Upper Steering Shaft Slip Joint - Slop Fix?

[John Manning]

I have an 05 Rubicon TJ that has a clunk feeling in the steering. I have narrowed the culprit to the slip joint on the upper steering shaft located at the fire wall. My question, can I drill and tap a set screw in the slip joint, or is this joint meant to be telescopic to make up for movements during normal operation? And, if I cannot do the aforementioned fix, which I am pretty sure is a no-go, is the Borgeson the only option...or are there better options for this repair? Thanks in advance!

 

[John Manning]

After some thought, I am gonna add some shims to the slip joint. Does anyone see any issues with doing this? LOL...hell, I like my set screw idea, but I am pretty sure that the joint must be free to move.

Update: I was able to shim the top to bottom (vertical) slack with some 0.010" shim stock. But I was unable to shim the right to left (horizontal) slack due to the oblong shape of the shaft. Hence, with a very cheap piece of shim stock, I have eliminated about 50% of my problem. My OCD will likely break down and spend the money on a new upper steering shaft. Thoughts?

 

[Steven_Olson]

Do you have a body lift? There's a piece that lifts the bearing at the mid point of the steering shaft which should eliminate the clunk. I've just been dealing with the clunk, it's a low priority for me

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[Erik V]

That slip joint is in case you get in a front end accident it can collapse there as apposed to the steering wheel going onto you.

 

[John Manning]

Do you have a body lift? There's a piece that lifts the bearing at the mid point of the steering shaft which should eliminate the clunk. I've just been dealing with the clunk, it's a low priority for me

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

No body lift, just a 3.75” coil lift.

 

[John Manning]

That slip joint is in case you get in a front end accident it can collapse there as apposed to the steering wheel going onto you.

LOL...I now see your point. Would be kind of like jousting if not. Thanks!

 

[Erik V]

LOL...I now see your point. Would be kind of like jousting if not. Thanks!

Yea it would be.

 

[Ericshere03]

I just had a machine shop use their press to put a dimple on the horizontal parts, tightened the slop and they said the simple will stay tight, versus they way the factory did it but just slight friction fit … worked for me.