'72 Manual Steering Box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

C10 - C90 Bill · 07-31-2003, 03:39 PM

Wore out another manual steering box in about 27.000 miles. Last time when I went to check and/or refill it, I noticed there was no filler plug. Figured I would fill it in one of the bolt holes, like I have on some others thru the years, but not this one. Sealed unit. My question is that I was told '68 to '87 manual boxes are the same and I was wondering if anyone knows of a particular one or particular year would have a refill plug. ('72 C-10 2WD) TIA.

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-01-2003, 07:38 AM

Also would like to verify the interchange. Any help would be appreciated.

**MJN** · 08-01-2003, 11:47 PM

I've got a manual gearbox off a '70 c/2500 and there is no plug or any where to fill it. Need another?

SEVEND2 · 08-02-2003, 04:32 AM

Manual gear boxes are about 40 bucks i think (rebuilt (new)), well where about 2 years ago, before i converted to PS.
my old manual gear box is on a 73 chevy stepside (perfect fit on it, no Mods)

**PICKMUP** · 08-03-2003, 08:16 PM

I think the cost on a rebuilt/new would be closer if you put a "2" in front of that 40 bucks---about $240!
If you go throught them that often...it may be time to step up to a PS system...you get a quicker ratio, also.

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-04-2003, 07:51 AM

Hey PICKMUP, I was thinking the same thing. Got similar prices around here on new/rebuilt. That's why I have been buying used ($10 to $75). But if they came with a refill plug so I could get some grease in them, I believe I could be doing a lot better. Still trying to find out how many came with refill plugs. Would it be a common thing and I'm just having bad luck or it is kind of rare. Any info would be appreciated.

Knoxville71shortbed · 08-04-2003, 08:51 AM

OK, I'm interested in this subject as well. First, I wonder what could be causing the wear-out described here. I am running with the original manual steering gear box in my '71 (with over 150K), and really don't notice any problems. I recently had to adjust some of the play out of it, but no other problems. I was concerned however about lubrication inside the gear box. I also noted no access to add lube. This may be a stupid question, but couldn't you just take the top plate (that holds the adjustment screw) off and add lubricant through the opening? It's only held on by three bolts, and seems easy to get at. But I was afraid to take the top plate off, because I don't know what possible damage I could do. Like I said, mine still works OK, and I don't want to screw something up. I really don't want power steering, and the price of a rebuilt manual gear box is way higher than I want to pay. More info would help. Surely somebody out there has had one of these things apart.

Knoxville71shortbed · 08-05-2003, 06:02 AM

ttt

Knoxville71shortbed · 08-06-2003, 08:44 AM

I can't believe that nobody knows how to get lube into a manual steering gear box. Come on guys, you've never let me down before. Anybody even got a suggestion?

jhwkns · 08-06-2003, 11:59 AM

If you remove all of the bolts in the top cover (excluding the adjuster) It should rotate enough to give you access.

*Phillip Johnson* · 08-06-2003, 12:12 PM

All I can say is why have manuel when you can have power.. Life is too short

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-06-2003, 06:21 PM

Phillip, Believe it or not, I prefer manual steering. My truck came with manual and I was glad to see it. I don't know about y'all, but I can feel the road better with manual steering. As far as parking goes, I just give it a little elbow grease. (Have y'all ever driven an old Mack or White with no power)? A pick up or 1 Ton is no problem.

John, Appreciate the tip. If the next box I get still has no plug, I will give that a try.

Longhorn Man · 08-06-2003, 06:28 PM

Interchainge...any 68 - 87 should work.
Refill...I have heard the "pull the top" method before, but I would say go into a wrecking yard and pull one of theres first. That way you'll know what to watch out for. (do parts jump out at you? How much room is there to suck the oil out..ect) The cool thing about this is, since you are doing it on a junker, if you break it, no problem. Just walk away.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 08-06-2003, 06:39 PM

I don't know about where you are but here the manual boxes are not being rebuilt any more because there are no cores within tolorance to rebuild. The Saginaw manual box fits 68-79 i/2,3/4 ton trucks, the p steering box fits 68-87 1/2 ton trucks

**PICKMUP** · 08-06-2003, 06:43 PM

If you or anyone else needs one, I just pulled the only good one I have seen in a long time. It is very tight.

Longhorn Man · 08-06-2003, 06:48 PM

Thanks for correcting me mother truckers. I'd hate to be responsible for a bad purchace.

Class of 69 · 08-06-2003, 08:38 PM

C10 - C90 Bill, I have a manual box off a 72 4x4. If they are the same as a 4x2, you can have it for the cost of shipping. It has a little "play" in the centered position, but as soon as I turn it a little, it's very tight, and smooth.

JJR · 08-07-2003, 07:46 AM

NOS manual boxes show up on e-bay from time to time. I got one for $40. It was advertised as a box for a 73-78 blazer. I have all the components needed to convert my 250 to PS but can't bring myself to do it (I prefer the road feel of manual steering). FYI: I also got an original new GM pitman arm off e-bay cheap also.

07-31-2003, 03:39 PM	#1
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,078	'72 Manual Steering Box Wore out another manual steering box in about 27.000 miles. Last time when I went to check and/or refill it, I noticed there was no filler plug. Figured I would fill it in one of the bolt holes, like I have on some others thru the years, but not this one. Sealed unit. My question is that I was told '68 to '87 manual boxes are the same and I was wondering if anyone knows of a particular one or particular year would have a refill plug. ('72 C-10 2WD) TIA.

