Question re: correct part # on steering box

[Jason Conn]

I just pulled the steering box off of my '68 to rebuild it. It is clear that the box, if not original, has never been off the car, and if it is a replacement it took place a long time ago. Anyway, the 68 TIM&JG states that the cover plate is free of symbols, letters or numbers, of which mine have plenty. (Pics included)

My question is, why would one replace only the cover plate if it has been done? And if the steering box has been replaced, what other GM chasis's did this box fit if any.

Thanks as always in advance, Jason


Pics of my steering box

[Joe L.]

Re: Question re: correct part # on steering box

Jason------

Your steering box cover is correct for 1968. In fact, this style cast iron cover was used on all 1963-68 Corvettes. It MAY have been used for VERY early 1969, too. However, most 1969s have the cast aluminum cover which is the one that has no markings or symbols. All 1969-82 steering boxes use the aluminum cover. The aluminum cover has been the only one available to SERVICE all 1963-82 Corvettes since July, 1970 when the 63-68 cover, GM #5666722, was discontinued and replaced by the cast aluminum cover, GM #7806748.

[Jason Conn]

Re: Question re: correct part # on steering box

Thanks Joe as always...good information!

[Mike Baker]

Re: Question re: correct part # on steering box

Joe/Jason

This is an interesting tread, I purchased a 63-68 re-built steering gear from one of the parts houses and it arrived with an aluminum cover. After checking the TIM&JG I was confused by the reference to the aluminum cover as my original was cast.

The casting numbers on the "case" are identical except for the single digit above the casting number. The original gear has a 1 the new one has a 2. Jason, this looks to be consistant with yours. Aside from the casting being a little cleaner I cannot see a difference.

Prior to noticing that difference I was considering swapping the covers rather than sending the gear back. Joe, any idea if they are interchangeable?

Now, I may just return it and find someone who can rebuild the original for me, I'm not really set up to do it myself.

[Joe L.]

Re: Question re: correct part # on steering box

Mike------

The covers are completely interchangeable. The covers are supplied with a bushing already installed. Often times, folks replace the cover rather than trying to install a new bushing in the cover, which is how GM intended for the cover bushing to be serviced. No bushing was ever available from GM in SERVICE to replace the one in the cover. So, to obtain a bushing one has to use one of the housing bushings and cut it shorter in a lathe.

To salvage the early-style cast iron covers used from 63-68 folks often do just that. It's a little difficult to remove the bushing without damage to the cover, but it can be done.

You can remove your aluminum replacement cover and install a cast iron one with a new bushing installed. Externally, there are only 3 different 63-82 Corvette steering gear box configurations:

1963-68----cast iron cover, worm gear (input) shaft with no flat spot

1969-------cast aluminum cover, worm gear shaft with no flat spot

70-82------cast aluminum cover; worm gear shaft with flat spot for coupling indexing

[mike hom]

Re: Question re: correct part # on steering box

Mike: Check out www.cvsteering.com

Tom did mine about a month ago (65 BB car). Very courteous, nice work and it was returned promptly. Highly reccomended by several folks on Da Board, now including me.