steering box
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
From: Fernandina Beach FL
The box is very easy to change. The hardest part is probably getting the pittman arm disconnected from the steering linkage and getting it off the box. You also have to loosen the steering column bracket at the firewall to allow the column to move away from the box to get the coupler disconnected. The service manual covers this very well and talks about making sure you get the column aligned when you put it back together.
There are several sources of rebuilt or new boxes. If you aren't interested in keeping the car original, I would go for a new one because they don't usually replace the gear assemblies in the rebuilds. Red River has new ones as well as several of the "normal" parts sources.
If I had looseness in my steering, I would also take a look at the coupling and the relay rod ball joint for play. These are both easily rebuilt and you might consider doing them while you are doing the steering box.
There are several sources of rebuilt or new boxes. If you aren't interested in keeping the car original, I would go for a new one because they don't usually replace the gear assemblies in the rebuilds. Red River has new ones as well as several of the "normal" parts sources.
If I had looseness in my steering, I would also take a look at the coupling and the relay rod ball joint for play. These are both easily rebuilt and you might consider doing them while you are doing the steering box.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
From: Fernandina Beach FL
Gary does a great job and helped me out a lot with my own rebuild. However, a good rebuild is more expensive than a new replacement. So, unless you are looking to keep the car original, I would go new.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,182
Likes: 94
From: going faster miles an hour...with the radio on in browns mills new jersey
Get a hold of 1 5/16" socket and a tool to remove the pitman arm.
You only need to disconnect the pitman arm at the steering box.
You should not have to disturb the steering column in order to remove the box.
You only need to disconnect the pitman arm at the steering box.
You should not have to disturb the steering column in order to remove the box.
