Steering Box- interchange?

[Coley]

Does anyone know if a (quick ratio) steering box out of a 73' or 74' GM pickup will fit in the 69-72's without issue?
I think these '73/'74 units were still (pre-metric) imperial fittings, etc but to my understanding they had an option for a little faster ratio which would be a nice upgrade?
I'm talking 2wd 1/2 ton to 2wd 1/2 ton interchange
Anything to watch for or problems? steering knuckle fit etc or?

Thanks
Coley

[Tx Firefighter]

Yes, the box will interchange without mods.

[72bowtiestepper]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Yes, the box will interchange without mods.

Thanks Tx Firefighter !....I will be doing the same swap on my 72 C-10...good info.

[Hart_Rod]

What's the difference in the 2 ratios? What would be a good aftermarket box to purchase? TIA.

[PanelDeland]

IIRC the later boxes are actually a Variable Ratio and are 3 1/2 turns lock to lock. The originals are 4 1/2 turns LTL and are not variable.

[davischevy]

I've always just gone to my favorite auto parts store and asked for a box for a 1978 model.

In years past the input shaft was the same as the 67-72 and I could use the old rag joint. The last three I did required a new rag joint for the smaller diameter input shaft.

As old as these original joints are, it's not a bad idea to change it anyway.

[Onebean]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

IIRC the later boxes are actually a Variable Ratio and are 3 1/2 turns lock to lock. The originals are 4 1/2 turns LTL and are not variable.

Does that variable ratio drive noticeably different that the stock unit? I'm considering replacing my box with something better/faster. I was looking at this LARES 11074 on Rock Auto. I haven't done any research on it yet though. Pretty spend at $333.

Onebean

[Coley]

Originally Posted by davischevy

I've always just gone to my favorite auto parts store and asked for a box for a 1978 model.

In years past the input shaft was the same as the 67-72 and I could use the old rag joint. The last three I did required a new rag joint for the smaller diameter input shaft.

As old as these original joints are, it's not a bad idea to change it anyway.

1978?...were the fittings still imperial?...or did you have to add imperial to metric adapters to 'plumb' it in to the power steering lines, etc.
Maybe that was the final year for the imperial stuff....?

Coley

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Coley

1978?...were the fittings still imperial?...or did you have to add imperial to metric adapters to 'plumb' it in to the power steering lines, etc.
Maybe that was the final year for the imperial stuff....?

Coley

I don't think gm went to metric until the early 80s. 1981 maybe???

[lux]

I got the Red Head quick ratio gear. I read really good reviews. Ive had it on my truck for about 5 months now and am very happy so far, they are a bit pricey $349.95 but after all the reviews I read I believe its a very high quality unit.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67-72_chassis_2.htm

[67 chevelle]

I have a 1978 power steering box in my 68 c10 , replaced the old [leaking everywhere ]ram assist that was on it stock , love the feel of it now , changed the handling drastically in a good way .

I think I counted 12 fittings on the ram assist , most of them leaked .

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by lux

I got the Red Head quick ratio gear. I read really good reviews. Ive had it on my truck for about 5 months now and am very happy so far, they are a bit pricey $349.95 but after all the reviews I read I believe its a very high quality unit.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67-72_chassis_2.htm

Do you have a part number? is that price with our without an exchanage? TIA

[PanelDeland]

Originally Posted by Onebean

Does that variable ratio drive noticeably different that the stock unit? I'm considering replacing my box with something better/faster. I was looking at this LARES 11074 on Rock Auto. I haven't done any research on it yet though. Pretty spend at $333.

Onebean

It's a more "positive" feel with more feedback but I personally find it much better. The originals just always feel mushy to me since they require no effort to turn except of a long way to turn.
If you know someone with a square body, feel their assist and you'll notice the difference.

[PanelDeland]

Originally Posted by Coley

1978?...were the fittings still imperial?...or did you have to add imperial to metric adapters to 'plumb' it in to the power steering lines, etc.
Maybe that was the final year for the imperial stuff....?

Coley

I used a 81^ box on mine and a PS pump and brackets from a 74 or so Nova. The fittings didn't work with each other so I9 swapped the one from the back of the 81^ pump into the Nova Pump and used the factory hoses. I'll have some that fit better made but what I have works really good, they're just too long. That fitting in the back of the pump is the only real change needed to be able to use the later hoses.

[Already Gone]

So is bottom line here the fact that a steering box from a 1978 C10 is a bolt in?

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

So is bottom line here the fact that a steering box from a 1978 C10 is a bolt in?

Yes. May require a new rag joint. Around $135 US plus core at most parts stores.

[Onebean]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

IIRC the later boxes are actually a Variable Ratio and are 3 1/2 turns lock to lock. The originals are 4 1/2 turns LTL and are not variable.

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

It's a more "positive" feel with more feedback but I personally find it much better. The originals just always feel mushy to me since they require no effort to turn except of a long way to turn.
If you know someone with a square body, feel their assist and you'll notice the difference.

Thanks of the reply. I'll look into a square body box.

[slikside]

Sub'd.

[Ruscal]

Are any members using a 12:1 box on a daily driver? I would like to speed up my ratio, but wonder if 14:1 is quick enough for occasional autocross on a short bed truck? Would the 12:1 be too busy on the freeway?
Russ

[sackracing]

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