Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

I need to replace my worn out steering gear box, any recommendations on where I should get one? What are your thoughts on a quick ratio steering gear box for my truck since it is a lifted 4x4? I was going to replace the steering rag joint coupler and hoses, are there any other parts I should be replacing while I am doing this?

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

How big of a lift do you have on it?And what size tires do you have on it?

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

When buying a new steering box you will find different values for your old core. I would look for a vendor that gives you the most for your old core. I have seen a core value of $90 +. Many years ago a got a new box from AutoZone and was only about $20 cash out of pocket after core return - that box is still working fine - no leaks. A Delco rebuild would be my first choice, but I would not spend a lot of money for it. Check the usual OEM suspects:
www.rockauto.com
www.oewarehouse.com
www.oehq.com
www.autopartstomorrow.com
ebay
amazon

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

6" lift, 35" tires

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

I'd definitely check out Red Head in Seattle. I JUST finished installing my gear box from them 2 days ago in my suburban and it's nice and tight. From my research, a lot of rebuilt ones are done poorly or not re-spec'd out. They may just replace seals, etc and miss the critical parts.....that tend to show up 6 months after installing.

After my research, Red Head puts in a lot more work and price isn't really all that bad. I'd rather do the job once for a slightly higher price than 3 times trying to get a decent one out of Autozone.....

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

If you want to go bigger tires or lift i would look in to cross over steering.Most cross over steering uses a 2wd steering box so keep that in mind.

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

I checked RedHead Steering in Seattle and couldn't find any 2wd boxes. Has anyone bought a 2wd box from them?

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

Give them a call. The stuff on the website are their "normal stock" items but I think they can do any box you want. Nice guys so pretty easy to find out if they have a 2wd box on hand or could do one for you.

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

Thanks for the info. I will have to try and give them a call. Just weird they don't show a box as common as a 2wd Chevy truck.

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

You can also just try rebuilding it. Tx Firefighter did a great write-up with step-by-step instructions for how to do it. I will be tackling it next week for my '79 K20 when the parts get in.

Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20
 

I like that writeup. I attempted a rebuild, but found the PO also did it. Missing ball bearings and the shaft was visibly worn. Ended up with a re-man unit. Did get an education though.