steering box C3

[Martyn T.]

I replaced my steering box with a supposed rebuilt from an internet supplier, but it seems to have slop in it too. If I grab the rag joint and turn with the wheels on the ground, I get about 1/2" of free wheel there which translates to approx 1 1/2 - 2" at the steering wheel before pitmam arm movement.
First, is that normal or acceptable ? Second, if not, where is a good source for a truly rebuilt box ?
I have already done rag joint, lower ball joints and idler arm, other parts are tight.
Thanks in advance,
Marty

[Joe L.]

Re: steering box C3

Marty-----

It sounds excessive to me. Van Steel or Bairs are good sources for a rebuilt steering box.

One of the problems with rebuilt steering boxes is that the parts that are generally replaced won't necessarily be enough to "make the steering box right". If there's wear on the pitman (sector) gear or the worm gear, the box is not going to be right unless those parts are replaced. It is true that these parts are usually serviceable, but they are not always serviceable (although some rebuilders may think they are). I think that Van Steel or Bair's know enough about these boxes to know when the major internal parts are good or bad.

The pitman gear and worm gear assembly for your steering box are GM-discontinued. However, new parts are available from Flaming River Industries. Also, if you're not concerned about exact originality, you can obtain a complete NEW steering box from Flaming River. The only significant difference between the original box and the Flaming River unit is the lack of the stylized Saginaw "S" logo on the case. Otherwise, the boxes are made from original Saginaw tooling.