power steering gear box

[68 Stepper]

I 'm collecting parts to do my tilt column conversion and figured I would replace the sloppy power steering gear box at the same time. What have you used, and are you happy with the product? Are any of these boxes better quality than others? Should I be looking at rebuilding the box I have?

[EARNHARDT#3]

I used a box from a 77-79 (maybe slightly earlier & later) C10. They bolt up and work just the same but have only 3-1/2 turns lock to lock. Much later year wise they started going with oring fittings.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I used a box from a 77-79 (maybe slightly earlier & later) C10. They bolt up and work just the same but have only 3-1/2 turns lock to lock. Much later year wise they started going with oring fittings.

Same here, and they are available from any auto parts store for a reasonable price.

[aod92]

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I used a box from a 77-79 (maybe slightly earlier & later) C10. They bolt up and work just the same but have only 3-1/2 turns lock to lock. Much later year wise they started going with oring fittings.

Do they have that in manual too? I need to find something for my 67

[68 Stepper]

I'm stuck on new vs remanufactured boxes. Is there a difference, has anyone had problems with a remanufactured power steering box?

[leftybass209]

Where you get the rebuilt box would determine the quality. Parts store rebuilds are a crap shoot for quality. The only upside to them is it's an easy return or exchange. Redhead steering gears would be a much better bet for a quality rebuild. You can also check the junkyard for a box that doesn't have any leaks.

[Acorn]

X2 for redhead quick ratio.

[Lou Boffa]

definitely on my to do list. I want a set up that is not sloppy. Gives me power steering but with a solid control feel. Any recommendations?

[Hutch]

68 Stepper
You Can have yours rebuilt at http://www.powersteering.com/

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by Hutch

68 Stepper
You Can have yours rebuilt at http://www.powersteering.com/

I've used these people too. They are up the road from here, and been in business a long time.

I've got 5 vehicles with boxes from O'reilly out here in my shop right now, one with over 40,000 miles on it,and no problems. Everything mentioned is going to work. Just depends on the time and money you want to spend.

Almost all the parts store boxes are going to be from the same rebuilder.

[hdff]

Just put a red head in mine. No problems so far

[joeydurango]

+1 for RedHead. Awesome customer service, and I've had zero issues with mine!

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by aod92

Do they have that in manual too? I need to find something for my 67

You wouldn't want a quick ratio manual box. The one in my '67 was 7 turns lock to lock and still was hard to turn. I'm guessing g the original skinny bias tires were a different story.

[jeffahart]

++1
I too am running a redhead. And I got great service from them as well. I just got a replacement for stock.

[68 Stepper]

Called Redhead this afternoon and order a 15:1 ratio box, should be here tomorrow!
Thank you all for the help.

[zodari]

Question on this, as I am new to these trucks, I replaced my leaking steering box with one from ...autozone I believe, about 6 months ago. Still have sloppy steering, though better then before, and what seems to me to be a crappy turn radius even for a truck, Is that just standard for these trucks? Oh, it's a '72 GMC k15.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by zodari

Question on this, as I am new to these trucks, I replaced my leaking steering box with one from ...autozone I believe, about 6 months ago. Still have sloppy steering, though better then before, and what seems to me to be a crappy turn radius even for a truck, Is that just standard for these trucks? Oh, it's a '72 GMC k15.

If you used a replacement box you still have the wide ratio as factory. At a parts store you have to ask for the 1977-79 year model to get the closer ratio.

If you order from one of the custom rebuilders mentioned above, you can select a ratio from the suppliers options.

After I change a box, I have a front end alignment done. The shop will check for other loose components, and it's good for tire life.

[zodari]

So close ratio, check. Does that give it a better turn radius too? For example, there is street parking in front of my place and I for sure can't parallel park, but if I pull in and then others park around me, when I leave its a 3 or 5 point maneuver to pull out.

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by zodari

So close ratio, check. Does that give it a better turn radius too? For example, there is street parking in front of my place and I for sure can't parallel park, but if I pull in and then others park around me, when I leave its a 3 or 5 point maneuver to pull out.

No. It will only turn so far. The closer ratio just makes its less turns lock to lock (all the way left to all the way right and vice versa).

[Jim53066]

I used the parts from this place;

http://www.buy-steering.com/index.htm
Ask for Colin.

I bought everything needed = box, pump, mounting brackets for pump, lines, and pulleys. Everything was rebuilt, and Colin even threw in an extra pulley to make sure mine lined up with the water pump.
Jim