[nogavel]

Working on my 70 GTO and read an article about using a 91 GTA steering box to upgrade the GTO. Does anyone know if this is a straight swap or is there other issues to consider? Bolt pattern to frame for mounting or new steering shaft? I figure the rag joint probably had not changed in 20 years. thanks for any info!

[Dick Boneske]

I just bought a 12:1 (2 1/2 turns vs. 4 1/2 OEM) power steering box from NAPA. They're $129 and have English pipe threads and use a stock rag joint. Pretty hard to beat that.

[RR67GTO]

I did the same and they are a great steering grear.

[AG]

What's the PN?

[tlwatkinson]

NSP 88277060, I recently put one on my Lemans. It works great.

[Kell]

here is a good article with info on steering effort etc.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ade/index.html

I put an IROC box on mine (same as GTA) and like it, it is a little stiff though. I'm not sure what the NAPA box is, but if it is a direct bolt on it sounds great (all of those listed in the article are direct bolt on to the frame, it is the lines and rag joint you have to worry about). I had to purchase the Lee kit to adapt the IROC box, not a big deal but more money. Rag joint was very expensive but mine was 40 years old and greasy.

My car came with 2.5 turns lock to lock but it was worn out, and was far too easy to turn (very little steering effort). Something to consider is whether the NAPA box is like my old one with little effort, or if the valving is improved for a modern feel?

[Sloan66]

Does it use the same pitman arm as the original box?

[tlwatkinson]

The NAPA box is a direct bolt in replacement. Everything matches OEM.

[Grand73Am]

Originally Posted by tlwatkinson

NSP 88277060, I recently put one on my Lemans. It works great.

What year Lemans are you guys using this on?

[tlwatkinson]

mine is a 69

[Grand73Am]

Thanks!

[nogavel]

Thanks for the info it is appreciated. Probably gonna get the NAPA piece and keep it simple, KISS theory is being applied! hahaha...keep it between the lines!

[HWYSTR455]

One issue I've seen with parts store boxes is that the internal stops are a crap-shoot. You may get one for an f-body and end up loosing some turning radius.

Switching to later model boxes is not free of any gotchas either, one due to the rag joint as already pointed out, and also because of metric fittings. Think there are metric to sae adapters, but it's still a pain, and an added cost.

What's wrong with the box in it? Can always rebuild that one. If not, and you plan on keeping the car, man-up and spend a couple bucks on a box you won't have to mess with, and know won't have any surprises. Shoot, the AGR boxes aren't that much....

.

[rohrt]

I just sent out my steering box and steering pump to AGR to get them just the way I want it. The AGR pump I got was bad and so it needed to be sent in anyway. The box was rebuilt by Lee for a 12:1 ratio but I didn't like the feel at all. Just way to easy to steer. After talking to both AGR and Lee a couple times I decided to send both pump and box to AGR to get them matched up with the right torsion bar. I want to say it was a .220 bar. I don't recall for sure. They took into account the steering wheel diameter, tire size and the car type. I'm hoping for a much better feel now.

I only mention this as Lee just put the factory torsion bar back in and I was ignorant of the whole steering feel, so I didn't even know to ask for it.

[thirtypointer]

I am tempted to do this as I am putting my project back together. Anymore input on the NAPA unit?

[tlwatkinson]

The napa box works great. The car is so much nicer to drive it really made a big difference. I have noticed a difference in the turning radius like others have mentioned, but I think overall it was a good choice.