I have a CJ-7 that I completely reworked the front end of the frame and steering box mounts. Now I'm looking at getting a new steering shaft, and I'm wondering if I need a collapsible unit. The front bumper/crossmember and front frame section are major beef now, and the box is tied in with 4 grade 8 bolts. I really can't imagine the shaft spearing me in an accident, but....

but what? if you decide to not get the collapsible shaft can you please sign a document that would allow us to post a pic of your corpse with a steel shaft stuck thru your torso ?

You want some slip if the steering column is mounted to the body, if is mounted to the frame/cage and there is no flex at all, you can go with a solid shaft

Camo's right, they designed the collapsible steering shaft to absorb the energy of your body hitting the steering wheel in an accident.

I wouldn't switch no matter where the steering box is located.

This is sorta a scary subject, but anyway.

If I remember correctly, I don't think they started using collapasable shafts until the late CJ's or even early Wranglers. The reason for the switch I believe was the introduction of impact absorbtion front frame sections.

All the weird oblong holes on the sides and tops of late model frames are actually there to absorb impact in the event of a collision. Since they designed the frame to collapse on impact, they had to ensure the steering shaft wouldn't do more damage than the crush zone was trying to avoid, that's why they made the collapsable shafts. So if you have built the front of your jeep to be stronger than a steamroller in an accident, I think you can ditch the collapasable shaft....however, it definately couldn't hurt to error on the side of safety.

CJ

72 and later CJ had collapsable steering components. Wether it was the intermediate shaft or the tube inside the column itself.

It is a good idea to have some sort of collapsable shaft in the steering setup. No matter how beefy you Jeep is built you hitting a 80k lbs big rig head on is gonna spear that column right through you. Not likely that you'd live anyways but a least you wouldnt be on a skewer when they find you.

Thanks Camo, I knew someone would want pics.

Rockslut, I think you hinted at what I was thinking. An accident bad enough to spear me would no doubt kill me regardless of whether it was the column or an exploding gas truck.

FWIW, I'll get the collapsible.

Thanks.