The reason many manufacturers enter SEMA’s new products showcase is to get industry recognition for their great new products. Flaming River Industries entered their new VDOG Variable Degree Gear this year and picked up industry recognition by way of two awards. The VDOG unit earned the Best New Street Rod Product award, and the Best Engineered New Product award for 2018. 

“It is a 90-degree gearbox with an oscillating ball,” explained Flaming River’s Jeanette Ladina. “This allows for a 90-degree turn at the firewall, which is very popular for LS engine conversions and things where you need to get additional clearance and a traditional U-joint angle isn’t enough.”

In the past we’ve seen builders try multiple U-joints in sequence with supports holding the steering shaft in place to create angles needed to have steering control without having to try things like through-the-cowl steering. “This unit eliminates the need to use support bearings and things like that,” said Ladina. “It is basically a set of gears with three-quarters inch, 36-spline on each of the shafts that allow you to connect two U-joints and make an extreme 90-degree angle for clearance. This is ideal for big engines, cab-over type vehicles and other builds.”

The unit itself has an aluminum housing with a traditional 3/4-inch diameter, 36-spline output shaft with universal joints. No chains or sprockets, it’s completely gear driven, and can be mounted in any position. Flaming River is quick to point out that it is designed and built in the U.S.A.

Features and Benefits:

• 90-degree gear box with a 35-degree variable angle shaft 
• Articulating ball design for maximum adjustability 
• 1:1 ratio to maintain rack and pinion or steering box gear ratio. 
• Multiple mounting feature – can be mounted vertically or horizontally 
• All Gear Drive – No chains or sprockets 
• Made in the USA 

Congrats to Flaming River for killin’ it with VDOG! For more information on this, or any of their other fine products, visit them online at www.flamingriver.com.