Sorry it took me until now to take the picture and post it. I had to stay late at work and then have had a bunch of other stuff to do besides. Anyway, here is my picture that I took about 20 minutes ago. I actually have a lot of clearance (probably not what you want to hear). Now, the C1500 (2 WD 1/2 ton) has rack and pinion steering, the K1500 and C2500/K2500 (mine) all have recirculating ball steering boxes. This might make a real difference. I hope everything works out for you. I could tell you horror stories about a lot of experiences that I have had. You aren't the only one.

 

Thanks for the picture Steve. Looks like yours has about 1.5 to 2 inches more clearance than mine. Mine hits on the second ridge below the bolt. Looks like your shaft has less ridges than mine too. I am looking at replacing the shaft with an aftermarket smooth one from borgeson.com and/or dinking the headeer where it rubs . My camera has messed up but I may try to borrow one ang get a picture up.


Matt

 

Matt,

I would really be tempted to dimple the exhaust pipe gently to clear the steering shaft by at least a quarter of an inch. Are your headers ceramic? This will make a difference. I wouldn't dimple the exhaust if they are ceramic coated because it would crack the ceramic and introduce corrosion. Call Randy Miller there at Thorley in the Tech department and ask what the best practical solution is without voiding the warranty. He is a good guy and I believe that Thorley will try to help. Keep me posted. I feel your pain!

When I installed my new Cam last fall, I got excited about putting it all together and dropped the last (third) bolt for the cam sprocket into the oil pan and it rolled to the back. I fished around with a magnet on a coat hangar for hours to try to retrieve it. Finally, when I was ready to give up, I prayed for God's help and tried the magnet one last time. I heard a tiny little click and slowly (very slowly) pulled it back and got the bolt. Praise be to God!

I could tell you more with less fortunate outcomes.

Steve

 

Ain't nothing what a little prayer can't fix. I am thinking about cutting the Rocky Mountains off the shaft and have a buddy machine a piece to take it's place that would be about 5/8" dia. where the header is close and weld it in. They want about 300 for a shaft at borgesons. I need to find one that I can work on because I need the truck.