68 Steering gear box

[Tom B.]

Can anyone provide the correct information (numbers, description, etc.) for the 1968 steering gear box? I think I remember what the JM says but am half-way wondering if there were any exceptions. Mine has the cast top-plate (not chrome) with numbers: 297 6723 77, (also: car is a Dec 67 build).

I haven't had any steering problems, but in servicing, I checked the lube a couple months ago and it was gooey-dry. So I appropriately filled it up and have eventually found out "Why dry". When driving, it leaks around the seal at the "arm" like a sieve. I want to either:

A) replace the entire box with a correct, numbers matching rebuild or B) have this one rebuilt IF it is significant.

Also accepting suggestions "Where" for either of the two. Thanks in advance. Tom

PS: Update for all those that remember the L89 cooling: Doing better but I'm still progressing through the system components.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom----

Most 1963 -1982 Corvette steering boxes have virtually identical external configuration with two exceptions. All 1963-68 Corvette steering boxes used a cast iron top cover. Early 1969s also may have used the cast iron cover with later 69s through 1982 using an aluminum cover. The other difference involves the worm shaft design which changed in 1970. This is very minor and involves the addition of a "flat spot" on the shaft to index the steering coupler. It is barely detectable when the steering coupler is installed on the car.

My recommendation would be to have your steering box rebuilt. Otherwise, just make sure that you get an exchange unit with the cast iron cover and "non flat surface" worm shaft

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom----

Most 1963 -1982 Corvette steering boxes have virtually identical external configuration with two exceptions. All 1963-68 Corvette steering boxes used a cast iron top cover. Early 1969s also may have used the cast iron cover with later 69s through 1982 using an aluminum cover. The other difference involves the worm shaft design which changed in 1970. This is very minor and involves the addition of a "flat spot" on the shaft to index the steering coupler. It is barely detectable when the steering coupler is installed on the car.

My recommendation would be to have your steering box rebuilt. Otherwise, just make sure that you get an exchange unit with the cast iron cover and "non flat surface" worm shaft

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Joe,

Thanks for the clarifications. The 68-69 JM confuses me in the sense that aluminum covers were used also in 68. Maybe it's just my interpretation.

Please help with my assumption: that the cast iron cover with the numbers 297 6723 77 would be correct/original for the 68 steering gear box. Thanks in advance. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Joe,

Thanks for the clarifications. The 68-69 JM confuses me in the sense that aluminum covers were used also in 68. Maybe it's just my interpretation.

Please help with my assumption: that the cast iron cover with the numbers 297 6723 77 would be correct/original for the 68 steering gear box. Thanks in advance. Tom #24014

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom----

The judging manual does say that 68s had aluminum steering box covers. I disagree with that. Every original 68 that I've seen has had a cast iron cover. I just had the opportunity to examine a 1 -owner 68 that had been stored for over 20 yeras and had very low mileage. A friend of mine bought it from the estate of the recently deceased original owner. It had a cast iron cover. I'm certain that it was original.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom----

The judging manual does say that 68s had aluminum steering box covers. I disagree with that. Every original 68 that I've seen has had a cast iron cover. I just had the opportunity to examine a 1 -owner 68 that had been stored for over 20 yeras and had very low mileage. A friend of mine bought it from the estate of the recently deceased original owner. It had a cast iron cover. I'm certain that it was original.

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Thanks Joe. I really wasn't doubting your word. I've already had a few notorious comments made to me about some items in the 68 JM and was thinking this was one of "those". But I'm still curious about the numbers, since I know little about them or what they identify. If I can get someone else to "post-up" I'd still like to know, otherwise I'll "Re-Visit" when you get back. Have a good time. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Thanks Joe. I really wasn't doubting your word. I've already had a few notorious comments made to me about some items in the 68 JM and was thinking this was one of "those". But I'm still curious about the numbers, since I know little about them or what they identify. If I can get someone else to "post-up" I'd still like to know, otherwise I'll "Re-Visit" when you get back. Have a good time. Tom #24014

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom,

Joe's post on the 68 having a cast top steering box cover is correct. The manual is in error. Hope this enforces even farther your faith in Joe. Sure has been great to have his knowledge shared with us.

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom,

Joe's post on the 68 having a cast top steering box cover is correct. The manual is in error. Hope this enforces even farther your faith in Joe. Sure has been great to have his knowledge shared with us.

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

You bet, Gene. I've only been around the DB a short time but learned previously about Joe's wealth of knowledge. I mentioned to him once "that he's probably forgetten more than someone like me would ever LEARN".

Any ideas about the steering box numbers I have? Thanks. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

You bet, Gene. I've only been around the DB a short time but learned previously about Joe's wealth of knowledge. I mentioned to him once "that he's probably forgetten more than someone like me would ever LEARN".

Any ideas about the steering box numbers I have? Thanks. Tom #24014

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom,

Your numbers on the top casting (297 6723 77) look good the 297 is raised on a removable insert in the mold, via screw heads. The 6723 77 appeares as if stamped, depressed figures, I think they are cast in. To assure you my 68 built Nov. 67 is (261 6723 72) and my 67 built Apr 67 is(62 6723 57). Looks like ya have a good one.

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 Steering gear box

Tom,

Your numbers on the top casting (297 6723 77) look good the 297 is raised on a removable insert in the mold, via screw heads. The 6723 77 appeares as if stamped, depressed figures, I think they are cast in. To assure you my 68 built Nov. 67 is (261 6723 72) and my 67 built Apr 67 is(62 6723 57). Looks like ya have a good one.