3.5 turn steering box options

[LooseyLucy71]

Hey guys, I've been looking into different options for steering boxes and have decided on 3.5 turn lock to lock. I'm not interested in getting a reman box from the parts store, but was wondering who others used for either new or reman boxes with 3.5 turns. I've heard a lot of positive feedback from guys using readhead, but looking for as many opinions as possible... My application is a 71 SB FS with a 5.3 swap. Thanks!

[Al1957]

Redhead, installed a couple of them, quality item, great on the road.

[hdff]

I like my red head I put on my '71 sb fs

[Wv72c10]

I put an AGR box on my 72 but have not fired up to try yet.
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[TCONNELLY]

I put in a Lares last summer. It's working great.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

all the above mentioned are super expensive options

[70cst]

$280-$350 Range form Classic Heartbeat


http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67-72_chassis_2.htm

[Heavymetl]

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

all the above mentioned are super expensive options

But worth every penny. We're all quick to spend money on engine parts, exhaust, and the like. But for value and something you appreciate every time behind the wheel, a great steering box is a must.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

then why not just a mid 70,s c-10 box from local auto parts store ? there 125-150 bucks.

[Boog]

Thats what i bought Bob. It bled easily and feels smooth there in the shop. There won't be any road tests for a long while though.

[Heavymetl]

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

then why not just a mid 70,s c-10 box from local auto parts store ? there 125-150 bucks.

That's a valid question, and probably just comes down to preference. I hate steering wheel play and "herding" the truck down the highway. Parts store boxes, other than not leaking, steer poorly in my opinion. And I've had several.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

steering is critical and no rebuilder is going to sell any box that isn't up to parr regardless where you buy it as they don't want to be sued. a1 cardone is where I get all my boxes from and never had a seconds worth of trouble and oriellys gives lifetime guarantee. hard to beat at 125.00 just my opinion though

[LooseyLucy71]

I figured I'd chime in since I started this debate... I've heard a lot of stories of sloppy and/or leaking remaned boxes from the parts store and would rather spend more money to have it right the first time. My current box is sloppy and 4.25 turns lock to lock which is fairly dangerous when the back end gets loose, particularly with the SWB. What I want is a 3.5 turn box that I can bolt in and have it work just right consistently.

[Andy4639]

Well mine has been in the truck since I bought it back 30 years ago. I rebuilt it about 10 years ago and it's fine. The gear boxes on these models is great and there isn't anything wrong with them if they are rebuilt right with good parts.
That being said there is nothing wrong with wanting a quicker turn box but for me that is not worth it and when you think about it the quicker turn box is more dangerous for a short bed than the stock.
You get a short bed sliding side ways and turn that wheel to lock and you will find out what I'm talking about. The extra full turn may save your life.
Chevy has way more input on these trucks than we do and spend 100's of 1000's of dollars for info we cant get.

I'll rebuild mine again when the time comes!

[LooseyLucy71]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Well mine has been in the truck since I bought it back 30 years ago. I rebuilt it about 10 years ago and it's fine. The gear boxes on these models is great and there isn't anything wrong with them if they are rebuilt right with good parts.
That being said there is nothing wrong with wanting a quicker turn box but for me that is not worth it and when you think about it the quicker turn box is more dangerous for a short bed than the stock.
You get a short bed sliding side ways and turn that wheel to lock and you will find out what I'm talking about. The extra full turn may save your life.
Chevy has way more input on these trucks than we do and spend 100's of 1000's of dollars for info we cant get.

I'll rebuild mine again when the time comes!

I don't see it as being anymore dangerous than the last 30+ years worth of trucks being produced with 3.5 turn boxes from the factory. As for keeping it between the beacons, I feel if it steps out fast, I'd like to catch it just as fast.

[greywurm]

What does it take to rebuild the stock box to correct sloppy steering?

Mine feels pretty loose and I have to keep at the wheel on the highway and doesnt really feel safe... like it wants to walk/turn slightly on its own or the steering is inconsistent. I replace all tie rods since they look worn, and while it improved, it is far from where it should be.

[Ruscal]

My short bed has a re-man 4.5 turn box. It feels agonizingly slow when turning at slower speeds, yet feels almost twitchy at 75mph. It's kind of weird. Maybe it has a variable setup? I've got to speed up the low speed handling, but don't want it too sensitive at speed. The 3.5 turn box may be a good one to try. Rack and pinions are other options.
My TJ Jeep Wrangler was set up for off road and rock crawling. I installed a Dodge Dakota snow plow option steering box with super slow ratio. It steers silky smooth with no effort in the rocks, but on the freeway it requires 1/4 turn of the steering wheel to make minor corrections. It gets tiring on long trips. It is not slack in the system, just low geared. I don't know why my C10 isn't slow steering on the freeway like the Jeep. ???
Russ

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by LooseyLucy71

I don't see it as being anymore dangerous than the last 30+ years worth of trucks being produced with 3.5 turn boxes from the factory. As for keeping it between the beacons, I feel if it steps out fast, I'd like to catch it just as fast.

Your statement answer it self.
The whole truck has been redesigned to match each part together. new trucks don't just get a part slapped on it and said good. They are tested for months together to see how they react with one another before final assembly.

You may can but what about 75% of all the other's who can't!

How many times have you read the news where they over corrected and went off the other side of the road are flipped. This would just add to that type of thing. I didn't state it to start a drivers lesson though. I did it because their is nothing wrong with the box if built right is all I was getting at. These trucks are 30-40 years old and yes I know the design and changes has helped but doesn't mean you can't make it drive better with a newer box.
The OP sounds like he needs his alignment checked also.
If it's that sloppy then he needs to look at every part of his Suspension and make sure its all good.
There are several threads on rebuilding your own box.