.

Anyways, back to your problem: you can mount the support anywhere, but the closer you get it to the double u-joint the better.

The engine I have came with Ford Motorsports stainless shorty headers. The driver side header hits the engine mount bracket just above the mount, regardless of mount style, and I can’t align it to put the bolts in, so instead of buying another set of shorty headers, I bought block huggers from Southwest Speed which point downward instead of at the brake and fuel lines and near the control arm bushings. Currently having issues getting at the spark plugs because I have gt40p heads. Had to order short spark plugs and protective boots. Not much choice in the world as far as headers for the gt40p spark plug angle which will fit in a 240. I’m considering aluminum heads but that will have to wait. I already have too much in the car as it is and haven’t even started the fresh engine yet.