1988 V8 S10 Blazer Steering Shaft Swap/Mods (Jeep Cherokee Shaft) (Ep.18)

Our S10 Blazer has a serious case of the steering weeble wobbles, so in this episode we'll try to take care of that with a popular modification to the intermediate steering shaft. And that modification is replacing it entirely with one out of a Jeep Cherokee XJ. Of course, nothing is ever that simple and we make some mistakes so things take more time than they should have, but we get the right parts and do what has to be done to make sure everything is solid and fits correctly.
Special shout-outs to some of the folks involved in making this video:
Katt
/ gekailin
/ gekailin
Rob
/ magic.spoolbus
/ m4j0rr0b
Nettie
/ wayward.wannabe
Here are some of the forum threads I used for research (sometimes too late!) and info:
www.v8s10.org/forum/viewtopic....
www.thirdgen.org/forums/suspe...
www.gmt400.com/threads/xj-ste...
Dates of filming: December 15th, 2018 (Grand Cherokee Shaft/S10 Shaft Removal)
December 29th, 2018 (Parts Yard Scavenge)
January 23rd, 2019 (Modifying/Installing Shaft)
Song List (Order of First Appearance):
0:01 5-O-July - Dan Lebowitz
5:41 Blue Creek Trail - Dan Lebowitz
12:51 Bringin' It Back - Dan Lebowitz
19:37 Merry Go Round - Dan Lebowitz
(All music provided by KZbin's Audio Library royalty free.)
Thanks for watching, and joining us on this adventure! Please let us know what you think! Consider supporting us via Patreon as well! / fuzzydiceprojects
Follow our Instagram for more pictures and teasers: / fuzzydiceprojects
Check out our second channel for a variety of other content: / @fuzzydicepastimes

[@rh2racing]

this might sound weird but I enjoy seeing your struggles. Too many times youtubers work on cars and it seems like a dream. Especially when a simple job can sometimes turn into a 3 day ordeal. I like to see how you get around problems. I learn a lot. Keep up the great work!

[@spunkmire2664]

"Were gonna pop this ac compressor out!" (hard cut) "Alright now that it's out!" lol

[@ghostspectre1861]

Great. Now fix the front end damage...literally driving me nuts.

[@jameshall4385]

i did this exact swap on my k5 blazer. it was a direct bolt in except for grinding a slight grove in the upper shaft for the pinch bolt. the jeep shaft is hard to move because it is made with injection molded nylon inside as a bushing. you need to heat the shaft to loosen up the nylon. it made a big difference in the road manners and feel of my k5. it was one of the best and cheapest upgrades i have ever done. as a bonus, it also works on third generation firebirds. i don’t know if it works for the years with the air bag systems

[@ShainAndrews]

When a factory Jeep part is considered an upgrade you know you are in dire straights....

[@alext7793]

You're one of the very few builder youtubers who shows the good and the bad, even down to the details and I can't thank you enough! I've followed all of your builds so far and you do great work. Thank you!

[@rockjay81]

You can get a Astro van steering shaft for the Firebird. Makes a big difference too

[@Dirty_white_boy]

I just swapped mine in my 90' s10 from about a 96' cheerokee. Heated the shaft to soften inside plastic, cut off about an inch of the lower solid steering shaft. I removed the steering column to grind a notch for the upper steering sleeve pinch bolt. Everything took about an hour and ten minutes but have watched about all of yalls videos a dozen times and went over it in my head about 100 times. Thank you for posting!

[@HAunderscoreVE]

Steering bits are always fun. Especially rubber steering parts. Especially ones that perish after you replace another part. So you have to dissassemble everything again. Also i really need to read/pay attention more. Spent the first part of the vid looking around in my audio setup thinking there was something wrong with it. Like i was told before, being stupid doesnt hurt you, it just makes life more difficult.

[@allenmckinney9533]

On my 00 s10 I cut the u-joint end off a jeep shaft then cut the chevy rag joint off and welded the jeep end to the chevy shaft. It works great and is more out of the way to get the center spark plug out on the 4.3 v6. Another cheap option is to drill out the rag joint rivets and put bolts in tightly squeezing the joint together.

