red looks pretty good too mate

yeh it has side to side movement, i checked out the bushings but they seemed ok, maybe i'll just replace the whole lot and see if that fixes it.

got troubles. The steering column rattles around when you shake it, it's like the rod that goes down the column has come loose or is missing it's bolts of something, but it needs to be fixed because i can't tell if i have front end issues if the wheel is making all the noise. i've already done;

. took off the wheel and changed the bushings

so that's not the problem. i will point out, though i'm not sure this is the problem, the ignition has been moved from the column to the dash, there is no longer a steering lock.

guys i have to agree with all of you. i am interested in building an all round fast car, not just a drag car, a good friend of mine has got a ca powered datsun 1200 ute, it's a weapon, but without the lsd and appropriate rubber/suspension it is a very dangerous car. tap the gas and it steps out even in a straight line, he's the first to tell you this. I can imagine by putting in a bigger engine you would only be making the car even more unpredictable. i've decided to do the Ca conversion, i'm going to fully upgrade the suspension all round and put in a Hi-Lux lsd. this should make for a fast straight line and cornering vehicle. haha i won't be doing this for a while but i'm about to start collecting all the parts i'll need. starting with that diff ofcourse the whole conversion will be documented and because it's a car it won't go smoothly and it'll take ages but hey isn't that the whole point of having a project.

it would be an absolute weapon, quicker than the ca guys obviously and be a little different aswell.

to anyone from QLD..can you get an FJ20 turbo put in a 1200 ute and have it registered?

hopefully all goes well mate, i'm pretty interested too see what she pulls up!

went over to the workshop today and worked on the datto..just doing small things to get it a road worthy anyway today;

. Put in brand spanking new tail lights (they look geez)

. Fixed the rattling stearing column

. New plugs, leads and distributer cap (runs pretty nice now)

. moved the 175's to the front and the 185's to the rear

. repaired the tear in the seat and the handbreak lever.

hopefully (fingers crossed) it'll pass it's road worthy tomorrow and be on the road by the weekend.

this is quite an interesting topic todd, i'm having some work done on my ute THROUGH my dad...so far it's been a week since i've seen the little guy and no sign of it coming home soon..i feel your pain

if i got a whole new steering column from the wreckers do you reckon that'd also fix the issue?