Anyone used a Jeep GC steering box?

[Paul Y]

Still around just life continuing to stomp on my man parts.

Anyway, I had intended to go R & P on Woody but, due to legislation in the
U.K. I have decided to stick with a steering box.

Started doing a little research on the Detroit Speed offerings and came across the Jeep GC steering box being used as a bucks down alternative (this was on a pro touring forum) Seems as if the Jeep ratios are around 12-1 ish and give a much improved steering feel and response.

So.... anybody done this swap?

Must admit that price is making me look at this very hard, $200 against an R&P swap of about $1000.... you do the maths....

My steering box is toast so I will have to replace with something.

Worth pointing out that I have front and rear ARB's Doetsch shocks, relocated lower arms blah blah blah....

Comments appreciated.

P.

[Paul Y]

Edit. Slight typing error - meant to say that the Jeep ratio is 12.7-1 on the 92-98 J GC box.

The later ones are 14-1.

Just looking to see if it will physically fit.

P.

[MikeN]

I own a 69 Chevelle, and I can tell you that the JGC box is a VERY popular swap on Chevelles and other GM A-body cars. Apparently it's a pretty easy swap, although I have not done it. The stock power steering on my Chevelle is fine to me.

That said, I imagine there is a bit more work involved in putting the JGC box on a 60-66 truck.

[chevy_mike]

The Jeep box mounts to the inside of the frame and out trucks mount to the outside of the frame. Not really going to work.

[Paul Y]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

The Jeep box mounts to the inside of the frame and out trucks mount to the outside of the frame. Not really going to work.

Thanks for the education Mike, everyday's a school day!

Always slightly difficult to try things with a) a dearth of Grand Cherokees to poke around under the bonnet and b) 6000 miles separating me from junk yards that actually have this sort of stuff in them.

Would anybody care to recommend a steering box that would work that has a quicker ratio and isn't $800?

P.

[theastronaut]

We used a CPP 500 series box in a '68 Chevelle and it worked great. They make them for our trucks as well.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

[leonphelps]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

We used a CPP 500 series box in a '68 Chevelle and it worked great. They make them for our trucks as well.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

saw a link somewhere about a company that rebuilds them with the guys from the new jeep boxes. wish I remember where.

[theastronaut]

Google "Lee Power Steering" and you should find their page. They can match the PS pump and box to give you the amount of assist you'd like. Also lets you pick the gear ratio.

[Paul Y]

Had a look at the Lee stuff earlier. Looks very nice but too expensive for me right at this moment in time.

P.

[Paul Y]

Just going back to what Mike said about fitting inside the frame...

Now, if the GC in question was a RHD then moving it from inside to the outside...Mmmm...off to have a look if the RHD variant actually had a steering box or one of the chain set ups that seemed popular in the 90's for converting LHD to RHD....

P.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Just going back to what Mike said about fitting inside the frame...

Now, if the GC in question was a RHD then moving it from inside to the outside...Mmmm...off to have a look if the RHD variant actually had a steering box or one of the chain set ups that seemed popular in the 90's for converting LHD to RHD....

P.

My guess is they Jeep spec'ed a RHD version of the box, which likely would still be on the inside of the frame. I think engine compartment packaging and steering wheel placement would not allow them to move to the outside of the frame rail, even if on the right side of the vehicle.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Thanks for the education Mike, everyday's a school day!

Always slightly difficult to try things with a) a dearth of Grand Cherokees to poke around under the bonnet and b) 6000 miles separating me from junk yards that actually have this sort of stuff in them.

Would anybody care to recommend a steering box that would work that has a quicker ratio and isn't $800?

P.

Unlike cars, most trucks never had a quick ratio box available. Most trucks were on the outside of the frame. You'll likely have to find a builder who swaps in (or builds new) a QR box specifically for trucks and those are going to be $$$. One of those items in the "pay to play" world.

[Paul Y]

Mike,

My thinking is that if it is on the inside of the frame on a RHD vehicle then I "should" be able to mount it on the outside of the frame on a LHD vehicle.

Well that's my thoughts unless anybody can come up with a quick steering box that is under $200...

P.

[theastronaut]

This guy sells a whole kit with a quick ratio box as an option. He might sell just the box separately.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Mike,

My thinking is that if it is on the inside of the frame on a RHD vehicle then I "should" be able to mount it on the outside of the frame on a LHD vehicle.

Well that's my thoughts unless anybody can come up with a quick steering box that is under $200...

P.

Ah... I see where you're going. Hummm... that's a good question. Now someone needs to find out if they had a QR RHD mounted box.

[Paul Y]

Mr Astronaut, many thanks for the link. Have sent a message.

Mike, I have 'found a rhd GC that I can go and have a look at so will keep you updated..

P.