C3 Steering Box

[James Keddie]

I'm getting ready to replace the steering box in my '70 sb and am considering a replacement from FastCorvette.com. I believe I have seen them mentioned previously on this site. Has anyone had any experience with this vendor or their steering box? Also, they have remanufactuered boxes and all new boxes (used case), any opinions if it's worth the extra $200 to get all new guts vs reconditioned?
Thanks, Jim 42765

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Steering Box

James about 12 years ago I removed my 70's steering gear and sent it off for rebuild. My original owner 70 had about 140K miles on it. The main reason I removed it was to have new seals. Nothing was required in the gear department, the rebuilder sent back a note saying the gears were "mint". Believe this cost me about $100.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Steering Box

Jim and James-----

Yes, the steering gears used for 1963-82 Corvettes (worm gear/nut and sector (pitman) shaft, are VERY durable. That's because they're very hard. Many years ago I tested a set of these gears with a Rockwell hardness tester. The gears were off the highest scale.

[James Keddie]

Re: Jim & Joe - Thanks

It sounds like the way to go then to tighten up my steering is with a rebuild using new seals, bearings, bushings and gaskets. Thanks for the advice.

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Steering Box

Steering gear overhaul is fairly straight forward, and the procedure is in the various Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manuals. There are a number of specialists who can do the job if you don't want to tackle it yourself. Like with axle overhauls, you'll need a "small" lb-in torque wrench and patience.

The dynamic duo of Bradley and Williams have a steering gear overhaul article on deck for The Corvette Restorer.

Duke

[James Keddie]

Re: C3 Steering Box

Thanks Duke, any idea when the article will appear?

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Steering Box

The article is submitted, but I don't know when Terry has it scheduled. Figure at least a couple of issues out.

Duke

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Steering Box

The second installment of the Duke & Bill differential story is in the Spring issue. I'll try to get the steering box article into the Summer issue. I'll have to see how long it is to see if it needs to go in two parts. I've been too wrapped up in the Spring issue to look to the future.

[James Keddie]

Thanks Terry, I'll be watching for it! *NM*