It Seems I Have Some Lag In My Steering. Has Anyone Switched Out Their Steering Box? My Vette Is A 73 Bb With Headers. How Big Of A Project Is This?

 

I pm'd you some info.
Gary

 

You should think about getting a Pitman arm removal tool. Similarly a tie rod removal tool (Where the Pitman arm is attached to the relay rod.) Supposedly a pickle fork can remove the relay rod to Pitman arm connection, but I think that will be overly optimistic; the tie rod removal tool is the best bet. Also, look at the nut that attaches the Pitman arm to the steering box. It is a big nut. You need to get a socket for that nut. My local Sears store has them, but it's an uncommonly large size. Also, the nut torques on and off at large torque values. I think you need about 130 foot pounds (150?) to re-install the nut. So you need a torque wrench. Since your car is old, you may want to replace the flexible coupler (AKA rag joint).

Also, a helpful tip. When you've got a lot of torque cranked into the Pitman arm removal tool, and the the arm isn't breaking free---give the Pitman arm casting near the box shaft a good smack with a hammer. The hammer impact will often vibrate the Pitman arm casting enough to cause it to suddenly break loose. Similarly if the relay tie rod/Pitman arm is not wanting to break loose, give the relay rod a good smack also. The hammer technique works best if you've applied so much torque to the removal tool, you feel uncomfortable. That's when it's time to try a hammer blow or two.


(Don't know if the headers will be a special problem. The steering box, when loose, should drop straight down, so hopefully the headers will not be an interference.)

 

Junk everything and go with a Corvette Steering Service "Jeep" conversion box if your not a NCRS type of owner.

 

It's a good amount of work, but your average do it yourselfer should be able to do it without too many problems. What will give you trouble is the headers. You would have to do something with them so they clear the edge of a non stock steering box. I've seen pics where people have actually notched their headers for clearance.


Do get a pitman arm puller!!! I bought one at Autozone for like $12. Even if I never use it again it was worth the money for the aggravation it saved me. Ditto on the tie rod puller.

 

??? Fill me in! What's the deal? Steerroids? What about $$$$


Thanks!

 

Here is the info. This might be a future install for me. I like this better than Steeroids
http://www.corvettesteering.com/55-57%20chevy.htm

 

I am with solid lt1 , go with the jeep box. I have had one for about 3 years now and may be single best improvement I have done in 30 years to the 63, oops there I go showing my age. SSS