1966 "new" steering box

[Richard E.]

Does anyone have first hand experience with the "new" 63-66 steering boxes offered by many Corvette parts dealers? Are they made with parts from USA and are they quality (safe) products, providing quality steering?

Also, how is the pitman arm aligned to the shaft spline of the box to make sure it gets indexed to the mid point of the steering arc?

Would it be better to have the original box rebuilt? Any recommendtions on quality rebuilders?

Thanks all for any input.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 "new" steering box

Rich-----

Until fairly recently, the 70-82 steering gear assembly (also easily adaptable to 67-69) was still available from GM. However, this gear assembly long ago ceased to be manufactured by Saginaw Gear, the original manufacturer. Instead, tooling for the steering gear was transferred to some manufacturing source in Canada and that's where these later SERVICE steering boxes were manufactured.

I believe, but I do not know for sure, that the aftermarket or "reproduction" steering boxes available today are manufactured by the same source, even though they are no longer available through GM. Outwardly, the steering boxes look pretty much the same and all internal parts of the original boxes will interchange with the later GM SERVICE and aftermarket/reproduction boxes. There is, however, one significant difference in external configuration. The large, stylized Saginaw "S" disappeared from the gearbox. Also, I believe that all of the aftermarket/reproductions use the aluminum gear cover rather than the cast iron used for 63-68. However, the cast iron cover may be now available.

The pitman arm shaft and pitman arm have two small, "flat" keyways in them. There are only 2 positions that the pitman arm can be installed on the shaft. One of those positions will be obviously incorrect.

In most cases, you're better off to just have your original steering box rebuilt. Even if it requires major internal parts, those are available through the same aftermarket/reproduction channels as the complete steering boxes. Most of the time, you will not require these parts, though.

Some excellent sources for steering box rebuild work are Bairs, Allen's Exhaust, and Van steel.

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 "new" steering box

Thank you Joe for the helpful information.
Rich

[Gary R.]

Re: 1966 "new" steering box

You will be much better off rebuilding yours. I have been sent several "new boxes" to inspect and the quality was poor. They were returned "as is" to the suppliers.
If your box has some of threads showing above the jam nut that is a good sign the lash can still be adjusted. It's not 100% but most times it's a very good indicator when doing a quick check.
When thinking about a rebuild ask how the job will be done so that you are sure of what you're getting. Joe's recommendations are very good. I've boxes sent to me that were also rebuild but "not right". I found a nice looking paint job with new grease and all the old parts inside. The lash was set way below set point on center and in one case the gears were totaly worn out.
The gears by the way are the most expensive part and are now hard to get. They have been back ordered for a while now.
I machine bushings to fit the pitman shafts on each box so that I can control the amount of sideplay in the bushings and greatly improve on the feel of the box.

Good luck, if you need any help let me know.

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 "new" steering box

Thank you Gary. I will check threads above jam nut as soon as I can. I've owned the car for 30 years, so I'm confident unit is original and never rebuilt. I expect settings to still be "factory" so thread should be "as built". If many threads show, can I adjust box on car somehow?

Looks like rebuild is route I need to take. If parts are hard to get I wonder what to expect in the rebuild. Possibly re-using slightly worn factory parts is preferred to replacing with reproductions? Difficult call.

Any specific questions I should ask rebuild vendor before sending in unit? Do you have a rebuilder that you trust / prefer? (Sounds like you rebuild your own) Thanks again.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 "new" steering box

Rich-----

Based upon what you described as to the history of the car, I very much doubt that you'll need new major internal parts (worm gear and nut assembly and sector gear). These are the parts that are hard-to-get and expensive. The remainder of the parts required for the normal rebuild are not too hard to get or expensive. Many are even still available from GM.