Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 12:56 AM

I would like to swap out the power steering gearbox on my 68' for a quick ratio box. I believe the 73' gear box is quick ratio and a direct fit. I would need to use a 68' pitman arm.

Do I have this right? Is there anything else I should know?

Mikes_70 · 10-25-2012, 01:08 AM

Hey what's up ,
Think I talked to you and your buddy with the blue c10 at good guys in ft worth
I was with my brother in law behind you guys with the dark blue
C10. I was want to know who did your interior ? I just got all new glass in and now looking
For a trim guy .
Thanks mike
Posted via Mobile Device

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikes_70

Hey what's up ,
Think I talked to you and your buddy with the blue c10 at good guys in ft worth
I was with my brother in law behind you guys with the dark blue
C10. I was want to know who did your interior ? I just got all new glass in and now looking
For a trim guy .
Thanks mike
Posted via Mobile Device

Yea that was me. Glad to see you on the forum! I'm moving up to Dallas on the 1st. We should try to get together. My interior guy is Ralph of Ralph's Upholstery in Elgin (20 miles east of Austin).
Posted via Mobile Device

oldspowered67C10 · 10-25-2012, 02:29 AM

Not absolutely sure but I dont think any truck box is quick ratio, you have to put quick ratio car box guts in a truck box to get quick ratio.

mcmlxix · 10-25-2012, 02:48 AM

I went with a 76 4x4 box on the K5. I believe it was variable ratio and less turns lock to lock... check with Red Head at www.redheadsteeringgears.com

Mikes_70 · 10-25-2012, 08:41 AM

Hey AusTx68
Where at around Dallas are you moving to ? We are actually south of Dallas ,
Probably 10-15 miles . Yea I'm still trying to figure this board out . Hit me with your trim guys number . Let me know when you get in town .
Posted via Mobile Device

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldspowered67C10

Not absolutely sure but I dont think any truck box is quick ratio, you have to put quick ratio car box guts in a truck box to get quick ratio.

I guess technically it's not QR but I do believe 73'+ are quicker than the 67-72. That's what I'm trying to confirm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

I went with a 76 4x4 box on the K5. I believe it was variable ratio and less turns lock to lock... check with Red Head at www.redheadsteeringgears.com

Thanks for the info

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikes_70

Hey AusTx68
Where at around Dallas are you moving to ? We are actually south of Dallas ,
Probably 10-15 miles . Yea I'm still trying to figure this board out . Hit me with your trim guys number . Let me know when you get in town .
Posted via Mobile Device

Will do. Here's the info:
Ralph's Upholstery
105 West Brenham Street Elgin, TX 78621
(512) 285-2669

**lolife99** · 10-25-2012, 09:20 AM

Member gringoloco just installed a Redhead box.
You might give him a shout.
http://redheadsteeringgears.com/index.html

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Member gringoloco just installed a Redhead box.
You might give him a shout.
http://redheadsteeringgears.com/index.html

I've seen a few aftermarket boxes available. I was hoping to grab a stock box from the local parts store. That's why I was asking about the 73' gear box. I think it's a faster ratio but no one has confirmed.

ubtripn · 10-25-2012, 12:39 PM

Mine was a 76 I believe and it is 1.5 turns to lock from center.

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Mine was a 76 I believe and it is 1.5 turns to lock from center.

Did the 76' steering box bolt right up?

Secret Squirrel · 10-25-2012, 01:02 PM

I just installed a box from a 77 c-10. It is not quick ratio 3 turns to lock from center. It bolted right up and looked exactly the same as my 70 original gear box.

Ebay has a New GM overstock gear box for $190 no core charge, that I found after I bought the 77.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/77-78-79-80-...30482035194%26

Says it fits 67-84 two wheel drives

*Fitz* · 10-25-2012, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldspowered67C10

Not absolutely sure but I dont think any truck box is quick ratio, you have to put quick ratio car box guts in a truck box to get quick ratio.

GM made two boxes for 67-72 trucks. One was 15:1 and a 12:1 quickratio box. ECE has that quick ratio box for $299.00 and if you send in your old one they refund $75.00 for the core.

Mine bolted right up in my 67 and used the old pittman arm too!

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel

Ebay has a New GM overstock gear box for $190 no core charge, that I found after I bought the 77.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/77-78-79-80-...30482035194%26

Says it fits 67-84 two wheel drives

The gearbox in the link is for a manual box.

