Universal Steering Parts
When a steering project needs individual components rather than a vehicle-specific kit, fitment comes down to the connections. Shop universal steering shafts, U-joints, couplers, pumps, brackets, hoses, fittings, reservoirs, filters, and mounting parts for custom and classic car or truck steering systems.
Universal Steering Parts by Connection Point
Universal steering builds are often solved one connection at a time. The column may need to meet an intermediate shaft, the shaft may need to transition through a U-joint or coupler, and the hydraulic side may require its own combination of hoses, fittings, pump hardware, and reservoirs.
That makes dimensions more useful here than vehicle names. A 3/4-inch DD shaft, spline count, joint bore, hose fitting, or pump mount can determine compatibility long before year and model matter.
The collection covers both sides of that equation. Mechanical connections include intermediate shafts, U-joints, rag joints, slip couplers, support bearings, and column mounts, while the hydraulic side extends into Saginaw pumps, engine brackets, hose kits, AN fittings, filters, reservoirs, and Hydropower plumbing.
The common thread isn't a shared vehicle application, but the need to connect steering components that weren't necessarily designed as a single factory system.
FAQ
What are universal steering parts?
Universal steering parts are components designed to work across multiple vehicles or custom steering configurations rather than one exact year and model. POL's collection includes steering shafts, U-joints, couplers, pumps, brackets, hoses, fittings, reservoirs, filters, and mounting components. Compatibility depends on the specifications of the parts being connected.
How do I choose the correct steering U-joint?
Identify both connections the U-joint needs to join. Check shaft diameter, shaft profile or spline count, steering gear or rack input, column output, and the angle of the steering shaft. POL offers several single needle-bearing U-joints as well as U-joint and intermediate-shaft combinations, so selection should be based on measured specifications rather than vehicle name alone.
How do I choose the right intermediate steering shaft?
Check the shaft type required at each connection and measure the distance between the column and steering gear or rack. POL lists 3/4-inch DD intermediate shafts in both 18- and 36-inch lengths. Also consider U-joint placement, support requirements, header clearance, and whether the shaft needs to accommodate movement or alignment differences.
What is a rag joint steering coupler used for?
A rag joint coupler connects sections of the steering system while allowing a degree of isolation and alignment between them. POL carries rag joint couplers for manual and power steering gearboxes as well as steering shaft and slip-shaft versions. The correct coupler needs to match the steering box and shaft configuration used in the vehicle.
How do I choose between steering gearbox and rack-and-pinion hose kits?
Identify the steering system first. POL sells separate hose kits for GM steering gearboxes and power rack-and-pinion systems, with rubber and braided stainless options represented. The fittings at the pump and steering unit, pressure and return connections, hose routing, and required length all need to match the installation.
Does this collection include parts for custom power steering pump installations?
Yes. The collection includes Saginaw pumps, a remote reservoir, an inline filter, and pump brackets for several engine families. Small-block and big-block Chevy brackets are available, along with products for early Chevy six-cylinder engines, GM 230/250 six-cylinders, and Ford 289/302/351W engines.
What should I measure before ordering universal steering components?
Check the steering column output, steering gear or rack input, shaft diameter and profile, spline size and count where applicable, required shaft length, U-joint angles, hose fittings, pump configuration, and available clearance. For hydraulic parts, also identify the pressure and return connections. Taking these measurements first is especially important because universal components are selected by specification rather than a single vehicle application.