Jeep Steering Box Install
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
Monza, That is a old picture, from when I first did the conversion. I use a Borgensen u-joint now that you can buy that that has correct 3/4 spline on one end and double d on the box end. It is much more accurate and more precise.
The rag joint I used was a combination from a s-10 and something else I found at the junk yard . The last I heard, Tom (Corvette steering service) has all the parts you need to do a rag joint so you don't have to waste your time messing with creating things.
Good luck SSS
The rag joint I used was a combination from a s-10 and something else I found at the junk yard . The last I heard, Tom (Corvette steering service) has all the parts you need to do a rag joint so you don't have to waste your time messing with creating things.
Good luck SSS
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by wes weigle
What Jeep models, and what model years came with the steering box that is used for this conversion. Considering doing it. Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Omaha NE
Originally Posted by silverslashstreak
Hey Batman, here is a picture of my box mounting. I just keep and eye on it for movement and cracking. So far no change.
I have never heard a word from anyone not happy with this conversion. I spent 2 years trying to make rack work, never could get good road feel or flex out.
Hope this helps SSS
I have never heard a word from anyone not happy with this conversion. I spent 2 years trying to make rack work, never could get good road feel or flex out.
Hope this helps SSS
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 2
From: McDonough Georgia
Originally Posted by HDIronman
Very nice work, thanks for the write up. I've book marked this page so I have it when I'm ready to do the conversion. 
I bookmarked it too,maybe my steering box will puke and I'll have an excuse to do that.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Omaha NE
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I've got 1/2" plate for my mounting plate, but that's only because the stuff was free.
I plan on doing sidepipes next summer, so header clearance will be another consideration. Has anyone had issues with clearance on a small block? I know that's part of the reason norval cut his frame, but I don't plan on an engine over 500 CI any time soon 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
...I have done 4 pitman arms so far, even welded spindles with out a problem and on fear of one...
Last edited by saudivette; Aug 30, 2006 at 04:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Originally Posted by silverslashstreak
...for you guys who can't weld steering parts, I found a pitman arm in the junk yard , Which I think was off a mid 70s cadillac or olds. All I had to do was build a small bushing were the drag link attatched...
Originally Posted by silverslashstreak
...Another alternative is Tom a Corvette steering is now resplining the pitman shaft so you can use your stock pitman arm. Anyway you get there If you like driving your old vette it is the best mod going...
I like your idea SSS with the plate and countersunk bolts etc, but the pitman arm remains the problem. And no, Tom won't sell parts individually...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Originally Posted by spongebob46
...The pitman will only fit the output shaft on box in four locations. With the box at the center of it's travel and the steering linkage centered, the pitman is not even close to lining up with the stud on the relay rod. If memory serves me correctly, I think the end of the pitman was about 2" to the right of the relay rod stud...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Rockbridge Ohio
Originally Posted by saudivette
Hi Spongebob. If you got a Jeep pitman arm re-splined, ie, had the four locators machined as splines, would it fit the stud correctly then?
I considered removing the locators but the output shaft would still have the voids where the locators fit origionally and I thought it might be too many splines missing. In the end I thought it best to just cut the pitman arm and weld it.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
Saudi, Tom sold me my first pitman arm before he was doing the kit for the vette and I found another in a junk yard. They match very well, But you have to make a bushing for the relay rod end so it will fit in the pitman arm tightly.
What I meant to say about Toms deal, is that for the money (about 700) you can bolt his deal on in a afternoon and drive away and it really works.
I have been on both coast with mine and it is still my favorite mod. I have a new picture with the Borgensen joint and it also is a good improvement. My joint fit with no mod to the joint or the input shaft of the box.
SSS
What I meant to say about Toms deal, is that for the money (about 700) you can bolt his deal on in a afternoon and drive away and it really works.
I have been on both coast with mine and it is still my favorite mod. I have a new picture with the Borgensen joint and it also is a good improvement. My joint fit with no mod to the joint or the input shaft of the box.
SSS
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Thanks for the help guys. Tom's deal IS good, especially as it's "plug n play" but the shipping cost to send it to me would be horrendous - that's the only reason I baulked at it.
I have no problems working with my hands, but don't have access to a welder and would not put my life in the hands of a local welder. However, there are some great machine shops here, that's why I asked about the splines. Would the Jeep pitman arm be the right length though if I resplined it? Or can you allow for it's length by playing around with the positioning of the steering box?
This one might have to go on the back burner for a while...
I have no problems working with my hands, but don't have access to a welder and would not put my life in the hands of a local welder. However, there are some great machine shops here, that's why I asked about the splines. Would the Jeep pitman arm be the right length though if I resplined it? Or can you allow for it's length by playing around with the positioning of the steering box?
This one might have to go on the back burner for a while...
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Omaha NE
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Go to "Advanced Search" check the "Archives" box, then select the C3 forums and search for "Jeep Box" - Norval posted a list of everything you need to hook it up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Originally Posted by saudivette
...This one might have to go on the back burner for a while...
Or.... I could say "bugger it" and badger Tom for a few days to get me the best shipping price and just get it.
The kit should be here in a week or 2...