AusTx68 · 10-25-2012, 02:28 PM

Just got off the phone with Oreilly's. They have a gearbox for $125 with $50 core. That pretty good but it's standard ratio.

Secret Squirrel · 10-25-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AusTx68

The gearbox in the link is for a manual box.

My Bad, missed that.

PanelDeland · 10-25-2012, 07:44 PM

IIRC when I researched this,the standard PS box for a 68-72 was 4 1/2 turns lock to lock.The later boxes 73^ were 3 1/4 turns.The later box doesn't feel as "mushy" to me so that's what I went with.I did use a pitman arm to match my front suspension.

BTW I think the later box is VR.

mcmlxix · 10-26-2012, 01:16 AM

All the boxes will bolt to the frame. It's the type of hose fitting that changed in the lates 70's and I'm not sure of the year. It went to the bubble flare type and your existing high pressure hose will not fit... I bought a set of -6 AN fitting adapters that fit the steering box but I am upgrading to hydroboost....

long69 · 10-26-2012, 04:39 AM

the ? is what year did they quicken the ratio. cant answer but '73 seems too early. don't think you'll need a another pitman arm. another thing as mentioned was what year did they change the fittings? can't answer that either. the years for a bolt in swap are narrow, i think maybe only 3 or 4 years. what ever my ebay box was it came with the pitman arm and it fit, for the line fittings i had to get adapters, different rag joint too. if you get the wrong year is no biggie just a little more scratch to make it work. everything is available.

rkn463 · 10-27-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by long69

the ? is what year did they quicken the ratio. cant answer but '73 seems too early. don't think you'll need a another pitman arm. another thing as mentioned was what year did they change the fittings? can't answer that either. the years for a bolt in swap are narrow, i think maybe only 3 or 4 years. what ever my ebay box was it came with the pitman arm and it fit, for the line fittings i had to get adapters, different rag joint too. if you get the wrong year is no biggie just a little more scratch to make it work. everything is available.

Regarding the fittings, you can swap out the part of the pump that the hose screws in to with the matching part from a newer pump and then use the new style hose. I did this on a 79 cutlass as well as the pump on my 67 pickup. On the cars the change came in 1980, I assume it was the same on the trucks.

mcmlxix · 10-28-2012, 05:15 AM

OK. So today I got pulled my RedHead 4WD box to swap for a 2WD box from what was supposed to be an 88 3/4 ton truck. The RedHead invoice syas 69-76 GM 4X4, so I will ASSume that 77 and newer had different hose connections and at some point (maybe 77 also) the diameter of the splined input shaft was reduced.

I had rebuilt my steering shaft rag joint when I replaced the word out box for the new RedHead box, so I'll try and make a hybrid rag joint using the new rubber with late model female spline piece. If that doesn't work I'll drill/punch the pin out that connects the two shaft halves and try to make the connection there....

I'll try and take pics Sunday afternoon....

Hutch · 10-28-2012, 08:39 PM

Here is another source
http://www.powersteering.com/

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-27-2013, 02:07 AM

I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have Any idea if early trans am/ z28 boxes will bolt up to our trucks? I have used 73+ boxes in the past, but im looking for a fast ratio box this time around.

I just remembered that the car box bolts inside the frame and the truck on the outside.

**Tom Vogel** · 10-27-2013, 09:29 AM

Early Classic Enterprises has a drop in quick ratio boox. Thats what I am using.

*Fitz* · 10-27-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

Early Classic Enterprises has a drop in quick ratio boox. Thats what I am using.

Yes, I use it too and it works GREAT on my 67!

10-25-2012, 12:56 AM	#1
AusTx68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 1,278	Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box I would like to swap out the power steering gearbox on my 68' for a quick ratio box. I believe the 73' gear box is quick ratio and a direct fit. I would need to use a 68' pitman arm. Do I have this right? Is there anything else I should know? __________________ '68 C-10 SWB 383 Stroker (Sold 3/2/2013) '87 R2500 LWB 454 TBI converted to Carb

10-25-2012, 01:08 AM	#2
Mikes_70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Dallas,Texas Posts: 47	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Hey what's up , Think I talked to you and your buddy with the blue c10 at good guys in ft worth I was with my brother in law behind you guys with the dark blue C10. I was want to know who did your interior ? I just got all new glass in and now looking For a trim guy . Thanks mike Posted via Mobile Device

10-25-2012, 02:29 AM	#4
oldspowered67C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cherry Valley,Ca Posts: 468	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Not absolutely sure but I dont think any truck box is quick ratio, you have to put quick ratio car box guts in a truck box to get quick ratio.

