66 Steering Gear Box Cover

[Dave B.]

My '66 L79 with telescopic steering has a correct steering box case from Saginaw #5677649. The cover says CHECK--> <--Lube but does not have the needed part # 5666723. Appears I have a cast iron replacement top.
Does any one know if these correct tops are available...or came on any other GM cars? Can't find any reference to them being interchangeable with any other cars.
Thanks
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

My '66 L79 with telescopic steering has a correct steering box case from Saginaw #5677649. The cover says CHECK--> <--Lube but does not have the needed part # 5666723. Appears I have a cast iron replacement top.
Does any one know if these correct tops are available...or came on any other GM cars? Can't find any reference to them being interchangeable with any other cars.
Thanks
Dave

Dave-----


I don't know that every one of these covers actually had the casting number on it. In any event, these covers were used on MANY other Chevrolet applications, including:

1955-68 passenger cars without power steering

1960-68 series 10 thru series 30 trucks

[Dave B.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Thanks Joe...as always.
Just got the car judged at chapter and took a ding for not having a number. Will hit my favorite yard to see what I can find.
Regards,
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Thanks Joe...as always.
Just got the car judged at chapter and took a ding for not having a number. Will hit my favorite yard to see what I can find.
Regards,
Dave

Dave-----


These covers were really never designed to be serviced. In other words, the bushing was pretty much designed to be replaced with the cover, if replacement was necessary. However, the bushing can be replaced, albeit it must be done carefully. A reduced length, lower bushing can be used for replacement.

[Dave B.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Hmmmmm... May give this some thought. Might be a lot of work and trouble for a couple of points.
Cheers,
Dave

[Gary R.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Keep in mind replacing the cover will require proper lash setup. Doing this wrong will wreck the gears. I've replaced way too many gears sets that were worn out by improper box setup in the past by alignment shops, garages,and owners.

[Dave B.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Gary,
You and Joe convinced me to leave well enough alone.
Cheers,
Dave

[Gary R.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Sorry Dave, didn't want to stop you- just inform you. I am doing a box now for a NCRS car to install the correct cover as well. This box was "rebuilt" before I got it and was done poorly. The gears were welded. You can see what I found here maybe you'll find it interesting. The box is now going to be better then it ever was from day one.

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76773

[Dave B.]

Re: 66 Steering Gear Box Cover

Thanks Gary,
Just redid the front end and my steering handles quite nicely. A previous owner must have had the steering box rebuilt which may explain the after-market cover.
It is obvious you do fine work, and I will remember that for the future.
Regards,
Dave