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12-20-2018, 12:58 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
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Steering box rebuild or buy another?
For what it's worth I'm rebuilding a truck to factory, within reason anyway.
My steering box looks great, but it needs to be rebuilt. Shipping is expensive, so I'm wondering, what you guys recommend for a steering box? If you figure I should rebuild what I got, do you have any suggestions where to send it? Thanks
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
12-20-2018, 08:32 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I've rebuilt at least a 100 boxes so I always vote to rebuild my own. The kit is only $30-$35.
A beam or dial torque wrench is needed and the correct procedures are in the service manual (overhaul).
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
12-20-2018, 08:54 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Parkville, MD
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
If you still have a 4.5 turn box, I would be looking at a 3.5 turn one.
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1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z |
12-20-2018, 08:56 AM | #4 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I would want faster more modern steering and is what I will do on my own truck whenever it needs any steering work. So my vote is to upgrade to the variable ratio box.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
12-20-2018, 09:07 AM | #5 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Get a box from a 78 c10
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68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
12-20-2018, 10:34 AM | #6 |
Almost Satisfied
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 2,928
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I can have my existing one rebuilt locally for $250. I can buy a re manufactured one for $130. Not sure having it done locally is worth the extra money.
You can get them from Summit with no shipping fees.
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1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." |
12-20-2018, 10:37 AM | #7 |
Special Order
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,863
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
If you want 100% original then rebuilt it. These trucks never drove badly when new. If you'd like to upgrade to newer design, the newer box will not really show as non-original except to an expert with their head stuck in your fender well or lying under your truck.
I have a funny situation where N.O.S. doesn't mean more valuable, at least to most. Years and years (decades) ago I had my GM dealer get me a new steering box for a '71 K/20 that had excessive slop. They listed for about $350-375 and I got a 30% discount, so still a couple hundred plus. I decided to part a Blazer I had so just used that steering box and left the new one on the shelf. Fast forward to about '07 and I discovered my '72 K2500 had wiggle at the sector shaft/pitman arm. I pull the N.O.S. box out, paint it, get the pitman arm I also bought back then, and OOPs! The parts guy had ordered me a 2wd box! I have my '67 project, but that sits on a completely rebuilt rolling chassis including steering box. With rebuilt units and upgrades readily available and the part not an appearance item I don't see it selling for even what retail was in the '80s. I'd be lucky to get what I paid at -30%. So I'm just hanging on to it for the future. My '67 project is performance oriented so I'll probably end up with a quicker steer box anyway.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
12-20-2018, 01:27 PM | #8 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Are the Redheads any good?
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12-20-2018, 01:42 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Only heard good things about them, sent my car's variable ratio box there. Haven't driven it yet though!
If I had to do it over again and wasn't so concerned with stock, I'd be looking at the new Saginaw 500 or 600 boxes (I think that's the number). I put one in my '69 Camaro, and it's a world of difference. You need metric adapters for the lines, but otherwise not rocket science. It's basically the same box as early 2000s Tahoes, if I understand correctly.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
12-20-2018, 08:08 PM | #10 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
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12-20-2018, 08:17 PM | #11 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
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12-20-2018, 10:11 PM | #12 |
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Location: Northern Nevada
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Thanks for the information. I don't know if my original box is 3.1 or 4.1. If that's a ratio I don't see a close reference. I can say the steering box I have was discontinued in 1984.
Nobody in the area rebuilds these. Redhead will rebuild it for $300 plus a $150 core charge. Add shipping both ways it's over $400. So heck with it, I'm buying new or re-manufactured. So I'm looking at: Upgrade: This might be the 500 Dave spoke of: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c.../submodel/base Re-manufactured: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a.../submodel/base https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a.../submodel/base Another option: http://www.powersteering.com/ On a side, Redhead will send a replacement, but costs the same. I guess they figure their rebuilds are better than Cardone's and ACDelco's I thought the cost would be more regardless. When I first bought my truck in 89 I was quoted $500 for just the box. So I let it leak over the next 25 years or so, and yeah, it was a little sloppy.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 12-20-2018 at 11:39 PM. |
12-21-2018, 02:25 AM | #13 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
There is a local shop in Denver (cars power steering) that rebuilds them for $150. I just bought one with the 3 1/2 quick ratio to put in my build but also having them rebuild a gear box to stock specifications and an oe pump. We will see after this weekend how the gear box works out but I've only heard good things about them.
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1971 LSX "Bonnie" build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8026381 paypal is curtbarton1971@yahoo.com |
12-21-2018, 01:40 PM | #14 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I've had horrible luck with re-manufactured boxes. One car I was rebuilding took me finally taking the original box to a local shop to be rebuilt after installing 3 re-manufactured ones. It was about as frustrating experience as possible, because unless you have a lift, it's a total pain (in most vehicles) to remove/reinstall.
I'll only have mine rebuilt from now on as I have a reputable shop and I know I'll only have to remove/reinstall once. |
12-21-2018, 05:21 PM | #15 |
Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Give these guys a call. They have been around a long time and did a good job on my AD box years ago.
https://www.larescorp.com
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
12-21-2018, 07:56 PM | #16 |
Carpe manana
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Rebuild it. Redhead did a good job on mine and with quick turn around. I shipped them the box in a USPS flat rate box.
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1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland |
12-21-2018, 08:15 PM | #17 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
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12-22-2018, 05:55 PM | #18 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Sub'd.
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1972 Chevy C-10, SWB, Fleet, 350/350, PS, PB, all stock, Survivor. |
12-22-2018, 10:34 PM | #19 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I rebuild my own it’s not that difficult to do. Source the right kit based on the numbers on the box vs the make and model though.
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68 GMC C3500 Longhorn DRW 67 Chevy C10 LWB 90 Mustang Gt 90 Mustang Notchback |
12-27-2018, 07:41 AM | #20 | |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Quote:
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1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z |
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12-27-2018, 08:32 AM | #21 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
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1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop |
12-27-2018, 08:45 PM | #22 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,118
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Quote:
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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12-27-2018, 09:16 PM | #23 |
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I will make it simple.
Get a Cardone unit with a lifetime warranty. Last one went over 10 years before it started leaking. Got a replacement for nothing last September. For the 130 bucks I spent 13 years ago I cant beat that with a big stick. I put over 120k on it before getting a replacement. Daily Driver. |
12-28-2018, 12:06 AM | #24 | |
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Location: Harrison, Arkansas
Posts: 9,786
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
Quote:
For our trucks I go to O'reilly and order one for a 1979. It's 3 1/2 turns post to post, costs $136.99 and I haven't had a problem yet. I've done 5 of them and have one on the shelf. I usually have to change the rag joint but you probably should every time anyway.
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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03-19-2019, 07:31 PM | #25 |
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Location: Northern Nevada
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Re: Steering box rebuild or buy another?
I ended up going through Powersteering.com. Marty is not cheap, believe me, but nice work. He rebuilt the box to 16:13:1...........I guess that's good I think he said it was 3:1. Be a good day when these are primed:
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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