Steering Shaft Mount, 7/8 Shaft, Weld On Style with Bearing

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance sand rail, dune buggy, or custom off-road machine, steering precision is not just a luxuryit is a safety requirement. This Latest Rage weld-on steering shaft mount is engineered specifically for the demanding environments of the dunes and the dirt. Unlike standard bushings that can wear out, develop slop, or bind under the stress of aggressive driving, this mount features an integrated needle bearing. This design ensures an incredibly smooth rotation of your steering shaft, providing the driver with immediate feedback and reducing the physical effort required to maneuver through tight trails or deep sand. The inclusion of a high-quality seal keeps out the dust, grit, and moisture that typically destroy steering components, making it a "set it and forget it" upgrade for any serious builder.

Constructed from heavy-duty steel, this mount is designed to be welded directly onto a 1-1/2 inch windshield bar or roll cage support. This weld-on style provides a level of rigidity and structural integrity that bolt-on clamps simply cannot match. By anchoring your 7/8 inch steering shaft directly to the chassis, you eliminate the flex and vibration often found in lesser setups. Whether you are finishing a ground-up Chenowth build, refreshing a classic Meyers Manx with a custom cage, or fabrication a one-off woods buggy, this Latest Rage mount offers the professional-grade fit and finish that Appletree Auto customers expect. It is a critical component for anyone looking to bridge the gap between "standard" steering and a truly race-ready cockpit configuration.

FITMENT

• Sand Rails: Custom builds, Chenowth, Berrien, and Warrior chassis.
• Dune Buggies: Manx-style buggies equipped with 1.5-inch diameter roll cages.
• Baja Bugs: Custom interior cages and steering column relocations.
• Woods Buggies: Heavy-duty off-road applications requiring 1.5-inch tube mounting.
• Custom Chassis: Any application utilizing a 7/8-inch steering shaft and 1-1/2 inch tubing.

SPECS

• Product Brand: Latest Rage
• Part Number: AC425017-7B
• Shaft Compatibility: Fits 7/8 inch (0.875") steering shafts.
• Mounting Surface: Designed for 1-1/2 inch (1.5") diameter tubing.
• Installation Style: Weld-on for maximum rigidity.
• Bearing Type: High-load needle bearing for reduced friction.
• Protection: Integrated seal to prevent debris entry.
• Overall Length: 5.144 inches.
• Overall Width: 4.5 inches.
• Overall Height: 2 inches.
• Material: Heavy-duty mild steel housing.

PRO TIPS

1. Protect the Bearing During Welding: Before you strike an arc, it is imperative to remove the needle bearing and seal from the housing. The intense heat generated during the welding process can liquefy the bearing grease, damage the hardened needle rollers, and melt the rubber seal. Tack the mount in place with the shaft and bearing installed to ensure perfect alignment, then slide the shaft and bearing out before finishing your final beads. Once the metal has completely cooled to the touch, you can press the bearing and seal back into the housing for a perfect, friction-free fit.

2. Check for Shaft Binding: When installing a weld-on mount, alignment is everything. Even a slight angle mismatch between this mount and your lower steering box or U-joint can cause the steering shaft to bind, which will prematurely wear out the needle bearings. We recommend using a long, straight 7/8 inch rod to mock up the entire steering path from the steering wheel to the rack or box before final welding. If the rod doesn''t spin freely with two fingers, adjust the mount angle until all resistance is eliminated.

3. Use Lock Collars for Safety: While this mount provides the radial support for your steering shaft, it does not prevent the shaft from sliding forward or backward. To ensure your steering wheel stays exactly where you want itand to prevent the shaft from potentially disengaging from a U-jointalways install a pair of 7/8 inch shaft lock collars on either side of the bearing mount. This creates a mechanical stop that keeps the steering assembly secure even during the harshest vertical impacts or "whoops" on the trail.