Wide block steering interference

Uncle Josh
Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
What's the consensus on clearance between the wide block 6 and later 8 in a pre-stepdown(46/47).



Do we trim the steering shaft off, or grind clearance in the block web or both?

Comments

  • dave s
    dave s Senior Contributor, Moderator
    The late Jack Heisler ground about 1/2" off block and had no problems in his 1941 pickup.
  • russmaas
    russmaas Senior Contributor
    Grind the threads to the pivot arm. Then pin the pivot arm into the shaft. Looks better than cutting into the block
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    I took a angle grinder to the block then re-painted the block. works fine and I doubt there's any structural issues with grinding that web in the casting. The manifold on a step-down 6 is also a bit tight to the firewall when placed on a '46-'47 8 cyl chassis but you can get it in there.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Thanks, I've put a late 254 in my 46 pickup with a 49 OD tranny. Looks like I'll be able to just shorten the shaft if the arm and nut go on far enough. A little off the web if I need to.
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Bill A had told me to take an angle grinder to the block to remove the web. That was the easiest thing to do and as Aaron says there is not a structural issue. Just touch up the block with a little paint and no one can tell.
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