[@po3185]

88-94 Cherokee you need(Not Grand) but for S10 i prefer the Astro Van Shaft(Does require a simple mod to make it Fit but its a great piece) plenty of info on 3rd gen F-Body Forum.(Also fit 78+ G-Body and S10) also Full Size Van like 96-01 for you B-Body guys and Big car.

[@TheBrokenLife]

I'm glad I didn't know about this swap when my 1st gen S10 needed a replacement steering shaft. I just got a much better condition used on, bolted it right in, and no more problems.

[@camaroberlinetta79]

Great video this is very helpful, rag joint on my 88 S10 pickup is bad and my truck likes to follow the grooves in the road, a annoying issue i will now address, thank you for making an posting this video.

[@mrmudslide5676]

OUTSTANDING!!! Dictionary "Lazy". EXCELLENT production. Really nice job.

[@kennethwillis5274]

I have a 84 s10 I just bought the coupling and in the process of replacing thanks for the audio and video sound lots of help.

[@Jerkwad152]

I did the Jeep XJ shaft mod for my '94 Suburban, and got the first one you showed. What I ended up doing was grinding out the column end to fit. Took a little bit of time, but it fits like a glove.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

That's commitment! I suppose it is probably soft enough metal that a die grinder would make it happen before you tear all of your hair out though, nice work!

[@Jerkwad152]

Yeah, it wasn't that hard to do. I just didn't feel like going through the effort of tracking down the other one.

[@OmenFree]

every GM steering box has an adjustment bolt, 270k miles same steering box, i did adjust it every 40k miles tho, ragjoint never changed, im installing rubber joint from b-m-who

[@DrFiero]

On my dime, I blended the top of an S10, and the bottom of a Fiero steering shaft. I'm sure there's more like that, but it's what I had. Oh yeah, there's a plastic bearing at the bottom of the shaft where it comes through the firewall. And one more place... is in the tilt steering mechanism. Same column (essentially) as used in the Fiero, G-Bodies, etc.

[@s10_4_life6]

Astro Van & 85-95 Jeep Cherokee Steering Shafts will work on these S10s & Blazers

[@Tiundin]

Made this swap on my '85 Grand Prix back in the day when the inspection guys didn't like the old rag joint anymore. I think I use'd a variant of one of the grand cherokee steering shafts. It bolted right up after getting it to slide freely and a liberal coat of anti seize.

[@tylerburriss3366]

Also I actually used this shaft and just cut my end and welded to the new and it was super easy. Couple hr job with pulling the parts and modding. I got faith in my fabricators

[@CoroPlanesLLC]

Yup.... wish you would have posted this last week... I just got a grand cherokee shaft from ebay... LOL it has the small upper side that will not work... uggg... I am not doing it for the slop, I need to get rid of that huge CV joint at the top that interferes with my header. Now that I know what to look for, I will try again!! Thank you for the video!

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Oof, sorry I was a little late! Hopefully this helped you confirm what you needed for the next attempt!

[@Leatherkid01]

Love the Fox hoodie on the 2019 bright eyed, bushy tailed you 🤙🤣

[@Techraider03]

Best way to finish off my week!!

[@lightthef]

Love your videos bro I’m currently taking indirect fire from mortars (training) but this is more important

[@russellstephan6844]

I did the steering shaft modification on my big mileage 1993 C1500. Prior to that I also replaced *everything* in the front end including the upper and lower A arms. After the front end was better than new, the steering was still sloppy. That is, until I put in the Jeep steering shaft. The vehicle is now nice and tight for a full-sized bed and extended cab come up on thirty years old.

[@ajbcool]

Thanks! My third gen firebird is the same way. I plan on doing this next week.

[@psygn0sis]

I LOVE this channel!

[@OldGriz708]

The only thing that I would do differently would be using a cotter pin on the top bolt instead of hammering the nut. Thanks for the video, it's well done.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Also a good idea! That would certainly do the trick.

[@72Disco1998]

I had a Land Rover D1 that had a steering shaft that was really close to the header, they had a heat shield that would keep the lock nuts from failing.

[@brettsuydam7457]

My Uncle had one of these blazers and the slop in the steering wheel was awful. Super common from what I've seen.

