Designing a classic car steering system for your street rod or custom car is about more than just bolting on parts. It’s about achieving the right balance of comfort, safety, and handling. At Borgeson Universal, we’ve spent over a century perfecting steering components like universal joints, columns, shafts, and steering boxes, ensuring your custom build feels stable, responsive, and fun to drive.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you plan, measure, and assemble a high-quality steering system, optimized for performance and safety, using OEM-grade components trusted by builders and enthusiasts worldwide.

Step 1: Determine Steering Column Length and Drop for Comfort

Your steering system starts with you, the driver. Ensuring the steering wheel position complements your seating and pedal setup is critical.

• Steering column length: Install your seat and pedals first, then, with a mockup wheel, sit in your normal driving position and measure from the dash to the wheel center. This ensures natural reach and control.
• Column drop: Measure the vertical distance from the dash to where the steering wheel sits. The right drop keeps your view clear while avoiding knee or leg interference.

Key tip: Always select your actual steering wheel first, then build the column and its drop for true-to-life driving ergonomics.

Step 2: Steering Box Placement and Angle: The Foundation of Smooth Classic Car Steering System

Proper steering box alignment ensures smooth steering input, reduces joint stress, and maximizes component life.

• Avoid mounting the steering box perfectly level. Instead, angle the input shaft gently upward toward the column for a direct shaft path.
• Mock-up installation: Temporarily place the box and align it to the column angle. Check if the shaft runs straight between them and if there’s free space for joint movement.
• Fewer joints = better feel: The straighter, the better. Fewer joints result in less play and improved steering feedback.

Step 3: Understanding Steering Ratios for Optimal Performance

Your steering ratio determines how quickly the wheels respond to steering input:

• Quick ratios (e.g., 12:1 or 16:1): More responsive but require more effort, ideal for performance setups with power steering.
• Slower ratios (e.g., 20:1 or 24:1): Offer easier steering and better stability for cruisers or large vehicles.
• Variable ratio boxes: Combine comfort and performance with a stable feel on center and sharper response in turns.

Consider your vehicle’s use, daily driving, show car, or track toy, when selecting a steering box and ratio.

Step 4: Pitman Arm Length: Fine-Tuning Steering Response

The pitman arm translates steering box rotation to the rest of the steering linkage:

• Longer pitman arms: Increase steering speed and response.
• Shorter pitman arms: Slow down response for smoother, less twitchy driving.
• Select the right length: Match arm length to your steering box ratio and linkage for consistent, predictable performance.

Step 5: Plan the Entire Steering System Early

Treat your steering system as a core part of the car from the start:

• Benefits: Fewer clearance problems, proper linkage angles, and easier maintenance.
• Mock up the full system as soon as the engine and exhaust are in place. This approach uncovers and addresses fitment issues early.

Step 6: Keep It Simple: Fewer Joints Mean More Reliability

• Limit U-joints and shaft segments to the minimum required, usually no more than two or three.
• Every added joint or support bearing increases complexity, possible play, and points of failure.
• If three joints are required, use a support bearing near the center joint for stability.

Step 7: Use Vibration Reducers for Comfort

A well-aligned steering system can still transfer road and engine vibration:

• Vibration reducers isolate the steering wheel from unwanted movement for a smoother feel, especially on long drives.
• Placement: In multi-joint systems, always install the reducer on the column side of any support bearing.

Final Thoughts: Build It Right from the Start with Quality Borgeson Steering Components

A safe, reliable, and responsive steering system is one of the best upgrades you can make, whether you’re building a street rod, race car, or classic truck. By planning early, measuring carefully, and using quality parts from Borgeson, your steering will feel natural, confidence-inspiring, and enjoyable for every mile ahead.

Browse Borgeson’s comprehensive line of steering columns, universal joints, shafts, and gearboxes, or contact our expert tech team to help design the perfect steering solution for your project.

Ready to get started? VisitBorgeson Universal’s website or find an authorized dealer near you.