Steering box swap help

[Kiwi]

I have a 1971 Chevrolet C-10 truck (V-8, A/T, RWD, leaf spring rear, long bed, P/S and P/B) that I would like to install a new/rebuilt steering box with tighter gearing. I don't particularly want to swap in an overly tight ratio box (such as a Z28 box), but something that is a bit more performance minded.

Many questions:

1. What is the stock ratio for the steering box in my truck?

2. Anyone know of an easy-to-bolt-in replacement steering box with a good middle-of-the-road steering ratio (somewhere inbetween the marshmallowy stock box and a canyon-carving Z28 box)?

3. Any problems or issues to be wary of when swapping out the steering box on a 1971 C-10?

[OhOneWS6]

That 71 box is 4.5 lock to lock. If you get a 73 up box it will be 3.5 lock to lock. 73-78 is a direct bolt in. You need to use the 71 pitman arm to maintain the turning radius. You can also use a 79-87 box but they have a metric 0-ring style hose fittings instead of flair. I performed this swap on my 72 last summer. Big difference for not much $$$.

Here is another tip. When you are installing the new box, put one bolt in backwards. This will give you something to align and support the box while you start the other 3 bolts. Once the other 3 are started remove the first one and install it correctly.

[Kiwi]

OhOneWS6,

That is some great info ... thanks.

With that, here are a few questions:

1. Do you happen to have a part number for the '73-'78 steering box as I would prefer to order a new (or rebuilt) box rather than digging through a junk yard in search of one.

2. Do you know how many turns (lock-to-lock) a Z28 steering box would be?

[Classic Heartbeat]

76 and newer were 3.5 turns lock to lock. Their input shafts are smaller than the 69-72 so be sure to get the rag joint. We also sell "Red Head" Remanufactured Quick ratio power steering gear boxes that have the larger input shaft so they are direct bolt ins. WES

[Kiwi]

Classic Heartbeat,

1. When you say "76 and newer were 3.5 turns" do you mean:
76 and newer C-10 truck -or- 76 and newer Z28?

2. How much are you charging for a Red Head remanufactured steering box for my 1971 application? Is the Red Head box a 3.5 turns version?

3. Has anyone out there converted to a 3.5 turns steering box? If so, how is it with the original steering wheel and power steering. Again, I want something tighter and more responsive ... but not too aggressive. Thus, is the 3.5 good or too sporty. Or maybe I should be looking for something with about 4 turns??

[OJ1988]

Tagging along.

[dfwright]

subscribing

[406 Q-ship]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Classic Heartbeat,

1. When you say "76 and newer were 3.5 turns" do you mean:
76 and newer C-10 truck -or- 76 and newer Z28?

The steering boxes for trucks are unique to trucks, there is no passenger car steering box that is a bolt into a C10 for any of the 60-87 GM trucks. The steering box bolts to the outside of the frame on trucks and inside the frame on passenger cars.

[Classic Heartbeat]

1. When you say "76 and newer were 3.5 turns" do you mean:
76 and newer C-10 truck -or- 76 and newer Z28?

76 and newer truck.

2. How much are you charging for a Red Head remanufactured steering box for my 1971 application? Is the Red Head box a 3.5 turns version?

$349.95 plus core, witch is reimburced when I receive a rebuildable core.

3. Has anyone out there converted to a 3.5 turns steering box? If so, how is it with the original steering wheel and power steering. Again, I want something tighter and more responsive ... but not too aggressive. Thus, is the 3.5 good or too sporty. Or maybe I should be looking for something with about 4 turns??

3 1/2 turns are great. Not too agressive and you also don't feel like you are turning forever. I like to say, it makes your truck more parking lot freindly. WES

[OhOneWS6]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Classic Heartbeat,

1. When you say "76 and newer were 3.5 turns" do you mean:
76 and newer C-10 truck -or- 76 and newer Z28?

2. How much are you charging for a Red Head remanufactured steering box for my 1971 application? Is the Red Head box a 3.5 turns version?

