Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jon Scully · 05-23-2011, 11:13 AM

Hey guys,

Quick question---Can we rebuild thee steering gears in our 1st gen blazers?

The front steering is all new (ish) and I have pin pointed the remoianing 'play' in the steering box itself -- about a 1/3 -1/4 turn of the wheel before it moves the pitman.....

SO-- My budget does not allow for a 300 rebuild, and I like to do things myself--

Can anyone point me in the direction of a place that would sell a rebuid kit? OR a good reman for less that 150?

I know this may be a long shot-- but I figure I would ask anyway

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Scully · 05-23-2011, 11:15 AM

Just to be clear this is NOT a wtb post--

Thanks,

Jon

Jtrux · 05-23-2011, 01:16 PM

go to mypowerblock.com and search for it, theres an episode on it.

Beelzeburb · 05-23-2011, 02:58 PM

I've been wondering the same thing. In my mind though, simply rebuilding a box that has been wearing down for 40 years might not cure it's ills. What does the rebuild kit come with, some seals and a couple of roller bearings? If the engagement teeth in the box are worn or the bearing ride bores have been ovaled, then a few seals aren't going to fix anything. I'm planning on spending the $300 to have mine thoroughly checked over, machined / sleeved if needed and rebuilt. Some places go as far as magnafluxing to check for cracks and submersion welding to build up material and bring the box back within spec.

Here's an article from FourWheeler magazine where they rebuilt a Saginaw power steering box.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/techartic...ild/index.html
There are plenty of other links like this when you search deep enough on this site.

Burt4x4 · 05-24-2011, 10:04 AM

Have you tried adjusting the gearbox?
There is a setscrew ontop. Be very slight about how much you turn it in. Try half trun first, lock it down, test yer slop. If you overtighten it your box will run too hot..ask me how I know hahaha.
Most of the time a rebuild is only needed if the seals are blown and it leaks..

Jon Scully · 05-24-2011, 04:42 PM

Not sure if I mentioned that I have manual steering in my rig.....but will ook for leaks and a set screw as well!

Thanks for the info guys! Will keep posted

Jon

Burt4x4 · 05-25-2011, 10:49 AM

Ahh..never delt with a non-power steering gearbox be-fer so? One would think it is still adjustable? Take pics

05-23-2011, 11:13 AM	#1
Jon Scully Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Posts: 97	Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 Hey guys, Quick question---Can we rebuild thee steering gears in our 1st gen blazers? The front steering is all new (ish) and I have pin pointed the remoianing 'play' in the steering box itself -- about a 1/3 -1/4 turn of the wheel before it moves the pitman..... SO-- My budget does not allow for a 300 rebuild, and I like to do things myself-- Can anyone point me in the direction of a place that would sell a rebuid kit? OR a good reman for less that 150? I know this may be a long shot-- but I figure I would ask anyway Thanks, Jon

05-23-2011, 11:15 AM	#2
Jon Scully Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Posts: 97	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 Just to be clear this is NOT a wtb post-- Thanks, Jon

05-23-2011, 01:16 PM	#3
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 go to mypowerblock.com and search for it, theres an episode on it. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

05-23-2011, 02:58 PM	#4
Beelzeburb Devil's in the Details Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern Utah Posts: 353	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 I've been wondering the same thing. In my mind though, simply rebuilding a box that has been wearing down for 40 years might not cure it's ills. What does the rebuild kit come with, some seals and a couple of roller bearings? If the engagement teeth in the box are worn or the bearing ride bores have been ovaled, then a few seals aren't going to fix anything. I'm planning on spending the $300 to have mine thoroughly checked over, machined / sleeved if needed and rebuilt. Some places go as far as magnafluxing to check for cracks and submersion welding to build up material and bring the box back within spec. Here's an article from FourWheeler magazine where they rebuilt a Saginaw power steering box. http://www.fourwheeler.com/techartic...ild/index.html There are plenty of other links like this when you search deep enough on this site. __________________ '70 K10 Suburban - TBI 454, 4L80E, NP241C, Dana 60 & 44 - The 10+ Year Project Thread Datsun 240Z, 510 2 door and an old Honda motorcycle Last edited by Beelzeburb; 05-23-2011 at 03:00 PM.

05-24-2011, 10:04 AM	#5
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 Have you tried adjusting the gearbox? There is a setscrew ontop. Be very slight about how much you turn it in. Try half trun first, lock it down, test yer slop. If you overtighten it your box will run too hot..ask me how I know hahaha. Most of the time a rebuild is only needed if the seals are blown and it leaks.. __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

05-24-2011, 04:42 PM	#6
Jon Scully Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Posts: 97	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 Not sure if I mentioned that I have manual steering in my rig.....but will ook for leaks and a set screw as well! Thanks for the info guys! Will keep posted Jon

05-25-2011, 10:49 AM	#7
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Steering box rebuild? 71 K5 Ahh..never delt with a non-power steering gearbox be-fer so? One would think it is still adjustable? Take pics __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks



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