[@jakobknapp2641]

I bought the kit from O'Reilly for my 95 and just replaced the rag joint. Was well worth the 15 bucks and no modifications. In my case, that was my slop.

[@jared8421]

I love these videos.. good place for inspiration

[@oldblue1985]

Early 90s 2 ton truck, Chevy HD trimmer bit to fit and end up with a straight steering wheel. Drives like a new truck.

[@Kzoowallace]

Been waiting for this video for almost a year.

[@dragonbrownies517]

I upgraded the steering shaft from Hooker Headers using the LS S10 shaft. I don't like using used parts that are crucial. But still a good video for this swap.

[@joanmariecomstock7749]

Hello again, this is David not Joan, my wife, Yeah I still have the same login Problem as before. This was a great Show! The last few were...ahh..lesser than expected lets say. You keep up the good work Kiddo! I watch every every week. I do love your work! Thanks

[@JamieBainbridge]

David, look up "how to create and manage profiles" with your web browser, like Google Chrome or Firefox or whatever you're using. This way Joan can have all her logins with her browser profile, and you can have all your logins in your browser profile. These can both live together happily on the same computer, that's no problem. You can even make a desktop icon or other shortcut to launch each of your profiles directly. Hope that helps!

[@scottwaters4889]

I did this to my 87 S15. makes the steering way better.

[@Aloraxl]

Love your commentary! 😂 “and the problem is that it’s a totally different size and doesn’t fit at all…”

[@Toopid9999]

I love this channel. Keep it up!

[@danieljohnson7171]

When did a cab swap on my 96 dakota the steering shaft on that truck looked identical to the keen steering shaft. So that could be another option. The V6 and v8 steering shafts are a different length but they can probably be adjusted like you showed in the video

[@OnlyDansMusic2112]

You should do car videos full time. Definitely one of my favorite channels

[@RobertBurrow87]

Most of the reman steering boxes you get that aren't from somewhere like Turn One, AGR, PSC, etc. are usually a crap shoot from what I've read and what I've experienced. All they really do is replace the bearings and seals and you can easily end up with a box that's more clapped out than what you started with. Which is fine if you don't care and just want to fix a leak. I've gotten a steering rack from them that still had dirt clods on it that they just painted over. But hey, it didn't leak anymore. Hopefully going through the adjustment and preload procedures will tighten it up enough so it's not so ridiculous, but there's no adjustment for the recirculating ball/screw doobly doos being worn or the sector shaft not fitting like new where the bearing rides. It really doesn't take much slack anywhere in the steering system to translate into a lot of steering wheel movement. I went through this with a Jeep I used to have and ended up going through 3 boxes from a local parts store until I found one that was good enough, and because I was over removing and replacing the box. After I picked up my 3rd gen Firebird, I decided to just rebuild that one myself and it's probably one of the tighter original Saginaw boxes I've experienced so far, but that may just be luck. I tried a cheap "performance" box for my 2nd gen Firebird (same price as a normal reman), and it was pretty awful on center. And I could not tighten it up any more after redoing the preload and over-center adjustments. Ended up shelling out for a new, not reman, Borgeson box for it and it's amazing. It's one of those things that seem crazy to pay so much more for until you do and realize it's totally worth it. Like really, really good shocks.

[@gogilmaper6557]

Once again, I urge you to go nuts with the caster. You can’t really go too far and it’s a quick and easy job. Once you get it set, the slop really won’t matter because the wheels will WANT to track straight. You can tell how much caster you have by how strongly the steering wheel recenters itself coming out of a turn.

[@pellepaltnacke6018]

Really good and interesting video, I don't own a S10 and probably never will but if I did, this is the kind of information I would need, - a reliable source with proof and experience. There is just one thing I would do differently, the hammered nut works but I would have used a normal nut and then a nylock nut on top. If the nylon melts the two nuts will still be locked together and can't move. That's just what I would have done. Not saying that you are wrong in any way.