3. Has anyone out there converted to a 3.5 turns steering box? If so, how is it with the original steering wheel and power steering. Again, I want something tighter and more responsive ... but not too aggressive. Thus, is the 3.5 good or too sporty. Or maybe I should be looking for something with about 4 turns??

My box is 3.5 turns with the stock wheel. It feels great to me. Wes said 76 and up is 3.5 but my box came of a 75 and I was pretty sure the quicker ratio started in 73 with the square body. I've been wrong before though and Wes has more experience with this than I do. I actually had a 73 when I first got my 72. The 73 steering felt much better and was quicker.

There are two common issues with this conversion. People get post 78 boxes with the metric o-ring fittings or they use the later pitman arm which is shorter. Just be sure to get a box with the flair type fittings and use your 71 pitman arm and you will be fine. (Assuming you still have the stock lines on your truck.)

[PanelDeland]

One thing to keep in mind also.HOSES! The original stock lines don't work with the o-ring box and the o-ring lines I've found Have more steel line with bends that need to be rebent to fit.The spring inside the pump(behind the fitting the hose screws into) is supposed to affect the way the steering feels.
I just did a later model o-ring style system in my 68 and I have to agree that it's much more parking lot friendly.I'm still adjusting to it but if you already have PS that shouldn't be a problem.

[Classic Heartbeat]

We put the quick ratio gears into the older housings so they are direct bolt in. No "O" ring fittings. WES

[OJ1988]

Any manual boxes that are better than my stock 1969 box?

[Classic Heartbeat]

I am not sure. I will have to talk to my vender monday. WES

[Kiwi]

Any tricks or tips to removing/installing the steering box?
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[BustedTruck]

Whats the ratio on the red heads?

[longbed67]

I just put a power box on my '67 frame from a 1980 c10 1/2ton 2wd, had to dimple it and trim the mount and shave the edge on the pump to get it to fit, about an extra 20 min worth of work but nothing hard. Otherwise a direct bolt in.

[ItsRandy]

I got a rebuilt "quick ratio" power steering box that is supposed to be 3 turns lock to lock. I don't know if it is, I haven't driven it yet. I have heard the 3 turn boxes don't allow you to turn as tight a radius corner...I hope that is not true.

[TobyArnot]

My '70 stepper has a '73 3.5 box installed by the PO. Even with a 12-1/2" Grant wheel (belly clearance), in steers like a go-kart. Excellent, not too light feel, and much easier to park.
.
After driving my truck (DD) I recently drove my wife's new Sonata and I couldn't believe the amount of steering effort it needed compared to my 40 yr. old CHEVY

[special-K]

The hoses are not an issue when using a later o-ring box. You just change the pressure fitting on the pump. They are cheap at Napa.

[4SP_RAT]

Can anyone tell me if the manual gear boxes interchange in the same manner as the power boxes? I have a 67 that is in need of new manual box. It is adjusted out and still has alllllllllllllllmost 90 degrees of play/slack. Time for a new/rebuilt one. I have a 65 box and a 71 box. Just don't want to disassemble unitl I know whats right. It's a driver.

[Theboatandcarman]

I was good and used the search function!

How many splines are on the input shaft of the '77 box? I am about to order a 77 box, 68 pitman arm, and then there are 2 options for the rag joint on the 77.... Please help! I can't move my truck around the garage

[57larry]

good info on steering boxes. thanks

[hdff]

I replace mine with a Red Head, they did not recommend the faster ratio box so I went with a stock ratio. I have a smaller than stock grant wheel and it is ok

[DANTIP]

The flare-fitting hoses/fittings can be used with the O-ring boxes if you use these brass adapters. Once inside, the external appearance is stock.

Borgeson 925122 GM O-Ring to Inverted Flare Adapter Set (search ebay).

This is one of the best aftermarket parts I have ever seen.