How To Install A Flaming River Steering Column - Steer Us Straight

We have the speedo/tachometer cluster panel in place again to align the steering column to make sure the column goes in the center of the dash. There is a lot of movement available side-to-side and up-and-down. Make sure you check the alignment before you tighten all the bolts down.

Now that the column is in close proximity, we'll install the linkage that Flaming River provided. We used a Flaming River Vibration Resistor right off the column to absorb vibrations and prevent fatigue cracks and failures from road vibrations. Notice that we also fabricated a heat shield on the header tube to avoid overheating the coupling that could cause premature failure.

We also put another heat shield where the middle U-joint is supported by a rod end. The steering column must be supported when three or more U-joints are used. Rotate the steering shaft from lock-to-lock position while checking the U-joint for binding against the steering shaft. The U-joint trunions should never touch each other while turning.

Once the steering-column shaft length is determined, the set screws are tightened down to make an impression on the shaft. Once the set screw makes an impression, a 51/416-inch drill bit can be used to drill a recess in the shaft. This allows the set screw to tighten the coupling fully to the shaft. each coupling has two set screws that require the drill treatment.

The shaft has the depression drilled into it, then it is slid into the coupling. Once the shaft is in place, the set screw should have Loc-Tite applied to the threads to prevent a loose set screw. the cinch nuts require tightening. Just remember, this is the steering of your car and any error may cost a life.

The Flaming River Vibration Resistor steering coupler is installed on the new Flaming River column, aligning the set screw with the flat on the steering-column shaft. We can move the firewall plate on the inside to position the steering shaft properly. The whole install takes some finagling to have a smooth-operating steering linkage, but with patience it can be done without too much aggravation.

Flaming River has a billet turn-signal and tilt-lever kit to add a clean look to the install. Don't forget that the turn-signal lever must be installed before the steering-wheel hub is installed. If you prefer, the original-style levers can be used to keep an OE look.

There is a little wiring required to connect the new style turn-signal switch wiring to the original, but Flaming River has an understandable instruction sheet along with the necessary connectors. The flasher is added and incorporated into the wiring connector to provide four-way flashers on all '63-'68 applications.