[@watahyahknow]

about the adjustabillity on the steering rack , do test through the whole arc as a steeringrack wears out in the middle the most , tighten it too mush it will bind at max lock

[@2koolchris291]

If I would have been able to give you advice I would have said go find a 90s Ford and take the universal joint off of the steering column for they are actually pretty easy to takeoff just one bolt in a little bit of hammering and you could’ve slept it off the end of the test and steering shaft where the rack giant was after cutting it off and then mounted it to the other piece of steel steering shaft that remains that clamps onto the steering box

[@MAJorgy70]

I think I've seen guys use that Astro steering shaft in the 3rd gen Firebird & Camaros to get rid of that rag joint as well I believe. 🤔

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Yep! Pretty much anything GM made with a rag joint can, one way or another, have one of these shafts fitted to it. I didn't amass a pile of them just for the Blazer!

[@mpikas]

@@FuzzyDiceProjects Be aware that a lot of 3rd gen guys take them out after putting them in. There isn't that much room for play in the rag joint, so unless you're super sensitive to it it doesn't make that big a difference, and the Jeep shafts are phased wrong for the use so someone supercritical will notice some steering weirdness (sort of like the steering is speeding up and slowing down), but the bigger thing is that it transfers power steering pump noise into the cabin and some even notice the steering wheel vibrating with it. If you're missing in that area, a more beneficial mod is to replace the bushing at the end of the steering column with a new one or a bearing from an Astro. These cars and trucks are 30-40years old now and the plastic bushing is usually worn out, the new one or the bearing tends to get rid of little clunks and clicks in the steering that you often can't find a source for.

[@bugsmasher65798]

I've done the same with my '94 S10 Blazer. I used a Ford F-150 steering shaft. It's a bit more slender, however, much more solid. The only modification is cutting the nipple off the steering box. Besides that, it's a direct bolt on.

[@2003zq8]

My 93' Blazer has the same issue. The F150 shaft also bolts right in with no alterrations? Good to know, what year F150's can you salvage it from?

[@scoopold]

Helpful and interesting. Thanks!

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

I do not have that Edition of Hyperlinked dictionary, Good Find!

[@CraftwerksMC]

FWIW it might be an issue with a bearing at the base of your steering column that is introducing a little slop, likewise it could be the U joint assembly in the tilt steering column...

[@randyporter7391]

I really like your video's. I've had 3 S10's, 1 blazer 4x4 with a lift kit on it. Would like to have another one.

[@assu4lt]

Not even gonna lie I was watching porn, notification popped and now I'm here

[@DOCTOR_KIA]

assu4lt I like how he liked your comment 😂

[@josephjoestar3275]

Almost same for me chief, was snapchatting a girl and ghosted her to watch this

[@Tigerfire75]

So you switched from one porn to this mechanic porn?

[@assu4lt]

Senpai Is too kind with me

[@TheKnightDrag0n]

Priorities first.

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

Jeep intermediate shaft also works to hook a mustang 2 rack to a chevy column

[@6795devildog]

Note: the rag joint is also called a guibo

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Had never heard that term before, thanks!

[@v8sserieschevy917]

I've really enjoyed these s10 vids I've built my own v8 4×4 s10 recently and you have helped me achieve that dream. Thank you.

[@s10_4_life6]

I'm in the process of finishing up my 84 S10 Blazer build and I bought a 93 Blazer that I'm turning into a Pull Behind Camper to match my blazer..... Last thing I need to do is get a New Rear End and put it in my Blazer and it will be ready to go

[@v8sserieschevy917]

@@s10_4_life6 that's awesome! Mine is a 84 short bed I have a 383 striker backed by a 350 turbo with 207 transfer case. I'm down to the little things are fine as is but it's kinda a never ending project for me and my kids to drive and wrench on

[@s10_4_life6]

@@v8sserieschevy917 Lol I definitely know what you mean, I've also got a 95 S10 truck that I've been Building for the Past 3 years now, I did a 4.3/5 Speed swap on it ( Was a 2.2/5 Speed ) and I've just been building it to be kinda a show truck, But last month on my way home from a show I blew the Motor up 😢😢 So now it's on the back burner until I get the Blazer done & I can find a good 350 SBC and I'm just going to V8 swap it, I've got another Good 4.3L here that I could just throw in it, but I told myself when I did the 4.3 swap that if something happens to this motor I'll V8 swap it next Lol, If you check my Channel out you'll see my Blazer & Truck, The Brown Blazer is the one I'm building, The White one is the one I'm building a Camper out of & my truck it Black & Silver

