Borgeson Universal lists no less than a thousand unique part numbers for their wide range of universal joints, steering shafts, couplers, and adapters. While that kind of offering is basically unmatched, it’s important to know the differences among the bunch so they’ll all work in harmony when sizing up a custom steering solution.
Diameter and spline count are the two primary critical dimensions and former Mopar Connection Magazine contributor Jefferson Bryant went through the details on how to measure each in a recent video.
A simple splined shaft is most common. Tape measures need not apply as the wide flats on a set of calipers are all but necessary for proper precision to obtain diameter. In this example, Jefferson measured 0.734” which is closest to ¾” (0.750”) and, therefore, equates to a ¾” shaft size.
Counting splines is just as straightforward. “The easiest way to do this is to use a pick or something similar and simply touch each one as you go,” Jefferson says. “Some shafts will have missing teeth, usually one, maybe two, in a particular area,” he warns.
Gauging a double D shaft is a little different, but most important is to measure across the round portion. “A common mistake people make is measuring across the flats.” Jefferson came up with 0.743” which, again, rounds off to a ¾” size.
Measuring the mating couplers for each style can be completed with similar techniques. When done correctly, it’ll all add up to steering success.
