The 13710 is the industry standard for "from-scratch" steering column construction. Unlike thinner-walled tubing, the 0.120" wall provides a massive cross-section of material, making it ideal for welding on steering quick-disconnect hubs and universal joints (U-joints). This thickness ensures that the shaft will not twist, flex, or "wallow out" under the immense leverage loads of high-grip racing.
Detailed Technical Specifications
1. High-Torque Structural Geometry
-
Heavy .120" Wall: This is significantly thicker than standard 0.065" or 0.095" tubing. The added mass provides a deeper "weld puddle" area, ensuring that your steering hubs and couplers are permanently and safely fused to the shaft.
-
Cold Rolled Steel: Manufactured to maintain strict dimensional tolerances.
A consistent 3/4" OD ensures that the shaft slides smoothly through standard 3/4" ID rod ends or bushings used as column supports. -
Solid Feel: The thickness minimizes "torsional deflection," giving the driver a more direct, mechanical connection to the front wheels.
2. Fabrication Versatility
-
Universal 3/4" Sizing: Compatible with almost every major racing brand's steering components, including JOES, Sweet, and Woodward quick-releases and U-joints.
-
Bulk Length: Provided in a raw, unwelded state, allowing the fabricator to cut the shaft to the exact length needed for custom seating positions or cockpit layouts.
-
Surface Finish: Raw steel finish, ready for final fitting, welding, and painting or powder coating once the column is completed.
3. Safety & Reliability
-
Anti-Collapse Integrity: While the shaft can be incorporated into collapsible designs, the 0.120" wall thickness ensures that the primary column is robust enough to survive impacts without folding.
-
Durable Core: Resistant to the vibrations and "shaft whip" that can occur in long, unsupported steering columns.