[@v8sserieschevy917]

@@s10_4_life6 dude I'm all about s10's I will subscribe right now. I've built a few s10 growing up but this is my first one I v8'ed for myself so I've noticed so many more aftermarket parts available and it's got me stoked to soak up all the info I can

[@v8sserieschevy917]

@@s10_4_life6 maybe we've got some parts we swap out here and there if your interested

[@ArcticAstrophysics]

My first gen dodge has that awful rubber steering coupler on both ends from the factory. Upgraded to a Borgeson shaft and literally have zero play but I also have a new gearbox, and all new moog tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and ball joints too

[@soilidsoldier7908]

Get this man to 200k

[@jonasthemovie]

I would choose a nylock nut or some loctite for such bolts, not having them come off fast if tension is lost.

[@digdugdiggy]

the punch into the peanut was great

[@Starcrunch72]

Automotive bolt yoga--never have there been truer words written. Case in point: try replacing the starter on a first gen Ford Focus--on ramps

[@PiperFishing]

Most is the play is coming from the steering box. Re-adjust it.

[@brianverlihay]

I have adjusted them boxes before it's very easy

[@josuepaz9446]

I used a 1987 jeep Cherokee shaft on my 94 gmt400 and it workes pretty good i did have to drimel what you where talking about though

[@Theferg1]

Great video sir!! Sir let me ask I bought my son a 2002 Chevy S10 2WD I bought every part under the front end but that rag joint is ALFUL!! What’s the best way to fix it? Thanks

[@MrGGPRI]

If you purchase a quality new part with the FORGED end-clamps, no grinding or drilling will be necessary, just length adjustment as needed. Omix-ada has these at around $108-- you get what you pay for...

[@lukewaynehart491]

Concerning the slop still present, have you measured the centerlink at the pitman and idler arm to make sure it is level?

[@williamstuples339]

The center link is a big ware spot on those blazers too

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

You must be thinking of the centerlink on 2WD trucks, on this one It is just a solid bar with tapered holes in it. Unless another component wasn't tightened down enough and wallered out one of those there isn't really anything to wear. The ball joints are on the idler/pitman arm for these, and those have both been replaced already.

[@cnottagejr]

i have the same problem with the steering so do i change the lower steering shaft and the intermediate steering shaft or just change one of them when i drive and turn it makes a clunking noise and some times the steering locks up and then turn back to normal what's the cost of that

[@brianverlihay]

How did u hook up the exhaust on the drivers side to manifold thanks

[@RoadGlider505]

The tall oversize tires can't help. Might make it feel loose even if everything in the steering system is tight. Also, a power steering box has more play when the engine isn't running. I did an S-10 V8 swap a few years ago. I slotted the steering column mounting holes in the firewall to move the column a little to the left and get the upper flex joint away from the exhaust manifold.

[@f1y7rap]

instead of a homemade locknut, you could have used Lock-tite. Blue is great with hand tools, and red is when you never want sh!t to come apart without the heat of a small sun

[@hansentom50]

Love yer videos man

[@v8sserieschevy917]

Need advice on my s10 v8 I'm having issues an need help figuring out what my best option is. Please help

[@ClevertymeZ]

22:33 one of my favorite parts of the video.

[@ClevertymeZ]

12:17 - 16:20

[@s10_4_life6]

1985-1995 Jeep Cherokee is what you want one from..... Jeep Grand Cherokee shaft won't work, You can also use one from a Astro Van too

[@harishparuchuri9802]

What is connection between steering play and gear box

[@tylerburriss3366]

Also a good mod with a body lift. Easier install by far

[@BigTastie]

MORE FIREBIRD CONTENT!!!!

[@haydenreyes4621]

Yes

[@kyleg5426]

Finally a new video. But. God fix the bumper and the fender!!!!!!!!

[@zuilok]

Clearly you have a much higher tolerance to steering play than me I would be almost scared to even repart a vehicle with that much play in the steering. I´ve replaced components before when the play was barely even visually detectable.

