Power steering gear box exchange

[lazlo]

Spent the last week exploring all the information I could find on making my non power steering 68 GTO a power steering car. Some may already know this but for those who don't.... Thought the box I pulled from a 65 Catalina would do the trick.... NOT So. While the same box (same part number on box) was used for years the internals changed considerably.

The 1965 box is a 17 to 1 ratio meaning 5 or 6 turns stop to stop. The newer boxes will get you 2.5 to 3 turns stop to stop. BUT that's not the biggest consideration. The stops in various boxes are set at different places. You put a camaro or firebird box on a GTO & you lose turning radius.

A lot of the quick turning ratio boxes that you can buy for our older cars have the camaro internals & while not every company tells you, going to this box cuts down your turning radius.

I just spoke with Tim at Prosteering Systems Inc. phone 800 650 4145. For $259.00 plus shipping ( about $20.00) he is gonna put a box together for me today with the quick ratio and the correct stops. There is a $100 core charge but a return shipping label will be included in the box. When I get it I will post here to let everyone know how it goes.

Someone posted this in another thread I had about power steering. It's about Oldsmobile but it has a ton of information & deserves wider dissemination. So here it is again: http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofstr.htm#STRSteeringUpgradingImprovementConsidera tions

[chief455]

The stops in various boxes are set at different places. You put a camaro or firebird box on a GTO & you lose turning radius.

A lot of the quick turning ratio boxes that you can buy for our older cars have the camaro internals & while not every company tells you, going to this box cuts down your turning radius.

I bought a 65 GTO with a T/A box and found the radius limited on one side (turning left I think) because the top plates are different thickness, allowing the worm gear to travel further/less. Something inside - a c-clip I think - needs to be removed to allow the extra travel in the other direction.
Who knew?

I'll be interested to hear how the new box works out.
thanks for the post!

[toomanybirds]

The Firebird box works OK, the Camaro box doesn't work well due to decreased turning radius. The Camaro's used a longer pitman arm, that is why they don't turn as far.

Turning limited on one side only is likely an adustment problem. Adjusting the tie rod sleeves should correct the one side turning limit.

[lazlo]

The Firebird box works OK, the Camaro box doesn't work well due to decreased turning radius. The Camaro's used a longer pitman arm, that is why they don't turn as far.
.

As I understand it the pittman arm is not the only factor that affects turning radius. The stops inside the unit are different....

[goldeneyee]

Lazlo: If this doesn't pan out, I just replaced my Power Steering box on my 69 GTO with a quick ratio. Rebuilt by Cardone and purchased through Advance Auto Parts---$145.00 plus $75.00 core charge. I ordered it and picked it up a couple of days later. The standard ratio PS box rebuilt is $119.00. My experience with Cardone has been excellent.....Bill

[toomanybirds]

As I understand it the pittman arm is not the only factor that affects turning radius. The stops inside the unit are different....

You are correct about the stops, but you misinterpreted my statement.

I only meant that with a longer pitman arm, the steering gear doesn't need to turn as far.

And the Camaro gear can be easily recognized by the longer pitman arm.

I did not mean that the Camaro gear would work the same with a shorter pitman arm, it will not.

[lazlo]

Okay..... I just wanted folks to know that there is alot more to the steering gear box than most would think...

[mzbk2l]

Thanks for posting your research, lazlo.

I used a late 2nd gen T/A box in my '67 Cutlass convertible. I haven't really noticed any situations where I'm lacking in turning radius, but that does not mean that I didn't lose some when I installed it.

I never had the car running before I upgraded the suspension, so I don't have a before and after comparison.

[lazlo]

My power steering install is complete... I can't believe the difference it made in the car.... The gear box produced by Tim at Prosteering Systems Inc., phone 800 650 4145,
is an outstanding piece. Handles nice & turns on a dime.

I would reccomend this to anyone thinking about making the change

[lazlo]

Deal is done... Core charge rebate hit the credit card today.... Good people to deal with.