The guys over at VetteMod have a nice thread on the Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box modification - http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1098 It's a fun read.

I'm going to be ordering a set of adapters be made, and I was wondering if there is any interest in a group order.

At the bottom of this post are a couple of pictures that show how the modification works.

BBShark has even created a dxf file that can be used by a fabrication shop to create the adapters necessary for this mod. I sent the DXF file to a place by me that does waterjet fabrication (www.sanmarcoswaterjet.com) - and here's what I got back.

I don't know how competitive that price is, but it doesn't seem unreasonable. I then asked if some of that was setup, and what it might be for a multiple set order - I then got this.

If it looks like others will join, I will wait and put in my order on Feb 14th.

Here is a machined Jeep box, with the adpaters/bolts/spacers required.
Notice there is some machining work required on the jeep box. But not much, and should be ~$75.

 

I wouldn't waste my time, I would just buy th edirect bolt-on box from Borgeson as it already has been modified to bolt right in. I'm saying this after re-working the adapters I had in my old Corvette Steering Service kit. The install ran about 14hrs (mutiple trips to use my buddies Bridgeport mill), with a Borgeson kit, I would figure on 6 hours max installation time and you get a warranty as an added bonus

 

I'm hoping to do the entire conversion for about the same amount of money as just the steering box from Borgeson.

I could get a brand new steering box from napa (#88278965) for $210 (including the $50 for a salvaged core), and then with the $50 for the adapter, and another $50 for the required milling on the box, and I have a completely new setup, with a warranty for a total of $310 vs. $460 for the Borgeson box. I'm planning on using the salvaged box, so it's actually $150 vs. $460. If the salvage box goes bad, then I can go to napa and get a new one - I don't have to get another one from Borgeson.

The adapters are being manufactured via waterjet using a dxf file - there can be no variations.

When I get the adapter plates, I will take them to my local machinst with the steering box, 4 12mm x 40mm long bolts, and 4 1/2 inch ID x 1/2 long spacers, and tell him I need these (the plates), to bolt onto this (the box), with clearance for these (the three frame mounting holes). I don't think it could simpler.

One of the main reasons I like this approach, is because then I don't
have a custom steering box. If something is wrong, I can go to napa, I don't have to ship a steering box back to borgeson and wait for them to send me a replacement.

 

My kit came with everything needed.

 

I have no idea what that means.

 

But you do have to machine the stock Jeep box to make it work with the adapters, if you read the whole thread at vettemod. If you return a machined box to NAPA you may or may not get a new one depending on how smart the parts counter guy is. You also have to get the control valve adapter piece unless you switch to a manual steering linkage. I think Borgeson manufactures those although others sell them. You also have to have hoses made or make them yourself.

You can't just take a stock Jeep box and mount it to a Vette using the adapters. If it were that easy we all would have done it.



Rick B.

 

Correct

I would also be using

Borgeson - 990002 - drag link adapter
Borgeson - 925103 - hoses
Borgeson - 114350 - u-joint
GM pitman arm from 73-77 chevelle

Yes, If I return the jeep box to napa that has been machined, they may or may not exchange it. I'm not to concerned with that. I already have a salvaged box from a 2003 with 75k on it - I plan on using that.

 

Have you actually driven a Vette with a Jeep box retro-fitted into it. Reason I ask, is sense Jeep's are really designed to perform well of road, the steering system's may be intentionally set up to react rather slowly. Think I'd rather stick with a factory reworked box, that's maybe even quickened up a bit.

 

The gear box ratio for the Jeep power gear is 12.7:1. The ratio of the Corvette steering gear is 16:1. So the Jeep gear has a much faster ratio than the Corvette gear. For the same pitman arm travel you have the following:

16:1 X 80 degrees of pitman travel = 1280 / 360 = 3.6 turns lock to lock.

12.7:1 X 80 = 1,016 / 360 = 2.8 turns lock to lock.

Jim

 

Yes! And that is probably the main reason I'm ordering these adapter plates.

My stock steering is in need of a complete rebuild. So I'm probably looking at ~$500-$600 to have it all rebuilt properly. So, I started looking into alternatives, and I think I've read every thread here about the jeep box conversion, and the idea really appeals to me - but I have concerns, like 'easy steering'. I'm not sure I will like the results.

The price of a complete jeep box 'kit' looks to be about $800-$900, and I can't pay that for something I might not even like.

That's were these plates come in. They would allow me to use a used stock jeep box(with minor modifications), instead of a new vendor customized box. That, will cut the cost of putting a jeep steering box in by about half.

So if I'm one of those people that love it - great, it will stay in the car. If I don't, well, then I think it will be time to have the stock system completely rebuilt. But I would have tried the Jeep box, and I only threw away $450, and not $900.

 

I got the complete conversion - Borgeson modified steering box, drag link adaptor, hoses, and SS u-joint to adapt steering column to box input for just under $700 delivered. I also sold the old box, the ps cylinder and the control valve for $180. Shop around.

I also drove a Grand Cherokee with this box on the road. It steered quick and tight, with non of the off road slop that you were concerned about.

 

Just found a great price on the Borgeson box at Global West Performance.

http://www.globalwestperformance.com...rsion-box.html

Check out this price!!

 

where did you find a complete setup for this price? sounds like a great deal.

 

oops
price went up after I purchased

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-...item1e5d9d8d13

At $730 and free fgt, I would go with new box, drive link, coupling and hoses. My only wish would be for VBP had the box on sale to go with a front suspension kit.

 

G'day,

You need to read the Borgeson site fully. They state that they fully machine and modify the Jeep box to fit your Corvette mounting holes with no adapters. They also machine the sector shaft so that you use your original GM Pitman arm. They also re-assemble each box to BETTER than factory specifications. Then they offer a THREE YEAR warranty.

Plus the rag joints, Drag Link adapters and hose kits are all designed to work harmoniously as an integral kit with the steering box. Apart from collapsing the steering column a few inches (which you would have to do anyway with the "stock" Jeep box) it's pretty much a straight bolt-in deal. All the guesswork has been done for you.

Sure, you might save a hundred or two by using the system you're planning, but when you add up the time and running around chasing all of the different parts to make it fit, THEN not having a full three year warranty on all of the parts, are you really saving anything?

I think not.

I have a Borgeson box on my '74 and wouldn't think of using anything else.

Choose wisely.

Regards from Down Under

aussiejohn

 

Can I ask a very simple and stupid does question..can you not rebuild the one in your car..I didn't think it was that hard..or are you looking for something that turns faster as what I see in the post with the specs between the two..what I am getting at is the jeep swap seems like a pits..verses just re doing the original one?..I know I am missing it here and apologize to all..maybe a link to a past post would show me the light on this one.

Thanks all

 

I've been researching this as I plan to get the Borgeson system. You get a faster steering ratio, 12.7:1 vs. 16:1 or put another way as Jim Shea demonstrated a post above, 2.8 turns lock to lock vs. 3.6. But to me the big advantage is you get a more modern integral power steering box instead of the add-on system that all C2/C3 Corvettes with RPO N40 (Power Steering) came with. That is 1940s technology.

Do a search on Borgeson power steering and you'll find a lot has been said about this new system.

I hope this answers your question.

Pete

 

Makes total sense..new tech in an old car..IDK those steering boxes may be older than 40's tech!..I don't have power steering..got the maual slight slop box..I am all stock and can't change it but this sounds like a great all around deal..

 

I've got the manual with no slop that I can discern because everything in the suspension and steering has been rebuilt recently. But I'm getting tired of the heavy steering, especially as low speeds. I'm not as young as I used to be.


Pete