'65 steering Box Advice

[Larry B.]

I just removed my steering coupler and found that the rag material was completely shot. When removing the lower coupler, I noticed that it was up against the box and slightly loose even though the special bolt was tight. The lower coupler showed some slight wear on the splines. In the photo does anyone see any abnormal wear or grooves in the steering box shaft? I am hoping the problem is with the lower coupler which will be replaced. Thanks, Larry

[Timothy B.]

Re: '65 steering Box Advice

Larry,

I know you don't want to hear this but something is not right with that worm shaft. In 1965 the worm shaft is round with no flat like the picture shows.

The pinch bolt in the lower coupling should be centered in the groove of the worm shaft and when tight there should be no movement. This center position locates the lower rag portion relative to the box and you state it is very close.

I think you need to go further into the box..

[Jim S.]

Re: '65 steering Box Advice

The gear in the picture is not original.
One, all Corvette gears from 1963 through mid 1969 have full round 3/4 dia input shafts with 36 splines (the splines would actually appear to be quite fine.) Your gear appears to have an input shaft with a flat, 3/4 dia and 30 splines (course looking splines.)

So all 1963 through 1966 flange and coupling assemblies for the Corvette would have had gear flanges that were 3/4 dia with 36 full round splines.

Most likely the original gear was replaced with a newer gear sometime in the life of your Vette. Then someone proceeded to cobble the original flex coupling to the newer gear. Your flex coupling would not just slide onto the gear shaft because of the incompatiblity of the 36 and 30 splines. Your original assembly could most likely be made to assemble to the newer gear with a flat by "springing" the flange open, sliding the flange onto the gear shaft, and then tightening the pinch bolt to crush the splines together. My guess would be that the gear shaft splines are harder than the splines in the soft cast iron flex coupling flange. I think that you will find the coupling flange splines to be virtually wiped out.

BTW, a 1965 steering gear would have a cast iron top cover (not die cast as shown). Also, there is no pitman shaft adjustment left in the gear. There should be at least three full threads showing past the top cover adjuster nut. The adjuster screw appears to be flush with the nut.

So you are most likely going to need a gear rebuild anyway. You might just as well have it rebuilt with the correct input shaft or just purchase a new or remanned Corvette gear (1963 through early 1969).

I can supply the name of a certain rebuilder who could also supply the correct flange and coupling assembly. You can PM me if interested. (I have no connection whatsoever.)
Jim

[Larry B.]

Re: '65 steering Box Advice

What are the instructions for removing the steering box? I would like to remove it myself and send it out for rebuild. Any instructions would be appreciated! Larry

[Gary R.]

Re: '65 steering Box Advice

Larry
As I mentioned in my last response that box needs attention. I can clearly see it's pretty much a core now so you may want to find a 63-68 with iron cover to build. Cores are only worth $25 and most used boxes are in bad shape so be careful if you buy a used one.
If that box is a 75-82 it will have a date code on the back. The 60's boxes had a "A" in a circle and the early 70's had a "T" in a circle. The gear ratio is the same but that is the flat shaft design started in use in late 69 - '70. The rag should have a mating "D" flat on it and on center the flat should be at 12 o'clock.
If you're only concerned with a driver then that box and be fit with the correct gear and even an iron cover if you find one.

Here are the 2 gear type ends



Also check the pitman shaft to be sure it is for a PS or Manual car. The PS end with 383, the manual 451




This what your box should look like. This is a 68 I blueprinted with new gears.

[Larry B.]

Re: '65 steering Box Advice

Great photos Gary! Can I get instructions how to remove the box? Gary, I sent you an email. Thanks Larry