08-02-2003, 04:32 AM	#4
SEVEND2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Menifee, Calif, USA Posts: 2,145	Manual gear boxes are about 40 bucks i think (rebuilt (new)), well where about 2 years ago, before i converted to PS. my old manual gear box is on a 73 chevy stepside (perfect fit on it, no Mods) __________________ With a 1972 Chevy Custom-10 Long bed w/350cid th350, (under-construction). Progress on truck so far (follow link): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=51051 and stage 2 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=58132 ~ "Why couldn't you have just put the bunny back in the box?" ~

08-03-2003, 08:16 PM	#5
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,129	I think the cost on a rebuilt/new would be closer if you put a "2" in front of that 40 bucks---about $240! If you go throught them that often...it may be time to step up to a PS system...you get a quicker ratio, also. __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

08-06-2003, 11:59 AM	#10
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	If you remove all of the bolts in the top cover (excluding the adjuster) It should rotate enough to give you access. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

08-06-2003, 06:39 PM	#14
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	I don't know about where you are but here the manual boxes are not being rebuilt any more because there are no cores within tolorance to rebuild. The Saginaw manual box fits 68-79 i/2,3/4 ton trucks, the p steering box fits 68-87 1/2 ton trucks __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

08-01-2003, 07:38 AM	#2
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,078	Also would like to verify the interchange. Any help would be appreciated.

08-01-2003, 11:47 PM	#3
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,003	I've got a manual gearbox off a '70 c/2500 and there is no plug or any where to fill it. Need another?

08-04-2003, 07:51 AM	#6
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,078	Hey PICKMUP, I was thinking the same thing. Got similar prices around here on new/rebuilt. That's why I have been buying used ($10 to $75). But if they came with a refill plug so I could get some grease in them, I believe I could be doing a lot better. Still trying to find out how many came with refill plugs. Would it be a common thing and I'm just having bad luck or it is kind of rare. Any info would be appreciated.

08-04-2003, 08:51 AM	#7
Knoxville71shortbed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Knoxville, TN, USA Posts: 56	OK, I'm interested in this subject as well. First, I wonder what could be causing the wear-out described here. I am running with the original manual steering gear box in my '71 (with over 150K), and really don't notice any problems. I recently had to adjust some of the play out of it, but no other problems. I was concerned however about lubrication inside the gear box. I also noted no access to add lube. This may be a stupid question, but couldn't you just take the top plate (that holds the adjustment screw) off and add lubricant through the opening? It's only held on by three bolts, and seems easy to get at. But I was afraid to take the top plate off, because I don't know what possible damage I could do. Like I said, mine still works OK, and I don't want to screw something up. I really don't want power steering, and the price of a rebuilt manual gear box is way higher than I want to pay. More info would help. Surely somebody out there has had one of these things apart.

08-05-2003, 06:02 AM	#8
Knoxville71shortbed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Knoxville, TN, USA Posts: 56	ttt

08-06-2003, 08:44 AM	#9
Knoxville71shortbed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Knoxville, TN, USA Posts: 56	I can't believe that nobody knows how to get lube into a manual steering gear box. Come on guys, you've never let me down before. Anybody even got a suggestion?

08-06-2003, 12:12 PM	#11
Phillip Johnson Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 1,580	All I can say is why have manuel when you can have power.. Life is too short

08-06-2003, 06:21 PM	#12
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,078	Phillip, Believe it or not, I prefer manual steering. My truck came with manual and I was glad to see it. I don't know about y'all, but I can feel the road better with manual steering. As far as parking goes, I just give it a little elbow grease. (Have y'all ever driven an old Mack or White with no power)? A pick up or 1 Ton is no problem. John, Appreciate the tip. If the next box I get still has no plug, I will give that a try.

08-06-2003, 06:28 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Interchainge...any 68 - 87 should work. Refill...I have heard the "pull the top" method before, but I would say go into a wrecking yard and pull one of theres first. That way you'll know what to watch out for. (do parts jump out at you? How much room is there to suck the oil out..ect) The cool thing about this is, since you are doing it on a junker, if you break it, no problem. Just walk away.

08-06-2003, 06:43 PM	#15
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,129	Tight Box! If you or anyone else needs one, I just pulled the only good one I have seen in a long time. It is very tight. __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170



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08-06-2003, 06:48 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Thanks for correcting me mother truckers. I'd hate to be responsible for a bad purchace.

08-06-2003, 08:38 PM	#17
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	C10 - C90 Bill, I have a manual box off a 72 4x4. If they are the same as a 4x2, you can have it for the cost of shipping. It has a little "play" in the centered position, but as soon as I turn it a little, it's very tight, and smooth. __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

08-07-2003, 07:46 AM	#18
JJR Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Leesburg, GA Posts: 746	NOS manual boxes show up on e-bay from time to time. I got one for $40. It was advertised as a box for a 73-78 blazer. I have all the components needed to convert my 250 to PS but can't bring myself to do it (I prefer the road feel of manual steering). FYI: I also got an original new GM pitman arm off e-bay cheap also. __________________ FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Second Owner 70 C-10 Second Owner 93 GMC C1500 Third Owner 99 C2500 Crew Cab Short Bed

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