Well, in my experience the control valve/slave cylinder can suddenly decide to go full lock in one direction or the other, which is virtually impossible to overcome, especially given the surprise and urgency of the situation when in motion. The last time (BTDT twice) this happened to me, had there been opposing traffic I likely wouldn't be posting. As it was, I managed to get stopped a couple of feet shy of a telephone pole. This is obviously a rare occurrence, but when something like this happens to you, you're 100% involved. From what I've heard, I am one of the lucky ones.

I like the improved feel of the manual steering, but parking lot maneuvers are a drag. Just exploring options that may solve the latter issue while offering precise feel.

 

I've had the Jeep box on my 70 for 3 yrs. Nice thing is it used the stock sector arm and did not require cutting or welding. Got it from Tom.
My only criticism is it is very sensitive and the car tends to dart if one is not careful on the input. After getting accustomed to it, it is OK.

 

Agreed! Mine has zero slop in it but it does leak a few drops if the car isn't driven all the time.

I have no problem with the design of the OEM system, but the replacement parts for it suck. I wish they could be as good equipt as the original.

I have replaced the pump several times as well as all the hoses and the RAM twice.

 

If your looking for the Chevelle pitman arm should be a GM #7814221 .

They are hard to find, but there is one on the auction site right now. 170307235736

 

Charlie I don't want to go off topic here but except for parking are you otherwise satisfied with the manual box? Also is your manual box stock or modified?

Thanks Jack

 

3JsVette, I don't consider it off topic. It's a stock box, w/the Guldstrand catalog thrown at pretty much everything else between the knuckles. Box is due a thorough inspection / tune. Yes, I'm pleased other than when parking. As mentioned, I'm just looking into the alternatives while it's down, as I don't want to leave a stone unturned this time around.

 

I used the Corvette Steering Service kit on my 80 and love it. I did change the mounting slightly to the frame by using 7/16" grade 8 bolts and I also welded another mounting tab to the top of the frame to catch another of the mounting tabs on the jeep box. Also welded a thin tapered piece of steel to the inside of the frame so the box would have a solid flat place to seat. I am not sure what the ratio of the box is, but I have 2 turns lock to lock and the car drives great, no slop and very responsive. One of the best mods I have done to the car. A friend has same setup on 66 road race car and tells me that at 150 mph+ his car steers a lot better than original vette steering gearbox. I added this jeep box to frame when body was off of car, but I believe with a little more sweat it could be done with body on OK. I like the fact that I now have only 2 power steering hoses runing to stock pump. No more cylinder ram or control valve leaks or problems. I know a lot of guys still run old system and swear by it, but after trying the old system for many years on many of the c-3 I have owned, all I can say is this jeep box is great.

 

Ground clearance? Your oil pan will hit before the rack or any of the brackets. The early brackets were somewhat prone to bending and tearing, but I've seen them take some serious abuse on a road course before that happens. I've autoX'd mine several times with no issues and have put many miles on it since the conversion. Typical failures seem to be the result of driving with noticeable slop (bolts not tightened properly) before the failure. The only disadvantage is getting out all the binding and the light steering.

Not to go off topic, but had to call

 

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1838
Relay Rod Adaptor,
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1838
Steering Box,
Hoses and new rag joint.

Looks like the Borgenson unit, but you can get the extra item you need like the hose, joint & adaptor to use the old PS relay rod.

 

Jeff,
What is the ratio of your box? Who is the road feel and steering effort with that type of box?
Your e-bay looks great with the new box.

 

Borgeson, thanks for posting up. Does the variable rate start out at a slower ratio (if so, what might that be?) and then progress to 12.7? It would seem a little too quick if 12.7 is the beginning ratio. ...or are any "slower" boxes available?

 

I just ordered a stainless U-joint from Borgeson through Summit racing. I think the price was about $88. I was given a part number of 114350. "11" stands for stainless steel (10 being the designation for regular steel). "43" represents the 48 spline Vette steering shaft. "50" represents 8DD, for the 18mm double-D of the Jeep box. At least this is what the Summit parts guy explained to me. It sounded like he had someone in the office on the phone with Borgeson as they created this part number, as it is not a standard offering. I hope it fits, as they said it would 2 to 3 weeks to get it shipped.
I'm hoping to have this box installed in the next couple of days, with any luck. It will be a little longer before I have the complete sytem hooked up though, as the front suspension is out of the car and I'm waiting on my hydoboost lines.

 

So it looks like the drag link adapter takes the place of the control valve, eliminating the need to change anything else in the steering system?

BTW, where are the systems sold? Through dealers or direct? Thanks.



Rick B.

 

I can find the Corvette Steering Box on your website, but not the drag link or the rage joint similar to what Ecklers shows.

 

Borgeson,
Thanks for going to the trouble to make this box happen. You're not the first, but you appear to have the lowest price. I suggest that you put together a package price, one for PS cars, and one for non-PS cars.

The former would comprise:- gear box, relay rod adapter, rag joint and hoses. An upgrade could include a Borgeson joint in lieu of the rag joint.

The latter would comprise:- gear box, rag joint, hoses and pump. Extras could include pulley, mounting bracket (for pump) and belt, etc. Also upgrade for Borgeson joint in lieu of rag joint.

I assume that the purchaser will be able to use his old Pitman arm in either swap.

Are you going to have a trade stand at Bowling Green or Mid America in August/September? A few thousand Corvettes are going to be in BG in early September and that would be a good place for you to display your goods. If so, I for one will be there checking it out.

Regards from Down Under

aussiejohn
5 months to go

 

Hi

This does sound very promising.
Would be my next winter project to convert my non PS BB 68 to this.
Would of course need the pump etc as well.
Does the Vette pump have the same pressure and flow rates as the Jeep pump, where this PS box comes from ? I understand that this is often a concern on the rack & pinion PS system, being far too sensitive with the old Vette pump.
Might be better to try to install a Jeep pump if possible ?

The pics show the box very much over to the drivers side, this would possibly clear the BB sidepipe headers as well ? Is the distance to the engine the same as on the manual box ?

Rgds. Günther

 

Hi Borgeson,

Does your corvette PS box work with a non Vette Chevy PS pump which has a higher pressure relief settings.

 

Borgeson,
Thanks for the above info. I understand about the pump/bracket situation, but you should be able to put together a package on the conversion kit for an original PS car.

I have a friend with a '68 big block non-PS car whose gf finds the steering too heavy to drive. He was looking at the Concept One kit at $1,000 until I told him about your box. He is very keen to buy one and will have no trouble finding a pump and brackets here. The same (or similar) pumps were fitted to hundreds of thousands of Holdens and there is no shortage of them in wrecking yards. All he needs is the box and either a rag or B. joint.

Also, are you going to have a display at BG in September?

Regards from Down Under

aussiejohn
5 months to go

 

Ok I think I am sold. I will be calling Borgeson this week to order and will keep the thread updated as we do the conversion.

 

Do I get a commission? Seriously, this does look like a good idea for many. Not sure what I'll end up doing or not doing myself.