steering box-rag joint cofirmation

[dragon65]

So I have read all the steering info on here over and over again.
Please confirm my thoughts before I slap down another $50 on a rag joint.
I have just purchased a Cardone 27-7501 steering box- its a saginaw 7802644. I need to confirm the rag joint should be a Dorman-31015....which is 13/16 and the splines are 36 even though there is the flat spot on the input shaft. From my education here if the flat spot was not there there would be 36.....in my case the flat spot is there and I count 31.....hence I need to order the Dorman 31015 rag joint and then a rag joint coupler to mate to the steering shaft.
Please can someone confirm my info.......If there is a comparable rag joint to the Dorman I am not opposed to a recommendation as long as I have the part number and the cost is lower

I am converting manual on a 65 gmc 6cyl.....swb to power.

Thank you soooo much for any input

[scum1]

i just went thru this same thing.

on rock auto when looking at parts 31015 vs 31011 it lists the 015 for power steering and 13/16 36 splines. and the 011 for MANUAL steering.

this is deceptive because my saginaw power box needed the "manual" 31011.
it is a 3/4 30 spline. the 31015 was slightly too big, where as the 31011 fit perfect.

i don't want to tell you to get either one as it seems its hard to confirm i know.
i was sure i needed 31015 and ended up needing 31011.

check out post #25 on my thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=680030

[dragon65]

Perfect answer Scum1.....I ordered both the 31015 and the 31011 yesterday. I think the problem here with getting the proper rag joint is the rebuilt 27-7501 could be a variation from 67-mid 80's ???. I do know from putting a wrench 3/4 on my input shaft it conveys to me that I have a 13/16 shaft and counting the 31 splines plus the flat spot that the 31015 will fit. However to be safe I will have 2 rag joints waiting for me at my parts place and I have the gear box with me to check for best fit. I hope and guess that the 31015 will fit but this should not be a guessing game. I appreciate the tips from your previous thread you sent me. I did read through that information which has helped me through my process. I hope you get your steering issue resolved to perfection since I know how frustrating these incidentals can be. I received my truck 3 years ago in 15 boxes and now on the final stages of reconstruction.

[65 C20]

Whe I did mine with the same box as you a 31015 worked for me.

[65 C20]

I just want to add that if you have a rag joint that fits but is in bad shape you can rebuild it for approx. $10.00
Search in the suspension forum under -( Back to the basics rebuilding a rag joint.)
Tx Firefighter did a great write up on how to do it.
It was a Help / Dorman kit 31000

[dragon65]

I appreciate the info...I read that a while back too.........Since I am doing the steering box change out I assumed I needed the updated reg joint anyway. I will know a whole lot more in about 2 hours when I pre-fit the new rag joints at the auto parts place....pick the right one and have it on hand for the weekend switch-out including the Moog pitman arm. I pick that up today the same time. The rag joint coupler will arrive on Friday as long as the Pope visit doesn't derail my delivery time.

[65 C20]

Did you go with the K6131 pitman arm ?
It worked on my '65.

[scum1]

I'm curious to see which one it in fact is..because my steering box also has the 7802644 stamped on it. if i in fact need to purchase another box to fix my steering issue, i have already purchased a steering joint that is a 3/4 30 spline, that fits my existing box. I would hate for that not to be the correct one on the newer box. i think your right about the rebuilt boxes though, they probably vary from company to company.

[dragon65]

The correct one is dorman 31015
And I got the moog pitman arm 6143 suggested by TR65'S thread

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374519

[dragon65]

So far the fitment is fine on the parts counter. Mating it all up on the truck could show different. ?...but I hope not. I feel I had good guidance here so the whole thing will come to a head friday-sat if the shaft coupler arrives and I ignore the wifes birthday on Saturday

[scum1]

do you know what the difference is between the pitman arms for part number 6143 and 6131. on rock auto it seems the 70-72 arm is 6131, and 73-87 is 6143. However the steering boxes are similar from 67-87 on that sector shaft aren't they? Is it a length difference?

[franken]

Dorman parts are often Asian. I'd stick to original parts before going in that direction.
I'd also look for scrapyard U-joints.

