Steering gear cases

[D S.]

Are C-3 steering gear boxes dated?

[Edward J.]

Re: Steering gear cases

Scott, I don't beleive that they were, I remember reading a post awhile back, just a part # and maybe some markings depending on the year of car.Older C2 cars had a cast iron plate on the steering boxes C3 have a alum. plate.

[Gary R.]

Re: Steering gear cases

The late C3 were cast dated and had a metal date tag on a cover bolt. Think it started in 75.

[D S.]

Re: Steering gear cases

I have an NCRS member friend who owns a 1970 that is looking to purchase a rebuilt 1973 steering gear rather than having his own rebuilt. Says it would be lesser expensive. I was concerned about dates or differences.

[Gary R.]

Re: Steering gear cases

He's better off rebuilding his rather then exchanging it.

Word of caution, a lot of the "rebuilt" boxes on the auction sites are in the $100-$150 range and are not very good. These will not have new gears and often the quality of the build is bad. I had to repair/rebuild enough of them to know,many are just painted and overgreased. Lash & preload settings were way off on everyone I was sent. One rebuilder welded the teeth another installed the worm upside down and sold it as rebuilt.
Good luck.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Steering gear cases

He's better off rebuilding his rather then exchanging it...

Copy that...I would have to be certain the component had no markings, and there would have to be significant cost or technology advantages for me to trade in my original parts; e.g. stainless sleeved calipers with O-ring piston seals. I would probably still keep the original and pay the core charge...just in case.