Steering Box - need new... recommendations?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Steering Box - need new... recommendations?
Hi all,
I think my steering box is shot because when I adjust the screw and jam nut on the top I see no change at all. I've got about 1" of play in the wheel and the car wants to dart to the left all the time so I think it's time for a change. Suspension rebuild is still down the road a piece but I think I can get a new steering box in there and help myself out. I don't have power brakes and my steering is currently manual so I think that rules out Steeroids, which I know to be popular on the forum. This is a street driver with some strip in the future but no road courses- although Chicago generally seems like a road course between the pot holes and the traffic...
What have some of the rest of you guys done? Manual steering box? Something from another model vehicle that will fit and function well?
I think my steering box is shot because when I adjust the screw and jam nut on the top I see no change at all. I've got about 1" of play in the wheel and the car wants to dart to the left all the time so I think it's time for a change. Suspension rebuild is still down the road a piece but I think I can get a new steering box in there and help myself out. I don't have power brakes and my steering is currently manual so I think that rules out Steeroids, which I know to be popular on the forum. This is a street driver with some strip in the future but no road courses- although Chicago generally seems like a road course between the pot holes and the traffic...
What have some of the rest of you guys done? Manual steering box? Something from another model vehicle that will fit and function well?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I would recommend you follow Jim Shea's paper on adjusting the steering box and other adjustments before you give up on it. There is a good chance replacing the steering box is not the solution. These papers have helped me and others a great deal.
Good luck.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4
Good luck.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
I just replaced my steering box last Saturday. Drives like a new car. I bought it off of that online auction site.
It came from
Ikerd's Corvette Suspension
Bedford, In.
129.00 plus 75.00 core chg.
Ordered on Monday and received on Tuesday.
Very fast shipping
It came from
Ikerd's Corvette Suspension
Bedford, In.
129.00 plus 75.00 core chg.
Ordered on Monday and received on Tuesday.
Very fast shipping
Last edited by Phil Zell; Oct 22, 2009 at 07:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
If you do not have any threads sticking out from the nut on the side cover (actually the top aluminum cover) of your gear, then you are out of adjustment and the gear needs to be rebuilt.
There are no other manual gears that will interchange with a C2/C3 Corvette manual gear.
There are so many "rebuilt" gears floating around with parts made in Mexico, China, etc, I just don't trust the parts any more.
If you are out of adjustment, send it to Gary (gtr1999) for a rebuild.
Jim
There are no other manual gears that will interchange with a C2/C3 Corvette manual gear.
There are so many "rebuilt" gears floating around with parts made in Mexico, China, etc, I just don't trust the parts any more.
If you are out of adjustment, send it to Gary (gtr1999) for a rebuild.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Oct 22, 2009 at 08:51 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Both Vette Brakes and Products and VanSteel offer rebuilt boxes. I just got my trailing arms rebuilt by VanSteel and they are top notch. I believe both of these companies are supporting vendors and offer forum discounts.
You can also buy a rebuild kit and tackle the rebuild yourself. If you don't have a 0 to 30 inch/lb torque wrench you'll have to invest in one.
A company called Flaming River also sells brand new boxes.
Check your steering coupler (rag joint) too, if you haven't already. If it is worn it will also cause slop in your steering.
You can also buy a rebuild kit and tackle the rebuild yourself. If you don't have a 0 to 30 inch/lb torque wrench you'll have to invest in one.
A company called Flaming River also sells brand new boxes.
Check your steering coupler (rag joint) too, if you haven't already. If it is worn it will also cause slop in your steering.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
That is unfortunate, he has helped me several times. I don't understand how aguy that has helped me numerous times could get banned. Anyone have his email address?
Last edited by Dantana; Oct 23, 2009 at 12:17 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
I went through two rebuilt boxes from known corvette suppliers and then had my box rebuilt by a rebuilder with terrible results. Based on a recommendation I sent my box to Gary and the results were incredible. The car felt like new again and I too drive the streets of Chicago!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar FL
I just purchased the Borgeson steering box for my '79. Do a search on the forum and you will get all the info you need. Ordered from Summitt as they are close to me and shipping was like $12. Took a week or so to get as they didn't have it in stock.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Just read a long thread on Borgeson power steering box install and one of the posters noted that if the power steering is not working but installed there would be excessive play in the column due to the control valve not functioning. I have a PS pump and everything is hooked up (hoses)and I have fluid in it but no PS. About 3 weeks ago I finally removed the belt to verify it wasn't doing anything and was correct, steers the same w/o belt as with. Now the PS pump sits there, still hooked up but not spinning because I never put a belt back on it.
Could I have a problem with my control valve? How do I check that?
Could I have a problem with my control valve? How do I check that?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Just read a long thread on Borgeson power steering box install and one of the posters noted that if the power steering is not working but installed there would be excessive play in the column due to the control valve not functioning. I have a PS pump and everything is hooked up (hoses)and I have fluid in it but no PS. About 3 weeks ago I finally removed the belt to verify it wasn't doing anything and was correct, steers the same w/o belt as with. Now the PS pump sits there, still hooked up but not spinning because I never put a belt back on it.
Could I have a problem with my control valve? How do I check that?
Could I have a problem with my control valve? How do I check that?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Scroll back up to the second post by 08vycpe. There is a link to Jim Shea's papers in it. The section on flexible couplers ( aka steering couplers or rag joints) will tell you everything you need to know: how to tell if one is bad, what to buy and tips on how to install.
Last edited by stock76; Oct 24, 2009 at 12:35 AM.
