Source for new steering gear box? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 10:42 AM

My steering box is trashed, no room left for adjustment, and has a blown seal.

I want to replace it with a variable ratio box. I know better than to buy some sh**** reman from Vatozone.

Who do you recommend? Also I read that some rebuilders don't replace the gears. I have a hard time seeing how the gears should be reused, as I bet the ones in my box are trash.

Thanks.

Rack Man · 07-06-2010, 10:47 AM

Wes @ Classic Hearbeat sells an awesome unit....Its the Readhead brand...super high quality quick ratio units that are remanufactured (not rebuilt)....there's a huge difference!

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67-72_chassis_2.htm

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/Index.html

RM

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 11:53 AM

What huge difference? IMO, reman is rebuilding, just on an assembly line, plus spray paint. Not that I care, either a proper rebuild or reman is fine.

Redhead says they put bearings in and custom fit the gears. I mean I assume they would put some "pretty good" gears in, but anyone out there that does new gears?

Also I don't see any variable ratio stuff on their site. I don't want a quick ratio in my truck.

"Machining out the housings and installing needle bearings
Flamespraying or replacing the shafts as needed
Installing new control valves on some applications
Custom fitting each worm & piston assembly with special ordered, precise oversized ball bearings

c10seconds · 07-06-2010, 12:00 PM

Here's a source.....http://www.agrperformance.com/catalo...ts.php?cat=101

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 12:26 PM

Looks good. Where did my post go?

These guys have a new GM variable box for $295.
http://www.corvettesteering.com/truck_gears.htm

Found them on ebay also, but they say the 67-79 trucks have SAE fittings and the newer box is metric, requiring adapters. Grrr. Who knows, maybe I have metric lines, I doubt this truck came with power steering.

Seems like there's gotta be a reman cheaper than that with more new stuff.

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 12:31 PM

What were variable boxes used on new? Sounds strange that the "NEW GM" box would be different inside than what I already have.

bglad420 · 07-06-2010, 01:12 PM

I second the Redhead. Amazing steering boxes, and a lifetime warranty.

RedHead

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 01:26 PM

I want to replace it with a variable ratio box.

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 01:39 PM

Ok, my bad, I guess the Redhead site is a little lacking. I see they have variable boxes at classicheartbeat.

$300 plus $75 core. http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ing%20Gear.htm

"***Note*** A core charge is added to all sales of Remanufactured Steering Gears. The core charge will be refunded if a rebuildable core is provided to us within 30 days of the purchase date. A rebuildable core will have no excessive ware, nor be disassembled. No worn, broken, scored, damaged, cracked, frozen or rusted housings. Also No broken or damaged mounting points."

Hmm, yeah I'm thinking my steering gear has excessive wear, which is why I'm replacing it. With my luck I'll pay $30 to ship it to them before finding that out I'm not getting $75 back.

Also on Redhead's variable ratio box, it says quicker ratio gears were installed... I also read on chevelles.net that there are 3 different fixed ratios and 3 different variable ratios from GM and Jeep on these. What ratio box are you guys using and would you do it differently the 2nd time around?

I'll pull my original gear and see if it has metric or SAE fittings, nothing on this thing is original. That new GM variable box at $295 is looking pretty good right now.

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 01:53 PM

Boo AGR. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...43&postcount=1

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Tried calling Wes to help decide on this box vs. new but I guess he's out of town until Thursdayish. Damn.

CentralCoaster · 07-06-2010, 03:08 PM

Called the guy with the NOS GM variable boxes.... 12-16 ratio.

These are 79-up boxes with metric ports, and also he says GM reduced the input shaft from 13/16" to 3/4".

So if I have the 13/16 shaft I'd have to get a new rag joint section for $50 or from a junkyard to use with his box, plus adapters for the metric for another $10. Feck.

I'll have to take a look at my setup before I do anything and see what the previous owner put on there, if it's metric oring vs standard flare, and what steering shaft size.

Should have known this wouldn't be easy!

bglad420 · 07-06-2010, 03:27 PM

Red Head can custom built you a box too.

CentralCoaster · 07-07-2010, 01:30 PM

I guess I'll go with the Redhead variable ratio. Less dicking around making the newer box fit, and all the feedback has been good. I just hate to think my core might not get refunded.

basemodel67 · 07-07-2010, 01:59 PM

I wonder if I could get my manual steering box rebuilt with a quicker ratio?

