How to tell if steering box is good? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevybill · 11-25-2004, 01:38 AM

Hey guys, happy turkey day to all

How can I tell if my steering box needs replacing? I have the steering disconnected from the box, as I disassemble for my resto/mod project.

I can move the splined spindle about 25% of one turn without encountering any resistance. Before disassembly, I could wiggle the steering wheel just a little and the wheels would wiggle with the steering wheel. When driving, I had some slack in the steering, about 25% of a steering wheel turn.

Will a later 73 and up steering box fit? It presently is manual steering and I plan on staying with manual steering.

Is it cheaper to replace than rebuild?

Thanks for your replies.

My engine guy is trying to get me to go with a 350 automatic tranny and a rear gear of 3.42 or numerically lower (higher speed rear end). This setup will be much cheaper than a 5 speed, so I am going to have to think about this.

Any thought appreciated.

chickenwing · 11-25-2004, 01:57 AM

Whatcha got in the diff now? 3:73 or lower go with a 700R4. Has .74 overdrive. Works real well. Going the other way with taller gears in the back is definately a way to go if you are not planning on towing or hauling any heavier loads. I like having the option of dropping it in 3rd with my 700r4 and still having a 1:1 on my tranny with 3:73's in the back.

No comment on the other questions... No experiance with it.

Brainchild · 11-25-2004, 02:08 AM

The later box will fit,and work just fine.

chickenwing · 11-25-2004, 02:32 AM

How bout for a C20?

jimfulco · 11-25-2004, 05:12 AM

As long as it's not from a 4WD.

dwaite72lnghrn · 11-25-2004, 06:08 AM

Have you ever adjusted the steering box you have now? If it hasn't ever been adjusted you should be able to take the slack out by adjustment.
Loosen the locking nut on the top of the box then turn in the adjusting screw on the top, Move the shaft back and forth till the slack is out then tighten the locking nut.

spencra · 11-25-2004, 09:33 AM

You should be able to get a straight answer from a good parts dealer (I recommend NAPA or even a chevy dealer). They will get the information that they need from you and should be able to answer your question or at least steer you (no pun intended, really) in the right direction as to what you will need or can use.

chevybill · 11-25-2004, 10:42 AM

thanks for the replies, everybody.

since the box has never been adjusted, i will try that first.

as a side note to any one wanting to keep manual steering,
summit can get these boxes new and they are about 300 dollars.

Brainchild · 11-25-2004, 01:32 PM

Guess I'm getting old,the first mod I'm concidering on my 49 is power steering

11-25-2004, 01:38 AM	#1
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	How to tell if steering box is good? Hey guys, happy turkey day to all How can I tell if my steering box needs replacing? I have the steering disconnected from the box, as I disassemble for my resto/mod project. I can move the splined spindle about 25% of one turn without encountering any resistance. Before disassembly, I could wiggle the steering wheel just a little and the wheels would wiggle with the steering wheel. When driving, I had some slack in the steering, about 25% of a steering wheel turn. Will a later 73 and up steering box fit? It presently is manual steering and I plan on staying with manual steering. Is it cheaper to replace than rebuild? Thanks for your replies. My engine guy is trying to get me to go with a 350 automatic tranny and a rear gear of 3.42 or numerically lower (higher speed rear end). This setup will be much cheaper than a 5 speed, so I am going to have to think about this. Any thought appreciated. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

11-25-2004, 01:57 AM	#2
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Whatcha got in the diff now? 3:73 or lower go with a 700R4. Has .74 overdrive. Works real well. Going the other way with taller gears in the back is definately a way to go if you are not planning on towing or hauling any heavier loads. I like having the option of dropping it in 3rd with my 700r4 and still having a 1:1 on my tranny with 3:73's in the back. No comment on the other questions... No experiance with it. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

11-25-2004, 02:08 AM	#3
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	The later box will fit,and work just fine. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

11-25-2004, 02:32 AM	#4
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	How bout for a C20? __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

11-25-2004, 06:08 AM	#6
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Have you ever adjusted the steering box you have now? If it hasn't ever been adjusted you should be able to take the slack out by adjustment. Loosen the locking nut on the top of the box then turn in the adjusting screw on the top, Move the shaft back and forth till the slack is out then tighten the locking nut. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

11-25-2004, 05:12 AM	#5
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	As long as it's not from a 4WD.

11-25-2004, 09:33 AM	#7
spencra This, is my BOOMSTICK! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 1,310	You should be able to get a straight answer from a good parts dealer (I recommend NAPA or even a chevy dealer). They will get the information that they need from you and should be able to answer your question or at least steer you (no pun intended, really) in the right direction as to what you will need or can use. __________________ Larry Got rid of my projects for now. 1980 Jeep CJ7 1998 Nissan Sentra (my car) 2001 Toyota Sienna (wife's, of course)

11-25-2004, 10:42 AM	#8
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	thanks for the replies, everybody. since the box has never been adjusted, i will try that first. as a side note to any one wanting to keep manual steering, summit can get these boxes new and they are about 300 dollars. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

11-25-2004, 01:32 PM	#9
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Guess I'm getting old,the first mod I'm concidering on my 49 is power steering __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website



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