65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

[Jack W.]

Any advice of a trusted and competent rebuilder of mid-year steering boxes? It's time . . . .

[Jim T.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

I have only had the one on my 70 done. I sent it to Corvette Steering Service, INC. in Anderson,SC Tom Reina 803 287-9990. I believe he has or has an add of his services advertised in the NCRS Driveline. Mine ended up with just new grease, his inspection of the gears, and new seals. He said my gears were "mint".

[Donald L.]

www.corvettesteering.com *NM*

[Todd H 26112]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Out of curiousity do folks not rebuild these themselves? On some cars I have experience w/ I would not attempt this but on C2s/C3s - I halfway thought this to be do-able at home.

What are the tell-tale signs - too much slop that can't be adjusted out?

[Gary S.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

I have a friend here in Pittsburgh, PA who rebuilds Corvette steering boxes, differentials, trailing arms, etc for a living. He gave a seminar at Bloomington a while back on rebuilding steering boxes. A lot of folks showed up, a lot of questions were asked and answered and then most folks who needed boxes rebuilt sent them out. My friend who does this, does one a time by himself. I have watched him do my trailing arms, differential and others boxes. I leave all that to him. I do the rest.
Gary

[Todd H 26112]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Out of curiosity was there anything about the information presented or watching him that should rightfully scare an avid DIYer away?

I love doing manual transmissions like a 4 speed and I'm on the fence about ever tearing into trailing arms/bearings. I'm a bit shy on doing differentials however. GM steerinb boxes are not something I ever honestly gave much thought too.

thanks,

[Dave McDufford]

[Dick W.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Rebuilding the steering box is not "black magic" by any means, but takes time and a little mechanical talent. I believe if you will look in any C-2 chassis service manual, you will find a detailed set of instructions on the rebuild. However I do not know if the balls are still available from GM. I think that the oil seals probably available from C/R or National. Just time and patience

[Dave McDufford]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

I got the balls, bearings and other parts (shims, gaskets, etc.) for my 65 from Long Island Corvette in a kit for $50. The rebuild was fairly simple using the shop manual. As I said earlier the only unusual tool was the inch pound torque wrench to set the bearing load.

Dave

[Todd H 26112]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Thanks Dick & Dave - that's pretty much what I figured on the steering boxes - service manuals have pretty detailed instructions. Outside of differential setups - pretty much everything else is fair game for me

thanks,

[Jack W.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

oh you gots the balls all right! If you live near me, I'll buy the beer, you drop on by for a little steering box rebuild party? And thanks to all who provided info on my original query.

[Gary S.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Transmissions, trailing arms, and differentials are out of the question for me. On the other hand, I would try a steering box. Too many tight tolerances, special tools, and patience in the other items.
Gary

[Todd H 26112]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

My gut feeling is that if you are up to tackling a steering box a manual transmission may be do-able as well. One place that has some good info on Muncies is (I think!) 4speeds.com - if that doesn't work send me an email and I'll look it up. I've done some Italian and Japanese manual trannies and really enjoyed them when it was all said and done. But I'll still pass on differentials and automatics (actually I'm yet to have ever owned an auto equipped car)

[Richard D.]

Re: 65 Steering Box Rebuild Rec

Todd:

Check out this guy's rebuid page, he has pics of a torn down box he did.

Rich

http://www.69vetteman.com/Page12.htm