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#1
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Power Steering Box Options
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.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
#2
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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
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Ed 1968 GTO (Thanks Mom) 2006 Silverado 2007 Cadillac SRX 2015 Chevy Express |
#3
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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 |
#4
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Quote:
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
#5
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A mate purchased a quick ratio AGR box for his GTO from Rock Auto. Took three boxes to get one that worked....
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#6
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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.
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#7
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I purchased the Lares 972 box. Cost was $251.79 plus a $75.00 core charge.
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#8
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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.
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No! Do not try! Do! Or do not. There is no try. - Yoda 1967 Firebird Restoration 2005 - 1/25/2017 |
#9
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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.
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1976 LeMans B09 Freeway Enforcer, 455/M40 Smokey 1977 Trans Am, 400/M21 Black/Gold Bandit. 44K actual miles 2017 Sierra SLT 1500 Z71 4X4 2019 Canyon SLT Crew 4X4 |
#10
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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.
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1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs 1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455 Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports |
#11
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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. |
#12
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Thanks everyone. Feel free to keep them coming.
All the other steering parts are new already.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
#13
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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.
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1964 Tempest Coupe LS3/4L70E/3.42 1964 Le Mans Convertible 421 HO/TH350/2.56 2002 WS6 Convertible LS1/4L60E/3.23 |
#14
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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..
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#15
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Hmmm...good info. Thinking about a quick ratio conversion on my 70 GTO.
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1970 GTO (Granada Gold) - 400 / TH400 |
#16
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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. .
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'70 TA / 505 cid / same engine but revised ( previous best 10.63 at 127.05 ) Old information here: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/0712p...tiac-trans-am/ Sponsor of the world's fastest Pontiac powered Ford Fairmont (engine) 5.14 at 140 mph (1/8 mile) , true 10.5 tire, stock type suspension https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDoJnIP3HgE Last edited by Steve C.; 12-29-2019 at 03:12 PM. |
#17
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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.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
#18
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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.
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#19
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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.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
#20
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Quote:
Tom Vaught
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"Engineers do stuff for reasons" Tom Vaught Despite small distractions, there are those who will go Forward, Learning, Sharing Knowledge, Doing what they can to help others move forward. |
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