Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jerdusk981 · 12-29-2014, 04:17 AM

I need to replace my worn out steering gear box, any recommendations on where I should get one? What are your thoughts on a quick ratio steering gear box for my truck since it is a lifted 4x4? I was going to replace the steering rag joint coupler and hoses, are there any other parts I should be replacing while I am doing this?

andrewmp6 · 12-29-2014, 08:48 AM

How big of a lift do you have on it?And what size tires do you have on it?

tucsonjwt · 12-29-2014, 09:04 AM

When buying a new steering box you will find different values for your old core. I would look for a vendor that gives you the most for your old core. I have seen a core value of $90 +. Many years ago a got a new box from AutoZone and was only about $20 cash out of pocket after core return - that box is still working fine - no leaks. A Delco rebuild would be my first choice, but I would not spend a lot of money for it. Check the usual OEM suspects:
www.rockauto.com
www.oewarehouse.com
www.oehq.com
www.autopartstomorrow.com
ebay
amazon

jerdusk981 · 12-29-2014, 04:05 PM

6" lift, 35" tires

Ski-me · 12-29-2014, 06:24 PM

I'd definitely check out Red Head in Seattle. I JUST finished installing my gear box from them 2 days ago in my suburban and it's nice and tight. From my research, a lot of rebuilt ones are done poorly or not re-spec'd out. They may just replace seals, etc and miss the critical parts.....that tend to show up 6 months after installing.

After my research, Red Head puts in a lot more work and price isn't really all that bad. I'd rather do the job once for a slightly higher price than 3 times trying to get a decent one out of Autozone.....

andrewmp6 · 12-30-2014, 08:01 AM

If you want to go bigger tires or lift i would look in to cross over steering.Most cross over steering uses a 2wd steering box so keep that in mind.

**1774btcrew** · 12-30-2014, 10:41 PM

I checked RedHead Steering in Seattle and couldn't find any 2wd boxes. Has anyone bought a 2wd box from them?

Ski-me · 01-02-2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

I checked RedHead Steering in Seattle and couldn't find any 2wd boxes. Has anyone bought a 2wd box from them?

Give them a call. The stuff on the website are their "normal stock" items but I think they can do any box you want. Nice guys so pretty easy to find out if they have a 2wd box on hand or could do one for you.

**1774btcrew** · 01-02-2015, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski-me

Give them a call. The stuff on the website are their "normal stock" items but I think they can do any box you want. Nice guys so pretty easy to find out if they have a 2wd box on hand or could do one for you.

Thanks for the info. I will have to try and give them a call. Just weird they don't show a box as common as a 2wd Chevy truck.

LuckyLightning · 01-02-2015, 09:53 PM

You can also just try rebuilding it. Tx Firefighter did a great write-up with step-by-step instructions for how to do it. I will be tackling it next week for my '79 K20 when the parts get in.

donut · 01-03-2015, 08:39 AM

I like that writeup. I attempted a rebuild, but found the PO also did it. Missing ball bearings and the shaft was visibly worn. Ended up with a re-man unit. Did get an education though.

12-29-2014, 04:17 AM	#1
jerdusk981 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: California Posts: 9	Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 I need to replace my worn out steering gear box, any recommendations on where I should get one? What are your thoughts on a quick ratio steering gear box for my truck since it is a lifted 4x4? I was going to replace the steering rag joint coupler and hoses, are there any other parts I should be replacing while I am doing this?

12-29-2014, 08:48 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 How big of a lift do you have on it?And what size tires do you have on it?

12-29-2014, 09:04 AM	#3
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 When buying a new steering box you will find different values for your old core. I would look for a vendor that gives you the most for your old core. I have seen a core value of $90 +. Many years ago a got a new box from AutoZone and was only about $20 cash out of pocket after core return - that box is still working fine - no leaks. A Delco rebuild would be my first choice, but I would not spend a lot of money for it. Check the usual OEM suspects: www.rockauto.com www.oewarehouse.com www.oehq.com www.autopartstomorrow.com ebay amazon

12-29-2014, 04:05 PM	#4
jerdusk981 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: California Posts: 9	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 6" lift, 35" tires __________________ 1973 K20 Camper Special

12-29-2014, 06:24 PM	#5
Ski-me Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colo Springs, CO Posts: 870	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 I'd definitely check out Red Head in Seattle. I JUST finished installing my gear box from them 2 days ago in my suburban and it's nice and tight. From my research, a lot of rebuilt ones are done poorly or not re-spec'd out. They may just replace seals, etc and miss the critical parts.....that tend to show up 6 months after installing. After my research, Red Head puts in a lot more work and price isn't really all that bad. I'd rather do the job once for a slightly higher price than 3 times trying to get a decent one out of Autozone..... __________________ - Jeff 89' K5 Blazer, 2.5" lift, 35" tires 04' GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 8.1L

12-30-2014, 08:01 AM	#6
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 If you want to go bigger tires or lift i would look in to cross over steering.Most cross over steering uses a 2wd steering box so keep that in mind.

12-30-2014, 10:41 PM	#7
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,603	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 I checked RedHead Steering in Seattle and couldn't find any 2wd boxes. Has anyone bought a 2wd box from them? __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

01-02-2015, 09:53 PM	#10
LuckyLightning Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 348	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 You can also just try rebuilding it. Tx Firefighter did a great write-up with step-by-step instructions for how to do it. I will be tackling it next week for my '79 K20 when the parts get in. __________________ Michael - 1962 C20 LB stepside (project thread) - sold - 1963 Chevy C10 LB stepside (donor) - 1963 Chevy C10 LB Custom flatbed (project thread) - sold - 1979 K20 LB fleetside (project thread) Favorite exchange on the board so far: ol_Curt: "Jason, do you have power steering?" jason65: "No, but I lift weights."

01-03-2015, 08:39 AM	#11
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Steering gear box is worn out '73 K20 I like that writeup. I attempted a rebuild, but found the PO also did it. Missing ball bearings and the shaft was visibly worn. Ended up with a re-man unit. Did get an education though. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

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