A better manual steering box in my '71?
 

I've got the front end off of my '71 stepside 2wd. While it is apart, I am thinking of doing something about the manual steering box. It seems a bit sloppy. Is there a quick ratio maunual steering box available either through GM or aftermarket? I'd like to retain the manual steering, but would like it to be tighter and faster.

Thanks!

I dunno about a quicker ratio, there are so many turns lock to lock because of it being manual. Think of it like a 10 bike, the quicker gears are harder to turn because of the ratio, it's the same with a manual steering gear. If your old gear needs to be replaced, I have the old box off my 69, after I changed to power steering. If you are interested PM me, and we'll talk. BTW what western burb are you in? I'm in Woodstock, in McHenry county.

put the power steering in you wont regret it i just put it on my 69 last night or you could try the gear box froma camaro supposedly trhere better

I met these guys at the Pate swap meet last year.
They offer a quick ratio rebuild.
http://www.powersteering.com

Have fun

Oops I reread your post and you said manual steering.
I will leave the link as someone else may need it.

I agree with pissonNOS, definately switch to power steering. It is a simple conversion and you will never be happier. Be sure and take the pitman arm along with the power gear box from a donor. I made the change on my '72 and it was some of the smartest money I've spent.

Will a Camaro box work? Any year? Which pitman should be used?

I belive a camaro box is mounted on the inside of the frame rail, a truck mounts on the outside. So, I guess that would mount the box, upside down. . . LOL!

Duh - you're right. I'd like to put a box on my 72 that is like my 95 GMC, it's got a good feel to it. Do those interchange?

I really want to keep my manual steering, so I'm hoping someone may see this post and help me get this manual box fixed up.

steering quickener Here's an option http://www.secureperformanceorder.co...ProductID=1740

I have a NOS manual gear box from a 73-78 truck. It is suppose to be a bolt up for our trucks.

steering gear
 

i have a very tight manual gear out of my 60,000 mile 1971 gmc for 60.00 shipped to your door. have agreat day

I have one just sitting out side on my porch back at my home town......if you want it it's yours...$30 Plus shipping...if you are interested. I really never drove with it...so I'm not sure if it is in "prestine condition", but it did work when I moved my truck in my yard back and forth before i replaced it with PS box.