Replacement steering sector? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fencepost · 03-07-2010, 12:47 AM

Replaced everything but the tie rod ends and the truck still has slack in the steering. About a 1/4 turn either way thinking of replacing the steering sector. Who makes a good replacement? Quality part. Truck is a 94 Z71.

BIGphillip79 · 03-07-2010, 01:04 AM

Whats a steering sector?

Well first thing I did when I got my truck running to get most of the slack out was to replace the rubber disc at the steering coupler. That helped a lot but the front end was shot so I replaced everything. Still had a little play in it so I tried adjusting the gear box a little but just ended up getting a new one. Now the truck is just about good as new and its an 89 4x4. still got a little slack but its not much. I think its in the joint thats kind of cube shaped closer to the firewall on the steering shaft. If thats the steering sector then I'd like to get one of those too. I couldn't find one but didn't look too hard. On my old dodge I was able to get a kit to rebuild it and it was good as new. Might be able to find some for this one, I better look around.

fencepost · 03-07-2010, 10:00 AM

I've always heard the steering box called a steering sector. Where did you get your stering box from? I don't think I want a rebuilt one I want new alot of times the rebuilt ones are no better than what you already have. ,

**Boog** · 03-07-2010, 10:42 AM

Idler arms are the weak link in these steering systems. They just dont' last long. I always use Moog replacement parts. They are built heavier and last longer.
The steering sector (gear box)will wear too but not nearly as quickly as the idler arm. I personally have never had to replace a steering sector on anything I've ever owned and I've driven a lot of miles.

TennesseeZ · 03-07-2010, 11:42 AM

Here's one I found when I was thinking I needed one too, but I have no idea about the quality.

BIGphillip79 · 03-07-2010, 03:11 PM

I got my gear box from advanced auto parts. Its a reman but it was good. no play or leaks.

fencepost · 03-07-2010, 09:17 PM

Thanks guys, what did the quick ratio boxs come on? Just replaced the pitman arm and idler not to long ago but I supose it could be bad. Going to look it over really good while someone else turns the wheel. See if I can't pinpoint the problem.

fencepost · 03-09-2010, 03:07 PM

Well got my son to turn the steering wheel with the engine off. The play appears to be in the sector as you can move the steering wheel about a 1/4 turn before you see any movment in the steering linkage. The ragjoint is good no play there and there is no play in the steer shaft from th ecolmn to the sector. So it looks like the sector has play inside it. Next question most parts places list 2 sectors one is QR quick ratio and theother is standard. Whata trucks came with the QR and what code , VIN #, or other indenifing mark can be used to find out. If I can buy a QR junkyard unit and rebuild it I will. I agree with Boog I never have had to replace a sector either but the slack appears to be in the sector but if I replace the sector the pitman, idler assembly, and tie rod ends will also be replaced then the hole front end will be new.

Any help on the QR would be appreciated.

fencepost · 03-09-2010, 04:32 PM

bump

Surly some of the low rider guys have done some kind of better handling steering box swap.

fencepost · 03-10-2010, 12:45 PM

Well I finally just adjusted the steering box. Feels a little funny but it is way tighter than it was. Adjusted to about an inch of play. I read on the net that was where it was supposed to be. Found replacement boxs at PSC they answered some of my questions. According to them "If it has the 3.25 turn lock to lock gear it will have the fastest ratio available for the large piston Z71 gear." So I currently have as quick of a steering box as I can get. Oh well when it gets warmer I will replace the tie rod ends, and maybe the pitman and idler assembly if their wore. I replaced both of those about 3-4 years ago.

I guess problem solved.

ChevLoRay · 03-10-2010, 01:16 PM

There was an article in Custom Classic Trucks or Classic Trucks magazine recently. I think it was CT, because it would have been Moses Ludel doing the tech stuff. Anyway, steering gearboxes was the subject, with power steering being the topic 'o the month. He discussed GM power steering from the early 50's onward. In the latter years, including the trucks of this forum, he discussed the stronger boxes and what makes them so, as well as where you can get 'em (vehicle sources).

