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1955-57 Rack & Pinion Steering Third U-Joint Shaft Support Update

In the February 2007 issue of Classic Chevy magazine, we introduced a support bracket and U-joint designed to improve the steering shaft connection for vehicles equipped with rack and pinion steering. This bracket bolts to the inside of the rack and crossmember, allowing a third U-joint to be added for better clearance around certain types of headers.

Due to slight variations in frame measurements among Tri-Five cars, the angle of the third U-joint bracket sometimes prevents proper alignment with the lower U-joint on the rack. To address this, the updated PIN 57-175693-1 kit now includes six washers, allowing the bracket to be shimmed for precise alignment.

Parts List

  • 57-175693-1: 1955-57 Rack & Pinion Steering Shaft Support Bracket & U-Joint Kit

Tools Needed

  • 9/16" wrench
  • 9/16" socket
  • Ratchet

Installation Time

Estimated Time: 3 hours

Installation Steps

  1. Crossmember Installation

    • The CCI rack and pinion kit uses a bolt-in tubular crossmember to hold the rack and pinion in place.
    • On the driver’s side, the crossmember bolts to the frame using the original holes for the steering box.
    • On the passenger side, it bolts to the frame where the idler arm was mounted.

  2. Frame Variation

    • Chevrolet did not maintain consistent measurements between the frame rails at the steering box and idler arm mounting points.
    • Measurements can vary up to 3/4" between different frames.
    • To accommodate this, the crossmember is designed to fit any frame, with its mounting ears angled inward slightly and pulled into place when bolted on.

  3. Third U-Joint Bracket Installation

    • The third U-joint support bracket bolts to the two forward bolts on the driver’s side of the crossmember.
    • This bracket supports the steering shaft and ensures alignment with the lower U-joint.

  4. Adjusting Alignment

    • Insert the steering shaft into the column coupler and the new U-joint bracket. Ensure it lines up with the lower U-joint.
    • If the shaft is misaligned, use the six included fender-type flat washers to shim the bracket into position.

  5. Shimming the Bracket

    • Place the washers between the bracket and the crossmember to adjust the shaft’s alignment.
    • Experiment with different combinations of washers under one or both bolts until the shaft aligns perfectly with the lower U-joint.

Image Overview

  • Image 1: The CCI rack and pinion kit uses a bolt-in tubular crossmember.
  • Image 2: Frame measurements can vary significantly, but the crossmember is designed to accommodate these variations.
  • Image 3: The third U-joint bracket bolts to the forward bolts on the driver’s side of the crossmember.
  • Image 4: Proper alignment between the shaft and lower U-joint is essential to prevent binding.
  • Image 5a & 5b: Use the washers to shim the bracket and align the shaft correctly.

Key Features of the Update

  • Improved Compatibility: Shimming allows for precise alignment, accommodating frame variations.
  • Easy Installation: Direct bolt-in solution with included hardware.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Adds a third U-joint for better clearance around headers, reducing steering shaft stress.