The Jeep Cherokee (pre-'94) steering shaft is a viable option to replace the stock steering shaft (eliminates the flex joint and rag joint) on B and G Body vehicles. Has anyone investigated if it would/could work (with modifications) on an A-Body?

 

There are individuals talking about "Astro" shafts on the g body forum, as well. '78 to '79 was a changeover point, splined changed to Double D connection, at firewall to upper part of intermediate shaft.

 

I snagged one from an Astro van that allegedly works on B bodies. It's been so long that I looked at it but that's my plan to make it work. I recall having to actually cut it and turn the joint 90*.

 

I just found out that the 66 A-Body used a double D output shaft from the column, so it "may" be feasible to use a Jeep intermediate shaft on a 66, but you have to use a Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box as the original box uses a 13/16-36 spline box input and the Jeep Grand Cherokee box (12.7 ratio) has a 3/4-30 spline which matches that Jeep intermediate shaft. From what I am reading its got to be a Grand Cherokee box and a Jeep XJ Cherokee ('95-'98 - supposedly have the least amount of slop), or you could go with a Borgeson setup, but for power steering you have to order the lower anti-vibration u joint. XJ Shaft ($40-$180) Bergeson Kit ($252-$272)

Edit - the latter year Jeep steering shafts are too long (23 3/8") and the earlier ones seem to be too short (18 5/8") , so modifications would be needed.(my 66 measured 19.5"). I have a Grand Cherokee steering box, but I think I'm going to just use a new 3/4-30 rag joint and keep my stock steering shaft. It's still a pretty pricey part...those quality rag joints are like $100- $175.