The quick-ratio boxes sound good. But, I don't think they have the strength to do duty in a truck. Seems like 605 was one number. He gave a brakedown on the gearbox numbers and what they have going on inside.

fencepost · 03-10-2010, 03:14 PM

I'll live with what I have right now, really didn't have the money to replace it anyways, but if it goes out I will probably just get one of the PSC units.

fencepost · 06-30-2010, 10:16 PM

Well I replaced the idler assembly and pitman arm both with Moog units also replaced the rag joint and it still has play. The tie rod ends are tight and the play was in the steering box. Bought a AGR unit from Jegs and a reman steering pump. Drives like new really nice unit but expensive worth the money. It has a split ratio 16:1 then 13:1 after one full round.

ChevLoRay · 06-30-2010, 11:17 PM

Thanx for letting us in on what you did.

fencepost · 07-03-2010, 07:30 AM

Her are some pics, can't see it once its in the truck. Comes bear metal and I painted it cast grey and gloss black on all the others stuff I replaced.

[IMG]

[/IMG]
[IMG]

[/IMG]

ChevLoRay · 07-03-2010, 08:03 PM

I think sharing that information is a great thing. Thanks for doing that.

fencepost · 02-28-2011, 12:11 PM

Well an update, Still running the AGR box and i like it but I still had a little bit of slack somwhere. Went ahead and installed a 2" suspenion lift which consisted of new keys and add-a-leafs. Really like it will post pics and partnumbers later. Found the slck it's in the steering shaft. Looking at replacing just the u-joint in the shaft. will get it off and do some measuring to see what Bourges (sp) has that will work.

Any tips are welcomed.

chevydog66 · 03-09-2011, 10:54 PM

How much was AGR box and whats Jeg's part #? I see casting # of 26078664 in pic.

Unkle Fester · 03-10-2011, 07:50 AM

I thought I had to replace my steering box a couple years ago when a friend showed me the adjustor nut... Been working fine since.

k5hart · 03-10-2011, 11:23 AM

You can replace the steering shaft with middle 90's jeep cherokee shafts that don't use rag joints. I have one but haven't done it. It's supposed to really tighten up the feel. I can get more info tonight if your interested.

chevydog66 · 03-10-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unkle Fester

I thought I had to replace my steering box a couple years ago when a friend showed me the adjustor nut... Been working fine since.

Which way did you turn the center bolt, in or out?
Posted via Mobile Device

Unkle Fester · 03-10-2011, 11:45 PM

I played around going in and out to see what the difference was. Out just didn't "feel" right, so I went in. It's been just fine.

fencepost · 03-12-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevydog66

How much was AGR box and whats Jeg's part #? I see casting # of 26078664 in pic.

Man......... I don't remember the part #. I called AGR 1st and asked what box I needed just to make sure I got the right one. Best memory they make one for off road use only and a street version. I got the street one. Call AGR and they'll set you up.

fencepost · 03-12-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k5hart

You can replace the steering shaft with middle 90's jeep cherokee shafts that don't use rag joints. I have one but haven't done it. It's supposed to really tighten up the feel. I can get more info tonight if your interested.

Very interested in that!!

I took the shaft off and put in a vise and could not find any slack but intsalled in the truck with vise-grips just above the rag joint I can get some movement in the steering wheel. Work has picked up and I haven't had time to really set down and figure it out for sure. But the Jeep thing sounds good.

fencepost · 03-12-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unkle Fester

I played around going in and out to see what the difference was. Out just didn't "feel" right, so I went in. It's been just fine.

Tried that on my factory box, but it never got any better.

Adjusted it several times trying to find a swet spot but it ended up having a tight spot and I just got tired of dealing with it and bought the AGR

03-07-2010, 12:47 AM	#1
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Replacement steering sector? Replaced everything but the tie rod ends and the truck still has slack in the steering. About a 1/4 turn either way thinking of replacing the steering sector. Who makes a good replacement? Quality part. Truck is a 94 Z71.

