P/S Box

[special-K]

I need a power steering box for my`72 K2500.I tore into it planning to use the N.O.S. steering box I bought in the`80s at the dealer.I painted it and went to do the pitman arm and guess what?GM had packaged a 2wd steering box and labled it with the 4wd part#!!
Since I need to go out and get a 4wd steering box,isn`t there a later one with a closer ratio I can get?What year would I ask for?What do you all recommend?

[special-K]

Hello??? Like,I wanted an answer right away?tsk sigh...

[skchevota]

Originally Posted by special-K

Hello??? Like,I wanted an answer right away?tsk sigh...

Why not go crossover steering? it will steer way better, and you need a 2wd box.
Or you could change the sector shaft out for one from a 4x4

[skchevota]

If you do want to stay with the stock style linkage and get a new box, I would go with an ARG. You can tell them what you want as far as ratio as well. If you want a stock rebuild, I used one from a late 70s, early 80s truck. It still bolts riht in and has a closer ratio, but if you go to new like late 80s then the presure hose will need a metric end.

[special-K]

That`s it.I just need to stay away rom the metric fittings.This truck isn`t even lifted or used for real challenging offroad.It`s my utility vehicle.I want to do crossover on the shortbed project with a Dana60.I have a 2wd project I`ll use the mispackaged steering box on.
When I bought that box it was for a`71 and the number was up to`77.Do you think the`77-ups were metric thread or is a`77-80ish what would have the quicker ratio and sae fittings?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by special-K

I want to do crossover on the shortbed project with a Dana60.

FYI - I've got a D60 arm for a cross over set up I'm not using if you want it.

[Burt4x4]

I have a 4x4 box I took out of my 72K5 when I did x-over you can have, it is fairly new from Napa, prolly ran on my truck for about 4yrs...no leaks...shipping may be $$ it's not light...my zip is 95356

[Blue_71]

tim, on my 71 k20 im running a 83 box which according to napa is a closer ratio box. i bought a new hose, cut the metric end off the 83 in the junkyard that my box came from, and had the metric end crimped on my new 71 hose.

[special-K]

Thanks or these reponses.One thing I`ve learned lookinig into this is I know a`78 will work and is a quicker ratio.The spline is different requiring the`78 rag joint to also be used.So,I think`77 was the last year the spline was the same and (maybe)`78 was the irst year quick ratio?The question is when did the fittings go metric?Hoses can be made.But,it`s cool to know a direct swap to an upgrade.

Burt,I`ll give what you want for that box.I`m not gettin`fancy with this truck.Just getting the steering tight.I`ve done bearings,ball joints,tie rod ends,then discovered the sector shaft play.I have draglink ends.Then,she`ll go straight and be all ready or a 4" lift.The springs and shocks are tired.

Kurt,will that piece work for the hi-steer?Not a priority right now,but I`ll keep it in mind.

[FormerMember]

Hoses went O-ring in 81

[FormerMember]

You could also just rebuild the 4wd box you have:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=570869

Kit's 15.00 at Napa.

[skchevota]

*1 sounds about right. I dont remember if mine was a 77 or 78, but it is the quick ratio and has the standerd fittings. I would see if the part stor would order the 78 up for you and then check it out when it comes in.

[special-K]

I found out that a`76 box was quick ratio in 2wds.`78 4wd sounds like a sae bet.This has trned more into info gathering for future reference.If I was buying another box I`d want the newer ratio.I already sold the worn box with a p/s change over I sold that a guy just needed the box for a core.Right now,it`s about budget and going straight down the road.If I can get Burt`s I`m all for it.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by special-K

Kurt,will that piece work for the hi-steer?Not a priority right now,but I`ll keep it in mind.

It would but you'll need the 2nd arm on the drivers side to do high steer, the arm I have would get you cross over.

[Senator350]

Originally Posted by skchevota

If you do want to stay with the stock style linkage and get a new box, I would go with an ARG. You can tell them what you want as far as ratio as well. If you want a stock rebuild, I used one from a late 70s, early 80s truck. It still bolts riht in and has a closer ratio, but if you go to new like late 80s then the presure hose will need a metric end.

I went to buy an AGR pump a while back and wound up at the person making them for AGR. He checked his shelves and didn't find any. I wonder where AGR is having their parts made? Lo and behold, they can just be built.

Is the power steering box an easy task as a "kit" would make it seem?
I can't remember the last time I got away with spending only $15 at the parts store...

[Senator350]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

It would but you'll need the 2nd arm on the drivers side to do high steer, the arm I have would get you cross over.

What tools do you need for crossover?
and what tools do you need for high steer?

tap & dye set (just tap?), verticle band saw (any hack saw?), 1/2 drive air tools (or not), ???

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by Senator350

What tools do you need for crossover?
and what tools do you need for high steer?

tap & dye set (just tap?), verticle band saw (any hack saw?), 1/2 drive air tools (or not), ???

For a Dana 60, it's a nut and bolt affair... depending on where you get your steering linkages from. Most places will tap the tube for you, or sell a weld in threaded sleave.

I use bigger DOM with weld inserts.

[Senator350]

nuts and bolts, for a couple hundred bucks, to fix your steering... not a bad idea. especially for a nice one ton truck