Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CentralCoaster · 02-12-2009, 01:40 PM

My wheel has about 4" of slop in it and it's all from the box itself.

I tried the adjustment on the top of the box, which did tighten it up a bit, but didn't remove much slop. It also caused the pump to start whining, so I'm sure it's too tight.

Ever rebuild these, or just ****can it? Rebuild kits are ~$30 assuming that would even fix the source of slop.

Looks easy enough to replace, I have a puller for the pitman arm, and everything else just bolts up.

I want to get something decent in there, preferabbly no Chinese remans.

I used these local guys for my replacement corvette rack, might give them a shot:
http://www.meridianautoparts.com/add.../82-00293.html

I noticed they also have a "high performance" and "quick ratio" box. I'll have to research that.

Rockauto has delco reman's for $195 + core, or A1 Cardont for $125 + core

Any other suggestions?

**rob32472** · 02-12-2009, 02:50 PM

autozone carries a rebuilt replacement for @ 150

Myself · 02-12-2009, 04:29 PM

Go get you a nice used Quick ratio box from the junkyard for around $40. I think the one I used came from an early 80's model.

CentralCoaster · 02-12-2009, 04:41 PM

These meridian guys appear to be operating under several different fronts, this worries me.

They also spam the hell out of online blogs to get more google hits.

powersteeringpros.com
buy-steering.com
discountsteering.com

Not a good sign at all. Arggh. I know a guy that works there, I wonder what he'd have to say about that.

Napa's website is sucking, as usual. They should have left it alone with the old layout.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-12-2009, 04:44 PM

I'm curious about this as well. Napa and the cheapie stores all have a very similar price after the core.

CentralCoaster · 02-12-2009, 05:02 PM

This guy told me they're rebuilt in Michigan and sell to the local repair shops. He said the Delco units are the exact same overseas crap as the A1 Cardone with a bigger price tag.

He's not exactly unbiased though.

I see CCP and red top being mentioned. Someone said they had a CCP unit blow a seal.

**rockc** · 02-12-2009, 08:11 PM

I got one at checkers a couple years ago and it was less than $120.00 And that was for a 4 wheel drive.

**rockc** · 02-12-2009, 08:15 PM

forgot to mention that I have tried to rebuild them myself and they always ended up leaking or I would have extra parts left over. So the 120 was worth it.

fastom · 02-12-2009, 08:20 PM

Early Classic has one as well. www.earlyclassic.com

**oldgold70c10** · 02-12-2009, 08:22 PM

When I converted from manual, I got a reman box from Oreilly's. Been on nearly 2 years and many thousand miles w/o trouble.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-12-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastom

Early Classic has one as well. www.earlyclassic.com

Their price is really high, I wonder what warrants the extra $100+ dollars over other boxes?

CentralCoaster · 02-12-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Their price is really high, I wonder what warrants the extra $100+ dollars over other boxes?

And they're probably just marking up someone else's unit. Unless they've got their own assembly line in the back office.

CentralCoaster · 02-13-2009, 10:37 PM

I was recommended to this guy, he's got new variable ratio boxes:

http://www.corvettesteering.com/truck_gears.htm

John H. · 02-13-2009, 11:36 PM

I used this guy in Seattle. Specializes in quick ratio.

I asked for a standard non redhead though.

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

**LEEVON** · 02-13-2009, 11:59 PM

I used a later model...one less turn to lock I think. Cost about $100 at a yard.

Green Machine · 02-14-2009, 01:03 AM

Check the local boneyards, got a tight and dry box from a 78 for $40 here, fittings fit, turns a little faster, just use the rag joint from the newer box, as shaft is different than the older ones.

PipsC10 · 02-14-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Their price is really high, I wonder what warrants the extra $100+ dollars over other boxes?

It looks like maybe it comes with the rag joint also??

I would stand behind anything they sell and their prices always seem fair, but I dont know much about steering boxes.

ETsC10 · 02-14-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John H.

I used this guy in Seattle. Specializes in quick ratio.

I asked for a standard non redhead though.

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

Another vote for Red-Head. My last rebuilt gear box from them lasted over a decade.

**rockc** · 02-14-2009, 10:54 AM

I double checked on the 4X4 steering box at my local checkers and it is up to 175.00 now with a 100 core deposit. They said it had a lifetime guarantee. Can't recall the name of company that rebuit it. (Corman I think)

brak · 02-14-2009, 11:47 AM

couple years ago, i ordered a whole power steering setup from Powercraft steering parts.

not sure if they're still around, but they were located there in San Diego (chula vista i think), but here's the number on the shirt they sent me

800-698-4443

badpeanut · 02-14-2009, 01:29 PM

When my original '71 4x4 box got sloppy I spend $200 after core charge on a reman from Bumper to Bumper (now O'Reilly); it lasted about 6 months before it got sloppy. I've since had this box rebuilt by a local guy with good results.

CentralCoaster · 02-14-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockc

They said it had a lifetime guarantee. Can't recall the name of company that rebuit it. (Corman I think)

I don't find any value in lifetime guarantees. Because if the part is poorly made, you get stuck replacing it there for a lifetime.