[dragon65]

so far I see the pitman arm length and angle will change with the replacement steering gear. I only ordered the 6143 because they worked for TR65'S steering change out and so far we are using identical parts on the same year vehicle. I read so much here and other sites on this steering conversion that it can drive you to complete confusion. The LMC and other suppliers for classic vehicles charge you $5-6 hundred for the same parts to do what I am doing for under $300.......and from my research their options don't always work either. I will update here on my results with the pitman arm. Again I appreciate the input and suggestions.

[dragon65]

Here is another link where the same parts I bought and plan on installing this weekend are listed. I already have the mounting plate and the pump and hoses. Seeing the same parts listed on two different links lead me in the direction I am in now


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590549

[65 C20]

I know what you are going thru.
When I did mine last year I read everything I could find atleast 6 times before ordering.
Back to the pitman arm, the lenght of the arm center to center should be 5 1/4". What is the lenght of the K6143 ?

[LostMy65]

I'm glad I came across this thread.
So many threads, and yet nothing consolidated.
We need a master parts list for everything power steering conversion related based on years of gear box.

[LostMy65]

For the 1977 C10 Power steering gear box, Summit lists 27-7512
For a 1970 C10 Power steering gear box Summit lists 27-7501

[LostMy65]

Possibly another helpful post :

Originally Posted by markedgar5

I have searched nearly everywhere and found this post to be quite helpful.
Wanted to add some part numbers for those in need.

These are for the cardone steering gear boxes. Which some have had luck and others have not. However I hope this may be of some help for those looking for a budget swap.

Year 1968-1976. Part number 27-7501 cost 91.00 after discount code at advance auto of 30 percent. TRT30 code

Year 1977-1979 Part number 27-7512 cost 90.00 after discount code at advance auto of 30 percent. TRT30 code

Year 1980-1986. Part number 27-7522 cost 105.00 after discount code at advance auto of 30 percent. TRT30 code

Any of the above should be a direct bolt in on 67-72 trucks. Except for the obvious dimple or bumper mount frame issues

As posted earlier the later years are metric.
I believe the 77-79 has a 3.5 lock to lock turn. Same as some quick ratio.
I did not want to post a new thread since there are so many on ps already.
I cannot comment on the quality of cardone, lares, and others.

[dragon65]

So my instalation was successful.I spent the better part of a day switching from manual to power steering. A few hiccups such as having to remount the pitman arm due to the fact that I benchmounted the pitman arm and after install I could only turn right . I had to remove the pitman arm and reinstall in the proper position since everything was set as it would be going straight. Having the front end off the ground during the entire install was a great benefit. The center steering bar seems extremely close to the frame, I am not sure if that is proper but its about 1/4" from touching the frame. I am hoping for some input on how to rectify this. The shaft to rag joint coupler is great...installed with the manufacturers "shear pin" i may add a bolt as well. I hope my pictures load up with no issues. I will be adding more info shortly about the pitman arm and may start a new thread on the perfect radiator I found for under $150. Well i tried sending pictures and i got a response (error) saying a security token is missing speak with administrator. ......there goes an hour .....will try and add pictures later

[LostMy65]

For loading pictures; try the free online service PhotoBucket.
For the close bar issue;
What Power Steering Adapter Plate did you use?

[dragon65]

I used the red bracket I got with the truck when I bought it. Its the correct bracket. I still have the mounting instructions. Ill update you shortly. I am trying to free up the separator mechanism between the two shift linkage rods where they connect at the column. Its real tight. I can get 2nd and third no problem but 1st and reverse won't engage....I cant pull the shift lever on the column towards me......very tight. Seems lije there is crap not allowin it to move freely

[dragon65]

Linkage free......pb blaster shot into the column where the shifter mounts on the column inside the cab. Like brand new

[scum1]

the center link on my truck is about the same as yours. with the tires off the ground going lock to lock the closest it gets to the crossmember is when the tires are straight forward and about a 1/4". it gets further away as the tires turn left and right..i don't think that you can do anything about that. you would probably have to shorten the length of the pitman arm, undo the idler arm, pull the center link away from the crossmember (also pulling with it the tie rods), and re align everything.. Right? as long as its not making contact anywhere it shouldn't be a problem. If anything, on mine there is REAL close contact with the pitman arm and sway bar, when my truck is aired out. But its almost too low to drive at that height so it would never really be an issue.

[dragon65]

[dragon65]