DustyC10 · 07-07-2010, 05:19 PM

Whats the difference in the 69-72 Power Steering boxes as apposed to a 67-68 steering box? (Wondering about putting power steering on my 67)

**Thealien** · 07-07-2010, 05:38 PM

Been running a redhead for about 3 years. I would highly recomend them!

**70cst** · 07-07-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bglad420

I second the Redhead. Amazing steering boxes, and a lifetime warranty.

RedHead

I third it. I bought mine from WES...

Indyuke · 07-08-2010, 12:41 AM

OR... you could get steering box out of a 77 c10. They are not too pricey, they bolt right in, and they're a variable ratio box.

CentralCoaster · 07-08-2010, 07:10 PM

Yeah, but then I'm back to gambling on used parts. It's almost impossible to find those pickups in the parts yards down here, most of the cars are 90+.

So I just forked out $340 for the Redhead with shipping.

Hutch · 07-08-2010, 07:53 PM

I met these guy's at a swap meet.
They seem to know these units well
http://www.powersteering.com/

Indyuke · 07-09-2010, 03:43 PM

Well... I was talking about a new '77 unit from the auto parts store. I think they're about $80-$90.

drunkbus · 07-09-2010, 04:34 PM

I also went with Redhead and am happy with the product and service.

rich67 · 07-09-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustyC10

Whats the difference in the 69-72 Power Steering boxes as apposed to a 67-68 steering box? (Wondering about putting power steering on my 67)

seems like ratio in my 67 is alot slower than in my 70. noticable.

CG · 07-10-2010, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CentralCoaster

Hmm, yeah I'm thinking my steering gear has excessive wear, which is why I'm replacing it. With my luck I'll pay $30 to ship it to them before finding that out I'm not getting $75 back.

That would be a bummer, at least it wouldn't be as bad as what I did. I had a steering box sent in to redhead by a friend of mine for a rebuild. I'm sure its a great steering box (cost plenty to rebuild), unfortunately my buddy grabbed the wrong box, a manual steering box ... I wanted my power steering box rebuilt.

Now I have an expensive door stopper. No one wants to pay over 200 bucks for a manual steering box lol.

Like others have said though, Ive heard nothing but good stuff bout Redhead.

07-06-2010, 10:42 AM	#1
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Source for new steering gear box? My steering box is trashed, no room left for adjustment, and has a blown seal. I want to replace it with a variable ratio box. I know better than to buy some sh**** reman from Vatozone. Who do you recommend? Also I read that some rebuilders don't replace the gears. I have a hard time seeing how the gears should be reused, as I bet the ones in my box are trash. Thanks. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-06-2010, 10:47 AM	#2
Rack Man Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 770	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Wes @ Classic Hearbeat sells an awesome unit....Its the Readhead brand...super high quality quick ratio units that are remanufactured (not rebuilt)....there's a huge difference! http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67-72_chassis_2.htm http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/Index.html RM __________________ My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=309288 Last edited by Rack Man; 07-06-2010 at 10:48 AM.

07-06-2010, 11:53 AM	#3
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? What huge difference? IMO, reman is rebuilding, just on an assembly line, plus spray paint. Not that I care, either a proper rebuild or reman is fine. Redhead says they put bearings in and custom fit the gears. I mean I assume they would put some "pretty good" gears in, but anyone out there that does new gears? Also I don't see any variable ratio stuff on their site. I don't want a quick ratio in my truck. "Machining out the housings and installing needle bearings Flamespraying or replacing the shafts as needed Installing new control valves on some applications Custom fitting each worm & piston assembly with special ordered, precise oversized ball bearings __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 07-06-2010 at 11:54 AM.

07-06-2010, 12:00 PM	#4
c10seconds Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: gilbert,AZ Posts: 947	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Here's a source.....http://www.agrperformance.com/catalo...ts.php?cat=101

07-06-2010, 12:26 PM	#5
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Looks good. Where did my post go? These guys have a new GM variable box for $295. http://www.corvettesteering.com/truck_gears.htm Found them on ebay also, but they say the 67-79 trucks have SAE fittings and the newer box is metric, requiring adapters. Grrr. Who knows, maybe I have metric lines, I doubt this truck came with power steering. Seems like there's gotta be a reman cheaper than that with more new stuff. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 07-06-2010 at 12:41 PM.

