How to tell if steering box is good?

[chevybill]

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.