We have been receiving lots of great feedback on the 425-176 Intermediate Steering Shaft for GM Trucks and SUV's. We've also had some questions from the field about the proper orientation and installation of this part.
The vehicle uses a 2 piece steering shaft assembly. Our part is the Upper Intermediate Shaft. That is the part on the OE design that has the plastic splined shaft that is causing the failure.
However, when you look in the engine bay, the Lower shaft is the part that is clearly visible. That's because the Upper shaft actually passes through the firewall and connects to the bottom of the steering column inside the vehicle under the dashboard. Some installers may mistake the end of the shaft for the end of the steering column, because the boot covers the upper portion of it.
Please feel free to share this information with your customer if they have questions. Or, if you prefer, I would be happy to discuss this directly with you or your customer to help explain the differences between the upper and lower shafts.
Because of the great interest in the Lower shaft, we are
looking to add that part in a future line extension.
[I have the full bulletin with illustrations and exploded parts diagram. I can email it to anyone interested.
rex@wmautomotive.com]