07-06-2010, 12:31 PM	#6
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? What were variable boxes used on new? Sounds strange that the "NEW GM" box would be different inside than what I already have. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-06-2010, 01:12 PM	#7
bglad420 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 167	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I second the Redhead. Amazing steering boxes, and a lifetime warranty. RedHead __________________ 70 GMC LWB Fleetside, 402BB, TH400 90K original only cost $50.

07-06-2010, 01:26 PM	#8
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I want to replace it with a variable ratio box. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-06-2010, 01:39 PM	#9
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Ok, my bad, I guess the Redhead site is a little lacking. I see they have variable boxes at classicheartbeat. $300 plus $75 core. http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ing%20Gear.htm "*Note* A core charge is added to all sales of Remanufactured Steering Gears. The core charge will be refunded if a rebuildable core is provided to us within 30 days of the purchase date. A rebuildable core will have no excessive ware, nor be disassembled. No worn, broken, scored, damaged, cracked, frozen or rusted housings. Also No broken or damaged mounting points." Hmm, yeah I'm thinking my steering gear has excessive wear, which is why I'm replacing it. With my luck I'll pay $30 to ship it to them before finding that out I'm not getting $75 back. Also on Redhead's variable ratio box, it says quicker ratio gears were installed... I also read on chevelles.net that there are 3 different fixed ratios and 3 different variable ratios from GM and Jeep on these. What ratio box are you guys using and would you do it differently the 2nd time around? I'll pull my original gear and see if it has metric or SAE fittings, nothing on this thing is original. That new GM variable box at $295 is looking pretty good right now. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 07-06-2010 at 01:45 PM.

07-06-2010, 01:53 PM	#10
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Boo AGR. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...43&postcount=1 __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-06-2010, 02:55 PM	#11
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Tried calling Wes to help decide on this box vs. new but I guess he's out of town until Thursdayish. Damn. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-06-2010, 03:08 PM	#12
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Called the guy with the NOS GM variable boxes.... 12-16 ratio. These are 79-up boxes with metric ports, and also he says GM reduced the input shaft from 13/16" to 3/4". So if I have the 13/16 shaft I'd have to get a new rag joint section for $50 or from a junkyard to use with his box, plus adapters for the metric for another $10. Feck. I'll have to take a look at my setup before I do anything and see what the previous owner put on there, if it's metric oring vs standard flare, and what steering shaft size. Should have known this wouldn't be easy! __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 07-06-2010 at 03:11 PM.

07-06-2010, 03:27 PM	#13
bglad420 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 167	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Red Head can custom built you a box too. __________________ 70 GMC LWB Fleetside, 402BB, TH400 90K original only cost $50.

07-07-2010, 01:30 PM	#14
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I guess I'll go with the Redhead variable ratio. Less dicking around making the newer box fit, and all the feedback has been good. I just hate to think my core might not get refunded. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-07-2010, 01:59 PM	#15
basemodel67 Factory Strippers Rule! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 707	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I wonder if I could get my manual steering box rebuilt with a quicker ratio? __________________ "Feast your eyes on a feast of smoke." 67 Chevy Short Fleet PLAN: LQ9, 4L60, D60 Looking for School Bus Gauges - Help me out!



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07-07-2010, 05:19 PM	#16
DustyC10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Corfu, NY Posts: 33	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Whats the difference in the 69-72 Power Steering boxes as apposed to a 67-68 steering box? (Wondering about putting power steering on my 67)

07-07-2010, 05:38 PM	#17
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,134	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Been running a redhead for about 3 years. I would highly recomend them! __________________ Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205

07-08-2010, 12:41 AM	#19
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Source for new steering gear box? OR... you could get steering box out of a 77 c10. They are not too pricey, they bolt right in, and they're a variable ratio box.

07-08-2010, 07:10 PM	#20
CentralCoaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 138	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Yeah, but then I'm back to gambling on used parts. It's almost impossible to find those pickups in the parts yards down here, most of the cars are 90+. So I just forked out $340 for the Redhead with shipping. __________________ 1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4

07-08-2010, 07:53 PM	#21
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I met these guy's at a swap meet. They seem to know these units well http://www.powersteering.com/ __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

07-09-2010, 03:43 PM	#22
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Source for new steering gear box? Well... I was talking about a new '77 unit from the auto parts store. I think they're about $80-$90.

07-09-2010, 04:34 PM	#23
drunkbus New Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Coos Bay, OR Posts: 1,077	Re: Source for new steering gear box? I also went with Redhead and am happy with the product and service.

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