Steering box question

by texan01 Wed Nov 02, 2011 9:29 am

So I ran across a deal on an '84 Monte Carlo SS steering box. I went ahead and bought it, knowing that I have to change the hoses on the car to match the later style. It is from a true SS car, and it is the 12:1 box. I'm kind of tired of the variable ratio box, back in the day I was used to it, but switching back and forth between the two cars now, makes me drive the '77 like I'm drunk.

My question is this, is it a good box to swap in?

by yogreasygramma Wed Nov 02, 2011 5:47 pm

I installed a new 12.7:1 670 steering box from Lee in California and it's awesome. I can't praise it enough!

http://scandc.com/new/node/246

by texan01 Wed Nov 02, 2011 6:35 pm

I picked up this box for 40 bucks.

I'm thinking about doing the Astro steering shaft mod to it.
http://jeffd.50megs.com/steering_shaft_modified_with_ast.htm

A buddy of mine did it to his '84 Monte SS and it makes it feel very good.

I'll probably do this mod as well since I have to take the valve out.
http://jeffd.50megs.com/Pump_valve_mod_page.htm

by 77mali Mon Jul 30, 2012 6:03 pm

Anyone ever do business with these guy's in MO? Seems reasonable for a rebuild with the 12.7:1 ratio....($339 plus shipping) thinking about it for the Malibu. Their site also says that this steering box came on 80's F body T/A's & Firebirds & Monte SS?

http://www.powersteering.com/products.htm

by MT76LAGUNA Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:37 pm

check this out all you want to know about gm steering boxes
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0901_gm_steering_box_upgrade/viewall.html

by 77mali Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:53 pm

MT76LAGUNA wrote:check this out all you want to know about gm steering boxes
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0901_gm_steering_box_upgrade/viewall.html

Thanks!

by jerry46765 Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:09 am

The GM Delphi 600 is a bolt in. There are a number of companies doing ratio conversions like the 12.7:1. I think they are using a manual gear in a power box. For less than 500 bucks, it's cheaper to buy one since it's all new parts, verses buying used boxes and swapping gears.

I haved used Unisteer boxes from Summit in the past and I was going to include a link but it looks like they don't carry them any more. Try Speedway Motors.

Thanks -

by pila Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:15 pm

I have the quick steering box in my Malibu, and in the Elco project. Rebuilt boxes that I bought (exchange) from Advance Auto. There was a choice of ratios when I bought those.
The newer cars with rack & pinion steering are even quicker, and take some getting used to.

by BlackChevelleSS Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:34 pm

I run a jeep grand cherokee box in mine. 12.7:1 ratio- 3 Turns lock to lock, and have a .195 T-bar

by texan01 Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:08 pm

I got to doing more reading, and decided to go with the Grand Cherokee box instead. The box I have from the Monte doesn't go all the way to the stops, and 84 still had the variable ratio in it.

Meanwhile the OE box in my car is gradually getting worse about making left turns. It's binding internally going left, and will just about freewheel turning it right.

by 77mali Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:09 pm

Thanks for the input guy's. I read everywhere that it makes a big difference in how the car handles. How does it "feel"? I remember in my old 77 Cutlass you could drive and make turns with 1 finger pressed against the wheel. I am assuming that the 12.7:1 ratio is more responsive in terms of feeling the road & the car versus just how smooth the steering feels, which is what I'm after without it being manual steering, LOL.

Found this also
http://www.jegs.com/p/AGR/AGR-Street-Power-Steering-Box/761792/10002/-1
I will probably wait to do this upgrade after my car is put together and driving etc because of budget...but it's on the list of definite improvements wanted, along with some rear suspension stuff when the $$ is there.

by jerry46765 Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:22 pm

The 'feel' or effort required to turn the wheel is based on the power steering pump valve and spring. If you don't change that, then the one finger on the wheel will still apply. Only difference is you will only have to move the wheel with one finger with fewer turns lock to lock.

If that makes sense.

You could swap out a spring and valve from a z-28 or a MCSS to get a heavier steering if desired.

by jerry46765 Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:26 pm

And I like the Nope avatar. There definitely seems to be some nope momentum building almost daily.

by 77mali Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:44 pm

jerry46765 wrote:The 'feel' or effort required to turn the wheel is based on the power steering pump valve and spring. If you don't change that, then the one finger on the wheel will still apply. Only difference is you will only have to move the wheel with one finger with fewer turns lock to lock.

If that makes sense.

You could swap out a spring and valve from a z-28 or a MCSS to get a heavier steering if desired.

Makes perfect sense. Thank you.

Talk about weird....I checked my email and this article came through today after I looked at your comments (looks like a G3 Monte Carlo they're rehabbing). http://www.amosauto.com/Articles/General/Tech/selective-steering

The avatar is staying put until November until hopefully we have a new CEO. lol!

I PM'd the avatar to another member- I hope I get a T-Shirt from him... Very Happy

I think there is momentum building for us to return to the values that made this country great. We are a nation of hard working people with values who believe in independence, self-reliance, freedom and liberty. Many have shed their blood and sacrificed their lives for these beliefs. Sorry- I won't talk politics anymore.

by 77ElClassic Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:19 pm

77mali wrote:

Found this also
http://www.jegs.com/p/AGR/AGR-Street-Power-Steering-Box/761792/10002/-1
I will probably wait to do this upgrade after my car is put together and driving etc because of budget...but it's on the list of definite improvements wanted, along with some rear suspension stuff when the $$ is there.

I plan on making this upgrade as well. Probably this Jeg's item. Have you noticed that some articles lump the 77s in with the 73-76 and others list 77-79 as a different part number? I was wondering if there's a cutover month.
It may be better to send off the box to that Montana place you posted in order to have the same box back scratch

?

I , X2, luv the avatar. And politics has definitely been a love to hate to love topic lately.

by 77mali Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:57 pm

I did notice the difference in the years. 77 is an odd duck w/ respect to a few things such as this. I think they were prepping for the model year change and this is an item that they moved ahead on early. I am going to call the place in Missouri to see what actually goes into it and also to see if they can mod the the spring and valve like Jerry mentioned if it's not already part of their set up.

OK- for everyone that want's it......(save as a .gif file)
Steering box question N_o_p_11

by 77ElClassic Wed Aug 01, 2012 12:18 am

Let me know what Montana says if you would. Might be a good upgrade for the winter hibernation.

77mali wrote:

OK- for everyone that want's it......(save as a .gif file)

Got it. Will make a nice lithograph for the rear window.

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