This post makes me feel dumb. I installed my pacesetter mids and did not make a clearance for my steering shaft. The headers went in smooth but i did not realize that the shaft was oblong. Anyone got any ideas how to fix this without taking the header off? Or should I bite the bullet and take it off?

 

Well you can either take off the header or the steering shaft, whatever you feel up to.

 

what do you mean by: "did not make a clearance for my steering shaft." ? How much clearance do you need? Are you suggesting denting in the headers? Another option would be to take out the shaft and grind the nearby area a bit if its just a minor clearance issue.

 

If I remember correctly, on my 96 SS I put the Pacesetter longtubes on, the steering shaft coupling flange would hit the front header tube when making a 3/4 - full turn. Scared the crap out of me the first time it happened. I think I went back under the car and was able to get some pliers or vice grips on the flange and bend it inward so it wouldn't hit the header tube. Never had a problem after that. If your headers aren't leaking, I would pull the steering shaft before the headers if you have to.

 

This picture should clear up what my issue is. in this picture the shaft is just about to rub the tube

 

I did option B here. Option C apparently should work too, but you may want an alignment. Option A is a ghetto solution
Option A
- Dent the tube.
Option B
- Mark Contact spot
- Remove steering shaft
- Take a Grinder to it to clearance the headers.
Option C
- Get an LS1 Driveshaft

 

Hows a driveshaft going to help in this situation?

 

Maybe the driveshaft vendor will throw in an LSx Camaro.

 

Oops I meant LS1 Steering Shaft thing

 

I remember mine being close but not hitting. Can you slide the steering linkage shaft back off the rack and pinion a little to create more of angle and length to the linkage to allow it to clear the header tube? I think I remember doing that on my 96.

 

Mine does this same thing... i just installed poly mounts. Less of a problem, but still hits. Going to pull the header and dent it.