[llpainter]

My 69 has been setting up for a while and after filling the steering pump with new oil, I noticed the box starting leaking after I turned the wheel while not running. Leaking at the top of the box near the coupler. Before I tackle the removal of the box, I have learned it is best to hear from someone that has done it before; it saves lots of headaches. Also is it rebuildable or should I just replace it with a new one?

[sandiegoz28]

They are not too hard to remove. You'll need a special tool to remove the Pitman Arm (available at local auto parts store for around $10). Otherwise, just remove the three bolts on the subframe, power steering hoses, and the the flex coupling bolts.

Several shops re-build 'em. The tricky thing is setting the lash correctly. Incorreclty set, it will wear fast.

The cool thing with a rebuild is they can change the gear ratio to obtain a quicker turns. They can also improve the road feel. All this can be accomplished without changing the original look of the gearbox.

Here's a couple of shops that can rebuild 'em:

http://www.powersteering.com/

http://www.steeringgearrebuilders.co...s.html#classic

I had Harry's rebuild my Chevelle's recently. Was leaking just like yours. Turned-out good.

Hope this helps.

[sandiegoz28]

Also, the gearbox and the aluminum cover are both date-coded and have GM PN#'s.

If that's important to you, be sure to tell the re-build shop you expect to get all the original external bolts & the original aluminum cover back/installed on the rebuilt gearbox...

[llpainter]

Thanks for the quick response.
I'm glad to hear it is not that difficult.
I am excited about the gear ratio change.
Is there any thing to watch on the pitman arm alignment?

Thanks again.

[sandiegoz28]

I just made sure my steering wheel was in the center position, front wheels straight, etc.

I'm going in for a full front-end alignment soon, so I figure I just need to get it close.

Probably best to mark the relationship of the pitman arm to the gear box if you want to be safe.

[llpainter]

Thanks again, I have contact your referenced sites and have gotten some good prices.
I will be removing the box ASAP

[Kurt S]

You shouldn't need a faster ratio. Your box should already be about 2 1/3 turns lock-to-lock. It's also a variable ratio gear, slow ratio in the center for driving straight, faster when turning. Good box.
If you're car's mostly original, I'd just have them restore it with original guts.