steering coupler converting to "new" steering box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Custom 68 · 04-07-2006, 11:24 PM

I am trying to convert to the newer "quick ratio" steering box. I bought a reman at the auto store it appears as though my coupler is too large to fit on (or tighten) on the front shaft? did others have this problem when using the new box? I believe the year i got was a 76 this is 3 1/4 turns lock to lock ( I confirmed) and has the standard threads so it should be an easy conversion but this coupler problem
please help...
Dave

GlennBrittain · 04-08-2006, 12:02 AM

Are you having a problem installing the steering shaft coupler on the steering box. If this is you problem, the 77 to 86 model steering boxes have a 3/4" shaft, the 68 to 76 has a 13/16" shaft. When I replaced the box on my 69 I found my shaft would not go on. I found that my truck had the 77 to 86 box on it and I ordered a 69 box. I could have changed the rag joint out to a 69 on the box side, but I returned the 69 box and got the later model to solve my problem.

1977 THRU 86 Model, ¾” shaft
(68-76 has a 13/16” shaft)

Custom 68 · 04-08-2006, 08:14 AM

glenn thanks I will check that out. I thought I asked for a 76 but don't remember...
I am trying to change to the later model one for the "quicker" steering
I will do some checking

dave

Bob Moore · 04-10-2006, 08:03 PM

Just buy the rag joint to fit your new "quick box". You will then be able to use your existing intermediate shaft to complete the change over.

qksilver · 04-10-2006, 09:39 PM

It's a good idea any way to get a new one. Safety and it won't vibrate

Custom 68 · 04-11-2006, 09:10 AM

Thanks guys I am going to pick one up today. I removed the old steering box and have the new one ready to install.
Dave

67Dad · 07-05-2011, 09:36 PM

old but useful thread. Another question...do you recall how the diameter is measured on the splined shaft or the splined coupling? For example, should the shaft OD be measured on the outside of the splines or in the bottom of the grooves or some third option?

Thanks.

Mark

04-07-2006, 11:24 PM	#1
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	steering coupler converting to "new" steering box I am trying to convert to the newer "quick ratio" steering box. I bought a reman at the auto store it appears as though my coupler is too large to fit on (or tighten) on the front shaft? did others have this problem when using the new box? I believe the year i got was a 76 this is 3 1/4 turns lock to lock ( I confirmed) and has the standard threads so it should be an easy conversion but this coupler problem please help... Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

04-08-2006, 12:02 AM	#2
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box Are you having a problem installing the steering shaft coupler on the steering box. If this is you problem, the 77 to 86 model steering boxes have a 3/4" shaft, the 68 to 76 has a 13/16" shaft. When I replaced the box on my 69 I found my shaft would not go on. I found that my truck had the 77 to 86 box on it and I ordered a 69 box. I could have changed the rag joint out to a 69 on the box side, but I returned the 69 box and got the later model to solve my problem. 1977 THRU 86 Model, ¾” shaft (68-76 has a 13/16” shaft)

04-08-2006, 08:14 AM	#3
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box glenn thanks I will check that out. I thought I asked for a 76 but don't remember... I am trying to change to the later model one for the "quicker" steering I will do some checking dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

04-10-2006, 08:03 PM	#4
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box Just buy the rag joint to fit your new "quick box". You will then be able to use your existing intermediate shaft to complete the change over. __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

04-10-2006, 09:39 PM	#5
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box It's a good idea any way to get a new one. Safety and it won't vibrate

04-11-2006, 09:10 AM	#6
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box Thanks guys I am going to pick one up today. I removed the old steering box and have the new one ready to install. Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

07-05-2011, 09:36 PM	#7
67Dad Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: houston texas Posts: 84	Re: steering coupler converting to "new" steering box old but useful thread. Another question...do you recall how the diameter is measured on the splined shaft or the splined coupling? For example, should the shaft OD be measured on the outside of the splines or in the bottom of the grooves or some third option? Thanks. Mark __________________ Mark 57 Austin Healey 3000 (sold many moons ago, unfortunately) 67 C10 (in progress, son's) w/ 1993 350 SBC, '96 Vortec heads (custom polished ports), EPS Performer intake, Holley carb, cam, MSD ignition 93 C4 Corvette (mostly done, son's)

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