[@greggkuzila7513]

You could have troubles with the upper and lower a arm bushings also

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I mentioned it in the video, but the uppers were replaced with polyurethane bushings and the lowers feel and look solid. I would like to replace the lowers as well but I have not been able to get the torsion bars loose (and not for lack of trying!)

[@Naferner_Said]

i know you crashed it sometime ago, but do you ever plan to fix the front? itd be nice if you did. plus i know it would give extra content, even if you decided to replace it, rather than straighten it yourself.

[@BLUUCIFUR]

Do you remember the length of the Gbody/S10 driveshaft needed to install?????

[@stopibeastin7471]

Very helpful!!!

[@CRXSLY]

cherokee XJ 94 and less is the way to go! :o)

[@socknetea]

sees upload... Finally, some good fucking viewing

[@specgrade3275]

That was .......interesting.

[@DieselRamcharger]

they went away from the thru bolt and switched to the clamp bolt because of slop issues. FYI

[@brandonhalmrast]

Looking forward to see how this plays out, but really want to see more firebird!

[@bitterbladeco]

What if the slop comes from the 4 bolts coming lose behind the wheel in the steering shaft? I know that’s a problem with a lot of GM 80s cars. Just need to take the column apart (pain in the ass) and retighten with red thread locker.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Good suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be the case for this truck. Steering wheel and column actually feels pretty solid. The pivot pins are worn on my 1991 Firebird so I know what that feels like, and the column bolts are coming loose on my 1978 Firebird so I have felt that as well, neither seems to be present (somehow) in the S10. That certainly is a common issue though!

[@lateefcarrere1649]

As long as it keeps you from bending up the Blazer anymore, you should be fine.... #NoPromisesTho

[@spikemullikin]

If it didn't do it when new, then something has happened (worn part, or dumb mod) to make it do it now. Incorrect tyre size or manufacture can cause handling problems.

[@jesse_dichristo]

Wait, why there's a Fiero steering wheel on the truck?

[@Cheese-hi5ix]

Because he said the “s10 steering wheel was too small”

[@youngsolja1779]

I swear u need a steering shaft from a 94 on down for g body’s b body’s and others from the 80’s

[@milliondollarhalofan]

Most sloppy steering on S10 Blazers are due to the idler arm (even if brand new). There's an aftermarket adapter bracket made by Outfitter Design™ which allows you to use a 1-ton idler arm which is supposed to "Create a stronger, stiffer, and more reliable steering system."

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Interesting, hadn't heard of that adapter before! I don't think that is the case with mine but I should look into it anyway

[@s10_4_life6]

Hummm that's good to know

[@Dawry]

Good video as always! Also voiceover has improved a lot. What mic do you use?

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

It's a Blue Yeti I got a good deal on from Amazon Warehouse missing a mounting piece, threw it on the cheapest mic stand I could find and it does a great job

[@CKBsubs]

What camera or video recorder do you use for all of these videos?

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I mostly film with a Panasonic Lumix G7. It has put up with a lot of abuse and has had an (almost) spotless track record as far as reliability. Some handheld shots here and there are from my phone, a Google Pixel 2.

[@dennispope8160]

Did you consider welding the home made lock nut on the upper part so that you wouldn’t have to hold the nut while tightening.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

It wouldn't be a bad idea! Don't want to weaken the nut too much but in this case I doubt it would ever matter. Didn't realize before I had to install it that it would be so annoying and by that point I was out of time.

[@fullermotors8124]

Did u have to do anything with ur fuel system? Watch the series but don’t remember if u did or not in the middle of 355 swapping my blazer

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I replaced the non-functioning pump and then the lines because they were rusty, but the flow of a TBI pump is plenty for a mild V8. Wired the fuel pump relay straight to a toggle switch to run it (bypassing the computer/oil pressure switch) and used a return style fuel pressure regulator to tune down the pressure going to the carburetor. The factory 5/16" fuel return line is maybe a little small but it hasn't caused me any issues. Good luck with your swap!

[@rodriccalvin7098]

I have been watching most of your series. I have noticed you don't do visual upgrades. No nice painting and builds. Can you consider doing that