03-07-2010, 01:04 AM	#2
BIGphillip79 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: McAllen TX Posts: 377	Re: Replacement steering sector? Whats a steering sector? Well first thing I did when I got my truck running to get most of the slack out was to replace the rubber disc at the steering coupler. That helped a lot but the front end was shot so I replaced everything. Still had a little play in it so I tried adjusting the gear box a little but just ended up getting a new one. Now the truck is just about good as new and its an 89 4x4. still got a little slack but its not much. I think its in the joint thats kind of cube shaped closer to the firewall on the steering shaft. If thats the steering sector then I'd like to get one of those too. I couldn't find one but didn't look too hard. On my old dodge I was able to get a kit to rebuild it and it was good as new. Might be able to find some for this one, I better look around. __________________ If it ain't broke broke don't fix? Get a hammer. '89 K1500, Reg. cab/long bed, 350/700r4, 285/75-16.

03-07-2010, 10:00 AM	#3
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? I've always heard the steering box called a steering sector. Where did you get your stering box from? I don't think I want a rebuilt one I want new alot of times the rebuilt ones are no better than what you already have. ,

03-07-2010, 10:42 AM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 14,116	Re: Replacement steering sector? Idler arms are the weak link in these steering systems. They just dont' last long. I always use Moog replacement parts. They are built heavier and last longer. The steering sector (gear box)will wear too but not nearly as quickly as the idler arm. I personally have never had to replace a steering sector on anything I've ever owned and I've driven a lot of miles. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver 'primer is finer' Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-07-2010, 11:42 AM	#5
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: Replacement steering sector? Here's one I found when I was thinking I needed one too, but I have no idea about the quality. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies. Last edited by TennesseeZ; 03-07-2010 at 11:45 AM.

03-07-2010, 03:11 PM	#6
BIGphillip79 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: McAllen TX Posts: 377	Re: Replacement steering sector? I got my gear box from advanced auto parts. Its a reman but it was good. no play or leaks. __________________ If it ain't broke broke don't fix? Get a hammer. '89 K1500, Reg. cab/long bed, 350/700r4, 285/75-16.

03-07-2010, 09:17 PM	#7
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Thanks guys, what did the quick ratio boxs come on? Just replaced the pitman arm and idler not to long ago but I supose it could be bad. Going to look it over really good while someone else turns the wheel. See if I can't pinpoint the problem.

03-09-2010, 03:07 PM	#8
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Well got my son to turn the steering wheel with the engine off. The play appears to be in the sector as you can move the steering wheel about a 1/4 turn before you see any movment in the steering linkage. The ragjoint is good no play there and there is no play in the steer shaft from th ecolmn to the sector. So it looks like the sector has play inside it. Next question most parts places list 2 sectors one is QR quick ratio and theother is standard. Whata trucks came with the QR and what code , VIN #, or other indenifing mark can be used to find out. If I can buy a QR junkyard unit and rebuild it I will. I agree with Boog I never have had to replace a sector either but the slack appears to be in the sector but if I replace the sector the pitman, idler assembly, and tie rod ends will also be replaced then the hole front end will be new. Any help on the QR would be appreciated.

03-09-2010, 04:32 PM	#9
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? bump Surly some of the low rider guys have done some kind of better handling steering box swap.

03-10-2010, 12:45 PM	#10
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Well I finally just adjusted the steering box. Feels a little funny but it is way tighter than it was. Adjusted to about an inch of play. I read on the net that was where it was supposed to be. Found replacement boxs at PSC they answered some of my questions. According to them "If it has the 3.25 turn lock to lock gear it will have the fastest ratio available for the large piston Z71 gear." So I currently have as quick of a steering box as I can get. Oh well when it gets warmer I will replace the tie rod ends, and maybe the pitman and idler assembly if their wore. I replaced both of those about 3-4 years ago. I guess problem solved.

