Worn steering shaft u-joints

[chuckmynatt]

I have an early BDR and I've recently noticed some play in my steering wheel. I did find the allen bolt which retains the steering shaft to the rack was somewhat loose and tightening it took about 1/2 of the play out. Suggest everyone check this. On further inspection I have found the upper steering shaft u-joint has some slop in the bearings.
Does anyone know what these u-joints are out of and better yet a source and part number?

Chuck

[Unique 289_FIA]

Flaming River should have everything you need.

[Cobracraig]

Chuck,
I had the same problem on BDR #58 but my allen screw was not loose. The bearings seemed to be going bad. I called Reg at BDR in Boynton Beach, FL and he sent me a replacement steering shaft for free.

[chuckmynatt]

Since the steering shaft is fabricated using cross-type u-joints (similar to a drive shaft only smaller) Flaming River parts won't work without modifying the rest of the linkage. I'm not really interested in getting them for free since the originals were either highly worn when installed (the car is only 3 years old) or they are of questionable quality. I prefer to know what they were originally intended for so I can purchase some of known quality and age. They are kind of important! Does anyone have this information? Getting hold of Reg is somewhate of a challenge and I can't get anyone at Backdraft to respond to emails.

Chuck

[Hank Steckel]

Hey Chuck,
Give him a call. I met him at the Knotts show this past Saturday and he was very willing to answer any questions. His cell is: 954-520-2030 and the office phone in FL is: 561-752-3693.

It has been my experience that they seldom answer e-mails...but the phone works pretty much every time.

Please post the answer you get from him in case any of us need steering shaft parts as well

Hank Steckel
BDR #258