[JLMounce]

The factory box in my 69 bird is at the point where it's starting to give up the ghost. Play in the system has gotten out of hand and the box will no longer return to center without help from the operator, even with close to 6* of positive caster.

So I'm starting to look at box options and would love to hear from those that have either had rebuilds or swapped boxes all together.

Right now I'm looking at either a rebuild from Turn One, or a new box for them as well as the new 800 series saginaw from Lee Power Steering. I'm also contemplating a more basic early 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee box which is more on the budget end.

Any first hand experiences that can be shared would be greatly appreciated.

[OG68]

I installed a JGC box in my El Camino. Loved the feel and road feedback. After a few years the output seal started leaking and I sent it to Lee for rebuilding. They installed a stiffer torsion bar which increased the effort. I think its the next best thing to manual steering while having good slow speed (parking) effort

[The Champ]

I put in a Lares box last year. Purchased it through Rock Auto.

https://www.larescorp.com/

Here are the options for your '69 bird:

https://catalog.larescorp.com/select...6L%20V/ALL/ALL

[JLMounce]

Originally Posted by The Champ

I put in a Lares box last year. Purchased it through Rock Auto.

https://www.larescorp.com/

Here are the options for your '69 bird:

https://catalog.larescorp.com/select...6L%20V/ALL/ALL

Looks like it's out of stock at rock auto. Can you give me an idea on the price you paid for your unit?

[Geoff]

A mate purchased a quick ratio AGR box for his GTO from Rock Auto. Took three boxes to get one that worked....

[66sprint6]

I've heard a few bad comments about the AGR box. I see also that the Lares 10971 steering gear is out of stock and the Lee 670 unit is out of stock as well. Hopefully they'll have them back in stock for spring when I want to switch mine out.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by JLMounce

Looks like it's out of stock at rock auto. Can you give me an idea on the price you paid for your unit?

I purchased the Lares 972 box. Cost was $251.79 plus a $75.00 core charge.

[Speargun]

I bought a box for an '88 IROC from RockAuto and put in my '67 Bird. Definitely an improved feel over the factory box. You will also need a new rag joint to match the steering column and box, metric adapters for the hose, and a newer "ham can" power steering pump that puts out a higher pressure. Factory was around 900psi and the newer ones are around 1200-1500psi.

That said, I had to swap out that box because my headers rubbed against it and caused it to start leaking after a while. I installed a steering gear box out of a '98(?) Jeep Grand Cherokee and it works just as good. The only difference is that the IROC box has 64* (iirc) of steering and the Jeep box has 87* (iirc). That didn't make any difference in my case because the steering stops hit long before the box hits its' limits.

I would think that pretty much any late 80's & on Saginaw steering box that bolts to the frame will be a big improvement over factory so go with what fits your wallet.

[77 Canamman]

Caprice 9C1(police Pkg.) and Impala SS from the '90's will also work well, especially on A/G body GM cars. The rag joint and fittings will need to be updated to work, as with any 1981-up box.

[RocktimusPryme]

I also did the 3rd gen thing. But I bought a non IROC Z28 box which is a little softer. AC Delco unit off amazon. Ive said it before, I have a lot of money in this car, but that $300 I spent to rebuild the steering and get a good alignment might be the best bang for the buck I got out of anything.

For sure replace the tie rods and all that while you are doing this. All those clearances can stack up against you if they are all even a little loose from wear.

[Scarebird]

These are the best, hands down:

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/cha...omponents.html

Scroll down a bit.

They are not cheap but worth every penny.

[JLMounce]

Thanks everyone. Feel free to keep them coming.

All the other steering parts are new already.

[b-man]

Way back in ‘89 I had my ‘64 box converted to 12.7:1 by Lee Power Steering. The original pump had failed internally (sheared some splines) which prompted me to take both the box and pump in for work.

All in all it cost me $600 for everything which included whatever they charged for another pump core ($60 or so) and a GM filter can ($20) for the return line.

Best upgrade for driving confidence and feel, it really changed my driving experience.

[389]

I have the Lee 800 Series 14:1 with a 30 pound valve. Its the best box I ever had. Has all the feel of a manual but is faster and parking is easy..

[vertigto]

Hmmm...good info. Thinking about a quick ratio conversion on my 70 GTO.

[Steve C.]

Not here to push AGR but a comment related to the topic 389's post brings up ....Valving and road feel.

I bought a AGR box with 12:1 ratio and had it upgraded from the standard internal valving to firmer valving. It made a huge difference in the feel and feedback when driving. Absolutely outstanding out on the open road with the firmer valving. The upgraded valving provides a firm road feel, like what you might find in a modern sporty car, yet for my needs it's adequate for around town and related parking.

.

[JLMounce]

I definitely am looking at nozzles with upgrades valving. This car has a fairly aggressive suspension system and as wide of a tire I could stuff up front realistically. It has a ton of grip and it’s a bit hairy taking a fast sweeper. The wheel reacts without effort, so it’s easy to push too far.

Probably awesome for auto cross, but unsafe for the type of driving I do most often.

Once everyone is back from holiday breaks I plan to talk with both Lee and Turn One. The cost is probably going to push my trans swap back, but I can drive the car with the TH400. It’s unsafe with the current box, so that’s priority.

[DOC]

Well, I went on the budget end and got one for the Jeep Cherokee to put in the 69 Bird. Works great, No issues. Its a cardone from Advance for $135. I did have to buy a couple of metric adapters and a different rag joint but otherwise no issues.

[JLMounce]

Does anyone have any experience or information on the 10:1 2.75 LtL box being sold by Firebird Central currently? Claims it’s a modern box, no core and currently on sale under 300. If that’s a decent box I may go that route to keep my trans swap on schedule for this spring.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by b-man

Way back in ‘89 I had my ‘64 box converted to 12.7:1 by Lee Power Steering. The original pump had failed internally (sheared some splines) which prompted me to take both the box and pump in for work.

All in all it cost me $600 for everything which included whatever they charged for another pump core ($60 or so) and a GM filter can ($20) for the return line.

Best upgrade for driving confidence and feel, it really changed my driving experience.

I also have a Tom Lee 12.7 steering box. Purchased a couple of years before B-Man's purchase. Very happy with the box over the years.

Tom Vaught