Most quality shops won't give you a lifetime guarantee.

CentralCoaster · 02-14-2009, 01:56 PM

Red top's website says they just do the seals, bearings, etc.

What about gears? I'm inclined to just buy a new one. Every time I go cheap I end up kicking myself later.

02-12-2009, 01:40 PM	#1
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? My wheel has about 4" of slop in it and it's all from the box itself. I tried the adjustment on the top of the box, which did tighten it up a bit, but didn't remove much slop. It also caused the pump to start whining, so I'm sure it's too tight. Ever rebuild these, or just ***can it? Rebuild kits are ~$30 assuming that would even fix the source of slop. Looks easy enough to replace, I have a puller for the pitman arm, and everything else just bolts up. I want to get something decent in there, preferabbly no Chinese remans. I used these local guys for my replacement corvette rack, might give them a shot: http://www.meridianautoparts.com/add.../82-00293.html I noticed they also have a "high performance" and "quick ratio" box. I'll have to research that. Rockauto has delco reman's for $195 + core, or A1 Cardont for $125 + core Any other suggestions? __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 02-12-2009 at 01:43 PM.*

02-12-2009, 02:50 PM	#2
rob32472 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: dallas ga Posts: 1,505	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? autozone carries a rebuilt replacement for @ 150

02-12-2009, 04:29 PM	#3
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,136	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? Go get you a nice used Quick ratio box from the junkyard for around $40. I think the one I used came from an early 80's model.

02-12-2009, 04:41 PM	#4
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? These meridian guys appear to be operating under several different fronts, this worries me. They also spam the hell out of online blogs to get more google hits. powersteeringpros.com buy-steering.com discountsteering.com Not a good sign at all. Arggh. I know a guy that works there, I wonder what he'd have to say about that. Napa's website is sucking, as usual. They should have left it alone with the old layout. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 02-12-2009 at 05:06 PM.

02-12-2009, 04:44 PM	#5
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I'm curious about this as well. Napa and the cheapie stores all have a very similar price after the core. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-12-2009, 05:02 PM	#6
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? This guy told me they're rebuilt in Michigan and sell to the local repair shops. He said the Delco units are the exact same overseas crap as the A1 Cardone with a bigger price tag. He's not exactly unbiased though. I see CCP and red top being mentioned. Someone said they had a CCP unit blow a seal. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 02-12-2009 at 05:02 PM.

02-12-2009, 08:11 PM	#7
rockc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SE WY Posts: 640	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I got one at checkers a couple years ago and it was less than $120.00 And that was for a 4 wheel drive.

02-12-2009, 08:15 PM	#8
rockc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SE WY Posts: 640	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? forgot to mention that I have tried to rebuild them myself and they always ended up leaking or I would have extra parts left over. So the 120 was worth it.

02-12-2009, 08:20 PM	#9
fastom That's right, it's Copper!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Central California Posts: 558	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? Early Classic has one as well. www.earlyclassic.com

02-12-2009, 08:22 PM	#10
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? When I converted from manual, I got a reman box from Oreilly's. Been on nearly 2 years and many thousand miles w/o trouble. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

02-13-2009, 10:37 PM	#13
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I was recommended to this guy, he's got new variable ratio boxes: http://www.corvettesteering.com/truck_gears.htm __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

02-13-2009, 11:36 PM	#14
John H. Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 2,115	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I used this guy in Seattle. Specializes in quick ratio. I asked for a standard non redhead though. http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

02-13-2009, 11:59 PM	#15
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I used a later model...one less turn to lock I think. Cost about $100 at a yard. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

02-14-2009, 01:03 AM	#16
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? Check the local boneyards, got a tight and dry box from a 78 for $40 here, fittings fit, turns a little faster, just use the rag joint from the newer box, as shaft is different than the older ones. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

02-14-2009, 10:54 AM	#19
rockc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SE WY Posts: 640	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? I double checked on the 4X4 steering box at my local checkers and it is up to 175.00 now with a 100 core deposit. They said it had a lifetime guarantee. Can't recall the name of company that rebuit it. (Corman I think)



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02-14-2009, 11:47 AM	#20
brak Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MinneSNOWta Posts: 1,381	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? couple years ago, i ordered a whole power steering setup from Powercraft steering parts. not sure if they're still around, but they were located there in San Diego (chula vista i think), but here's the number on the shirt they sent me 800-698-4443 __________________ 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill

02-14-2009, 01:29 PM	#21
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,756	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? When my original '71 4x4 box got sloppy I spend $200 after core charge on a reman from Bumper to Bumper (now O'Reilly); it lasted about 6 months before it got sloppy. I've since had this box rebuilt by a local guy with good results. __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

02-14-2009, 01:56 PM	#23
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Best sourse for replacement power steering gearbox? Red top's website says they just do the seals, bearings, etc. What about gears? I'm inclined to just buy a new one. Every time I go cheap I end up kicking myself later. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 02-14-2009 at 01:56 PM.

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