Steering Box Question - '79 Vette
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13
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Steering Box Question - '79 Vette
I just bought a remanufactured steering box from one of the Vette parts houses and had it installed on my '79. I've done this with another vette I owned before and the result was excellent. Unforutnately, not the case this time. The reman steering box still allows enough 'play' in the wheel to be dangerous on the road. I even installed a new rag joint with the reman install, but still, not very good response and too much play.
Is it possible that the reman needs to be adjusted to 'get rid of the play' OR should I bite the bullet and order a NEW Steering box for my '79? I would hope that a new unit with the new rag joint would eliminate ALL play. Appreciate the forum's thoughts!
Vinny
Is it possible that the reman needs to be adjusted to 'get rid of the play' OR should I bite the bullet and order a NEW Steering box for my '79? I would hope that a new unit with the new rag joint would eliminate ALL play. Appreciate the forum's thoughts!
Vinny
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
When you get a rebuild box, you should be able to bolt it on and drive. If it has to be adjusted it wasn't done right. Forget new boxes, Saginaw hasn't made one in 20-25 years.
Send it back and good luck. I suggest you learn to install them as well as you may get another in the same condition and paying a shop to swap boxes will cost more in the long run then one built correctly.
Send it back and good luck. I suggest you learn to install them as well as you may get another in the same condition and paying a shop to swap boxes will cost more in the long run then one built correctly.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
I just rebuilt my 40 year old box based on the paper put out by GTR1999...excellent results...had the car out last night and the steering is tight once again. So, my point is, with the right tools and some mechanical know how, you can probably get it right on your own for a lot less $$.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
I went through numerous rebuilds from multiple Corvette suppliers on this forum and each had their own horror story. I even tried a new one. Finally I sent it off to Gary (GTR1999) for a rebuild. The results were incredible. My car drives like new again. It was one of the best investments I made on my car. He is a master at this and I would not waste any more time trying remanufactured one. Sent it to him or get his paper and rebuild your original. Good luck.
