Steering/handling - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OrangePride · 04-06-2004, 04:45 AM

I want to improve the handling on my '70 S/W C10. I've replaced alot of front end parts, but I have about 2 inches of slack in my steering wheel. How can I get rid of this slack?

Longhorn Man · 04-06-2004, 07:01 AM

If you have 2 inches, it is probably time for a new steering box. (asuming your bearings are tight and your tie rods aren't all sloppy) You wouldn't happen to have manual steering would you? Good time to upgrade to power assist, and if you already have power assist, you can get a later model box (up to 82 or so) that'll bolt right in and has variable rate steering.
Front sway bars are a must on these, I swear it feels like mine scraped the door handles on the pavement when I turn...sway bars from the junk yard off a 3/4 ton or one ton are awsome and cheap.

gr8scott51 · 04-06-2004, 10:34 AM

If you don't have power steering and a sway bar, I highly recommend them.

SWEET7T · 04-06-2004, 12:35 PM

As mentioned, the front sway bar makes a world a difference!!! I have a whole lot less body roll on hard turns. I picked one up from a junkyard for $20, except for the brackets you need to bolt it to the frame (they are rivited on from the factory). I had to order the brackets ($20, I think I got them from ECE, can't remember), and new bushings from the local auto parts store. The hardest part about that install is running a grinder

Just have to remove the original rivits from the frame to bolt the bracket on there.

Do you have good shocks on your truck, this will also help some. And if you want to get picky, maybe a rear swaybar (these were not factory).

**COBALT** · 04-06-2004, 01:28 PM

If you do decide to get a new steering box (instead of having your existing one rebuilt) get one of those new ones that are not only tighter but provide a turning radius in 3 turns versus 4 1/2. I've heard some positive things about that unit, and I'll probably go with it as well...

OrangePride · 04-06-2004, 02:13 PM

Thanks guys, if I get a used sway bar, what years will fit my '70?

Spoof · 04-06-2004, 02:53 PM

If you do get a newer variable ratio steering box, I think you will need to modify your pump lines so that the steering box fittings are metric style. Just from what I've heard anyways...I've never had a definite answer on which years the change occured.

Longhorn Man · 04-06-2004, 04:57 PM

Sway bars 67 (maybe starting in 64...not sure though) up to 87 will work.

dinnut · 04-06-2004, 07:23 PM

heres what i know about the steering boxes up to 77 is a bolt in. after77 used the metric o-ring style lines and to use this style you have to get the pump and lines from the same setup.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 04-06-2004, 08:37 PM

If you have power steering there is a adjustment screw on top of the gear box to take out some of the slack. Loosen the nut snug up the screw, check for slack and over tightness by turning the wheel all the way to the left and back to the right. Loosen accordingly and tighten the nut.

04-06-2004, 04:45 AM	#1
OrangePride Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 13	Steering/handling I want to improve the handling on my '70 S/W C10. I've replaced alot of front end parts, but I have about 2 inches of slack in my steering wheel. How can I get rid of this slack?

04-06-2004, 10:34 AM	#3
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	If you don't have power steering and a sway bar, I highly recommend them. __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

04-06-2004, 12:35 PM	#4
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	As mentioned, the front sway bar makes a world a difference!!! I have a whole lot less body roll on hard turns. I picked one up from a junkyard for $20, except for the brackets you need to bolt it to the frame (they are rivited on from the factory). I had to order the brackets ($20, I think I got them from ECE, can't remember), and new bushings from the local auto parts store. The hardest part about that install is running a grinder Just have to remove the original rivits from the frame to bolt the bracket on there. Do you have good shocks on your truck, this will also help some. And if you want to get picky, maybe a rear swaybar (these were not factory). __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB

04-06-2004, 01:28 PM	#5
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	If you do decide to get a new steering box (instead of having your existing one rebuilt) get one of those new ones that are not only tighter but provide a turning radius in 3 turns versus 4 1/2. I've heard some positive things about that unit, and I'll probably go with it as well... __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

04-06-2004, 02:13 PM	#6
OrangePride Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 13	Thanks guys, if I get a used sway bar, what years will fit my '70? __________________ If it's not broke, make it better!

04-06-2004, 07:01 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	If you have 2 inches, it is probably time for a new steering box. (asuming your bearings are tight and your tie rods aren't all sloppy) You wouldn't happen to have manual steering would you? Good time to upgrade to power assist, and if you already have power assist, you can get a later model box (up to 82 or so) that'll bolt right in and has variable rate steering. Front sway bars are a must on these, I swear it feels like mine scraped the door handles on the pavement when I turn...sway bars from the junk yard off a 3/4 ton or one ton are awsome and cheap.

04-06-2004, 02:53 PM	#7
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	If you do get a newer variable ratio steering box, I think you will need to modify your pump lines so that the steering box fittings are metric style. Just from what I've heard anyways...I've never had a definite answer on which years the change occured. __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

04-06-2004, 04:57 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Sway bars 67 (maybe starting in 64...not sure though) up to 87 will work.

04-06-2004, 07:23 PM	#9
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	heres what i know about the steering boxes up to 77 is a bolt in. after77 used the metric o-ring style lines and to use this style you have to get the pump and lines from the same setup. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

04-06-2004, 08:37 PM	#10
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	If you have power steering there is a adjustment screw on top of the gear box to take out some of the slack. Loosen the nut snug up the screw, check for slack and over tightness by turning the wheel all the way to the left and back to the right. Loosen accordingly and tighten the nut.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.