[38mag]

In the tech article "Steering shaft assemblies from junkyard parts" Will the "U"joint from the Astro van fit a Vega steering box? Is the size and spline the same?

[66GMC]

Short answer:
Yes, I *think* so ...

I just looked up a steering box for both a 1976 Vega and a 1990 GMC Safari van at NAPA On-Line

Under the "attributes" for both boxes ... they both list a 3/4" input shaft diameter.

My 66 GMC steering shaft (manual steering) fit right onto the 1979 C20 steering gear, so ... ???

[38mag]

Dosn,t the Vega box use a 5/8 x 36 shafT?
Is the Astrovan "U" joint in the tech article the same 5/8 x36 size shaft?????

[38mag]

Since no one replied, I also checked NAPA and I found the shaft seal size for the Vega is .6250" (5/8") and the Astro is .7500" (3/4"), therefore I take it they aren't the same size.

[66GMC]

Originally Posted by 38mag

Since no one replied, I also checked NAPA and I found the shaft seal size for the Vega is .6250" (5/8") and the Astro is .7500" (3/4"), therefore I take it they aren't the same size.

Maybe no-one replied (except me) because you never DID say what years the vehicles were.

Also: Is "the Vega" manual steering, by chance?

Re-read my first post.
I had assumed a 1976 Vega with POWER steering, and a 1990 GMC Safari van (same as Chev Astro)

BOTH of those show a 3/4" input shaft.
1990 Asto -- steering gear

Item#: NSP277533

Attributes:
Line Thread Size:M18x1.5; M16x1.5
# of Mounting Holes:3
Input Shaft Diameter:3/4"
Output Shaft Diameter:1.25"
# of Turns Lock to Lock:3 1/16
Type of Hose Ports:Tube O-Ring

1976 Vega (#1 of 2 -- w/ Round Ring Retained Housing Cover )

Item#: NSP276506

Attributes:
Line Thread Size:11/16x18; 5/8x18
# of Mounting Holes:3
Input Shaft Diameter:3/4"
Output Shaft Diameter:1.125"
# of Turns Lock to Lock:3 - 3 5/8
Type of Hose Ports:Tube Seat
"

1976 Vega (#2 of 2 -- w/ Square 4 Bolt Housing Cover )

Item#: NSP276507

Attributes:
Line Thread Size:11/16x18; 5/8x18
# of Mounting Holes:3
Input Shaft Diameter:3/4"
Output Shaft Diameter:1.25"
# of Turns Lock to Lock:3 1/8 - 4
Type of Hose Ports:Tube Seat

[38mag]

The steering box I am using is a manual Vega style box from Speedway with a 5/8 X 36 input shaft, i don't know what year or if it is really a Vega box but that's what they call it.

What I would like to know is, will the Astro U joint that is used in the Tech Article from this forum, that is shown at the top right of this page, work on the Vega box with a 5/8 X 36 input shaft. I didn't see in the article where it mentioned the year for the Astro or the shaft size. It looks as if I can use the U joint that is shown in the pictures if the shaft size is 5/8 X 36.

[66GMC]

OK, sorry ... I guess I wasn't understanding the whole thing here.

Apparently, "Vega" manual steering boxes are commonly used on light weight and/or tight clearance applications.

It looks like the "common" steering box input size is 3/4", and the "Vega" one is 5/8" ... so I would think you need some sort of adapter or yoke that fits the "Vega" box.

Flaming River sells many different models of "Vega" boxes and they do list some sort of adapter ... although it's not pictured.
#FRUJKT2 sounds like what you need.


Vega/Corvair Box ujoint kit - 1"DDx3/4"DD, 5/8"-36x3/4"DD

Here is a link to a Super Chevy article from the bottom of the page, which you might find useful.

HTH,
Don

[38mag]

Thanks 66GMC, it looks like you spent a lot reserching this.
If the Astrovan "U" joint isn't te right size I'll have to bite the bullet and get a Flaming River "U"joint 5/8 X 36 to 3/4 DD, a Rag Joint and a piece of 3/4 DD shaft. It sure would be nice if I could use a one piece part from a productoin vehicle, be it a used part from the junkyard or a new part from a dealer.

[TooMany2count]

38mag I wish I could help w/the info since I wrote that tech tip but I dont have an answer for you. what I would do(& did do) is just go to the boneyard & get a joint from a Astro(or similar Van) & just see if it fits. if you dont want to buy a part you dont need take the steering box w/u & check the fit at the yard....joe

[38mag]

TooMany2cuunt, That is a great tech article,I always enjoy seeing how a guy can use "junkyard" parts and still build safe.
I was trying to let my fingers do the walking, just a chance someone could answer my question. I guess I'll probably go "junkyard" shopping to see if I can find a "U" joint that will work, if not I'll bite the bullet and get a Flaming River P/N FR1887 and a piece or 3/4" DD shaft.

[TooMany2count]

if you want me to I can get an Astro joint from my local boneyard for free & all it'll cost you is the price of postage to you. just let me know & I can do it this week for you...joe