Steering Box Install

[Larry B.]

I will be installing a new steering box in my '65 when it arrives. A few questions for the newbie install:

1.) Does the new gear have to be configured a certain way to get full left and right turning travel? Any special way to line up the pitman arm with the box?

2.) What type of grease does the box take?

3.) Should any lash adjustment be needed or is that preset?

I will be buying a brand new not rebuilt box.

Thanks all! Larry

[John H.]

Re: Steering Box Install

I will be installing a new steering box in my '65 when it arrives. A few questions for the newbie install:

1.) Does the new gear have to be configured a certain way to get full left and right turning travel? Any special way to line up the pitman arm with the box?

2.) What type of grease does the box take?

3.) Should any lash adjustment be needed or is that preset?

I will be buying a brand new not rebuilt box.

Thanks all! Larry

Larry -

You didn't indicate whether it's a GM steering gear or an aftermarket gear, so I'll assume it's a GM gear.

1. Turn the input shaft fully clockwise, then fully counter-clockwise, counting the number of turns; turn it back clockwise half that number of turns, and it should put you pretty close to centered. The pitman arm orientation will be obvious, as it has blind splines to locate it.

2. Chassis grease, as shown in the Chassis Service Manual.

3. The lash adjustment shouldn't require any attention.

[Larry B.]

Re: Steering Box Install

Hi John, Not sure which gear it will be. It will be from Corvette Central. If not GM any difference in adjustment? Larry

[Timothy B.]

Re: Steering Box Install

Larry,

I can't imagine corvette central selling a gear that needs grease. Anyway, go to auto parts store and get Lucas red and tacky grease with 540 * melting point, should be about $5./tube.

The lash is set with a inch pound torque wrench so don't fool with it. The box should turn easy from full lock and when going through the center (straight ahead) position you should feel slight tightness.

Pitman arm faces straight ahead in the center position and remember to align the lower rag coupling properly to the splines on the worm shaft because this will locate everything above and then make sure steering wheel is installed with the marks in the straight ahead position.

If the car does not steer straight then the toe needs to be adjusted but everything in the linkage above will be correct. Check archives for more info..

[Edward J.]

Re: Steering Box Install

Larry, one note is the coupling install is also important, There is a small line stamped on the upper steering shaft that is used to locate center, This line is where the pinch bolt opening is located. Hope this makes since.

[Larry B.]

Re: Steering Box Install

Larry,

I can't imagine corvette central selling a gear that needs grease. Anyway, go to auto parts store and get Lucas red and tacky grease with 540 * melting point, should be about $5./tube.

The lash is set with a inch pound torque wrench so don't fool with it. The box should turn easy from full lock and when going through the center (straight ahead) position you should feel slight tightness.

Pitman arm faces straight ahead in the center position and remember to align the lower rag coupling properly to the splines on the worm shaft because this will locate everything above and then make sure steering wheel is installed with the marks in the straight ahead position.

If the car does not steer straight then the toe needs to be adjusted but everything in the linkage above will be correct. Check archives for more info..

I just had a front end alignment. Are you saying that the alignment may be affected by the box install?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Steering Box Install

Larry,

Maybe, maybe not, when you install the box make sure everything is installed/aligned per the shop manual. There is a correct alignment for the pitman arm, rag joint and steering wheel.

If after doing this the car does not go straight when the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position then the toe will need to be adjusted. It's not a big deal and you can do it at home.