03-10-2010, 01:16 PM	#11
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Replacement steering sector? There was an article in Custom Classic Trucks or Classic Trucks magazine recently. I think it was CT, because it would have been Moses Ludel doing the tech stuff. Anyway, steering gearboxes was the subject, with power steering being the topic 'o the month. He discussed GM power steering from the early 50's onward. In the latter years, including the trucks of this forum, he discussed the stronger boxes and what makes them so, as well as where you can get 'em (vehicle sources). The quick-ratio boxes sound good. But, I don't think they have the strength to do duty in a truck. Seems like 605 was one number. He gave a brakedown on the gearbox numbers and what they have going on inside. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

03-10-2010, 03:14 PM	#12
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? I'll live with what I have right now, really didn't have the money to replace it anyways, but if it goes out I will probably just get one of the PSC units.

06-30-2010, 10:16 PM	#13
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Well I replaced the idler assembly and pitman arm both with Moog units also replaced the rag joint and it still has play. The tie rod ends are tight and the play was in the steering box. Bought a AGR unit from Jegs and a reman steering pump. Drives like new really nice unit but expensive worth the money. It has a split ratio 16:1 then 13:1 after one full round.

06-30-2010, 11:17 PM	#14
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Replacement steering sector? Thanx for letting us in on what you did. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-03-2010, 07:30 AM	#15
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Her are some pics, can't see it once its in the truck. Comes bear metal and I painted it cast grey and gloss black on all the others stuff I replaced. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]



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07-03-2010, 08:03 PM	#16
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Replacement steering sector? I think sharing that information is a great thing. Thanks for doing that. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-28-2011, 12:11 PM	#17
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: Replacement steering sector? Well an update, Still running the AGR box and i like it but I still had a little bit of slack somwhere. Went ahead and installed a 2" suspenion lift which consisted of new keys and add-a-leafs. Really like it will post pics and partnumbers later. Found the slck it's in the steering shaft. Looking at replacing just the u-joint in the shaft. will get it off and do some measuring to see what Bourges (sp) has that will work. Any tips are welcomed.

03-09-2011, 10:54 PM	#18
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: Replacement steering sector? How much was AGR box and whats Jeg's part #? I see casting # of 26078664 in pic. __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

03-10-2011, 07:50 AM	#19
Unkle Fester Ignorance is Bliss Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sherwood, OR Posts: 92	Re: Replacement steering sector? I thought I had to replace my steering box a couple years ago when a friend showed me the adjustor nut... Been working fine since. __________________ The difference between ignorance and stupidity: Being ignorant you just don't know any better. I must be stupid, because I know better and do things anyway. 98 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 xcab 3door, 350 Vortec, 6" lift, 35" M/S Tires and no money in my wallet. 90 GMC Suburban 1500 XLE 4x4 with those darned barn doors (I cried when she left me) If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

03-10-2011, 11:23 AM	#20
k5hart Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston, South Carolina Posts: 1,370	Re: Replacement steering sector? You can replace the steering shaft with middle 90's jeep cherokee shafts that don't use rag joints. I have one but haven't done it. It's supposed to really tighten up the feel. I can get more info tonight if your interested. __________________ 2006 Silverado CCSB, 1939 Ford Sedan, 1962 BelAir Wagon, 1976 Vega Panel Charleston, South Carolina

03-10-2011, 11:45 PM	#22
Unkle Fester Ignorance is Bliss Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sherwood, OR Posts: 92	Re: Replacement steering sector? I played around going in and out to see what the difference was. Out just didn't "feel" right, so I went in. It's been just fine. __________________ The difference between ignorance and stupidity: Being ignorant you just don't know any better. I must be stupid, because I know better and do things anyway. 98 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 xcab 3door, 350 Vortec, 6" lift, 35" M/S Tires and no money in my wallet. 90 GMC Suburban 1500 XLE 4x4 with those darned barn doors (I cried when she left me) If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

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