10-25-2012, 02:48 AM	#5
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box I went with a 76 4x4 box on the K5. I believe it was variable ratio and less turns lock to lock... check with Red Head at www.redheadsteeringgears.com __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

10-25-2012, 08:41 AM	#6
Mikes_70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Dallas,Texas Posts: 47	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Hey AusTx68 Where at around Dallas are you moving to ? We are actually south of Dallas , Probably 10-15 miles . Yea I'm still trying to figure this board out . Hit me with your trim guys number . Let me know when you get in town . Posted via Mobile Device

10-25-2012, 09:20 AM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,703	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Member gringoloco just installed a Redhead box. You might give him a shout. http://redheadsteeringgears.com/index.html __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-25-2012, 12:39 PM	#10
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Mine was a 76 I believe and it is 1.5 turns to lock from center.

10-25-2012, 01:02 PM	#12
Secret Squirrel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cheyenne Wy Posts: 208	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box I just installed a box from a 77 c-10. It is not quick ratio 3 turns to lock from center. It bolted right up and looked exactly the same as my 70 original gear box. Ebay has a New GM overstock gear box for $190 no core charge, that I found after I bought the 77. http://www.ebay.com/itm/77-78-79-80-...30482035194%26 Says it fits 67-84 two wheel drives __________________ ________________________ 72 Olds Cutlass w/442 option 69 C-10 Short Bed Fleet 1960 Biscayne Wagon/El Camino 1995 YJ 4.0 SOA SYE on 35s 01 Excursion Limited 7.3 PSD 06 Suzuki DRZ 400S

10-25-2012, 02:28 PM	#15
AusTx68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 1,278	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Just got off the phone with Oreilly's. They have a gearbox for $125 with $50 core. That pretty good but it's standard ratio. __________________ '68 C-10 SWB 383 Stroker (Sold 3/2/2013) '87 R2500 LWB 454 TBI converted to Carb

10-25-2012, 07:44 PM	#17
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box IIRC when I researched this,the standard PS box for a 68-72 was 4 1/2 turns lock to lock.The later boxes 73^ were 3 1/4 turns.The later box doesn't feel as "mushy" to me so that's what I went with.I did use a pitman arm to match my front suspension. BTW I think the later box is VR. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-26-2012, 01:16 AM	#18
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box All the boxes will bolt to the frame. It's the type of hose fitting that changed in the lates 70's and I'm not sure of the year. It went to the bubble flare type and your existing high pressure hose will not fit... I bought a set of -6 AN fitting adapters that fit the steering box but I am upgrading to hydroboost.... __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

10-26-2012, 04:39 AM	#19
long69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lost angeles Posts: 159	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box the ? is what year did they quicken the ratio. cant answer but '73 seems too early. don't think you'll need a another pitman arm. another thing as mentioned was what year did they change the fittings? can't answer that either. the years for a bolt in swap are narrow, i think maybe only 3 or 4 years. what ever my ebay box was it came with the pitman arm and it fit, for the line fittings i had to get adapters, different rag joint too. if you get the wrong year is no biggie just a little more scratch to make it work. everything is available.

10-28-2012, 05:15 AM	#21
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box OK. So today I got pulled my RedHead 4WD box to swap for a 2WD box from what was supposed to be an 88 3/4 ton truck. The RedHead invoice syas 69-76 GM 4X4, so I will ASSume that 77 and newer had different hose connections and at some point (maybe 77 also) the diameter of the splined input shaft was reduced. I had rebuilt my steering shaft rag joint when I replaced the word out box for the new RedHead box, so I'll try and make a hybrid rag joint using the new rubber with late model female spline piece. If that doesn't work I'll drill/punch the pin out that connects the two shaft halves and try to make the connection there.... I'll try and take pics Sunday afternoon.... __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

10-28-2012, 08:39 PM	#22
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Here is another source 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

10-27-2013, 02:07 AM	#23
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have Any idea if early trans am/ z28 boxes will bolt up to our trucks? I have used 73+ boxes in the past, but im looking for a fast ratio box this time around. I just remembered that the car box bolts inside the frame and the truck on the outside. Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 10-27-2013 at 02:15 AM.



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10-27-2013, 09:29 AM	#24
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,564	Re: Quick Ratio Power Steering Gear Box Early Classic Enterprises has a drop in quick ratio boox. Thats what I am using.

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