View Full Version : Steering box swap - difficult?


englemac
Apr 14th, 02, 07:27 AM
Hey guys, no luck checking old posts for this one. It's finally time to replace my old leaking steering box. It looks like it might be difficult with the power brakes, headers, and engine in the way. Does anyone have any tips on replacing it with the least amount of disassembly?

Also, any advice on companies that provide good fast ratio boxes at a reasonable price would be appreciated.

Thanks again! http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

kz1000ltd
Apr 14th, 02, 09:51 AM
I did my 69 BB conversion about a year ago, and I had almost gotten over it. Then all of a sudden, you come along and bring it up. Now, I'm back on the bottle........and it's all your fault. Power steering? Difficult? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHGGGGGG.

Do a search on the subject, it's been beatin to death. It almost killed me. http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

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John D. Smith
69 SS/396 CLONE!
The Texas Tornado lives!

North Texas Camaro Club (http://www.northtxcamaros.com)

Hobbystage Free Picture Posting!!! http://hobbystage.net/camaro/69ss396/

englemac
Apr 14th, 02, 02:46 PM
Gee, thanks for the boost of confidence, kz! http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif I was worried it might be a tough job. lol! In the search, I found a lot of good information about steering ratios, pitman arms, and such.. but just wondering if I'm gonna have to block out a few days of my schedule to do it. If I have to remove the brake&booster assembly, the headers, and jack up the engine...maybe that leak isn't so bad after all. What all is involved in this little job?

BC
Apr 14th, 02, 07:21 PM
englemac,
You didn't say what you have for motor or anything, but I just did this to my Nova this weekend and it is pretty easy. I have a 350 SBC with headers, but it still came out the bottom easily. You will have to tip it on one end, but once it is all disconnected, practically falls out. I had also removed the steering column and while not necessary to remove the steering box, sure made it easier.

I just used a box from an 89 TA I found in the junk yard for $20. Love it! Nice and tight steering now rather than the hand-over-hand stuff! Now if I can just get it bled right...

Bill C.


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Bill C.
Colorado Springs, CO

68 Camaro... someday!
71 Chevelle SS
70 Nova

gheatly
Apr 15th, 02, 05:50 PM
BC is right - remove the steering box from the bottom. You'll get a hernia trying to lift it over the front fender! The hardest part is getting the box in place AND the ragjoint in the proper location at the same time. Very simple swap, but I have a small block too.

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Pearl blue & white 69 Camaro with supercharged 350, Tremec TKO, and 3.73 12-bolt

See my website updated 4/16/01 at:

www.geocities.com/gheatly (http://www.geocities.com/gheatly)

69DZ302
Apr 15th, 02, 10:58 PM
I removed my manual steering in my '69 Z28 and installed a quick ratio power steering a couple of months ago. The biggest problem I ran into was with the header. I had to modify it a little before it would clear the larger box. If I would have had stock manifold exhaust instead of headers it would have been a breeze. I probably worked on it off and on one weekend but believe me it was well worth the time and trouble. I believe mine is something like approx 2 1/2 turns lock to lock.
1969 Z28, Fathom Green, dz302, m20, 4:10, ps, tw, am/fm, deluxe houndstooth interior, and maybe a rear fold down seat someday.

gwarren
Apr 16th, 02, 06:08 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 69DZ302:
I removed my manual steering in my '69 Z28 and installed a quick ratio power steering a couple of months ago.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

69DZ302, where'd you get your box? I've been looking at the ones that YearOne sells that are 2.5 turns lock to lock for $279.

-gw



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1967 Camaro
406/M20 11.94@117
http://home.attbi.com/~gordon.warren/

englemac
Apr 17th, 02, 12:08 PM
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I've got a small block so I shouldn't have as many headaches as you big block guys (famous last words, eh?) As soon as I can find some free time, I'll tackle the job. Haven't had time to touch my car since Dec! http://www.camaros.net/forum/frown.gif I'm guessing a rebuildt box should be sufficient for my needs - anything to be wary of? Thanks for all the help. - Chris