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Steering box question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2016
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Steering box question
Is there a difference between C3 manual steering boxes and power steering boxes besides the pitman arm? Did they have different ratios (amount of turns lock to lock) or are they the same box?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
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From: Virginia
Steering box is the same. The Pitman arm has the same effective length, but a different shape. The turning ratio difference comes from a second set of holes drilled in the steering arms of cars made when manual steering was available.
Here's a good thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tman-arms.html
Here's a good thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tman-arms.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi TG,
Here's an example of the steering arm that was used with both standard and power steering.
On cars with STANDARD steering the tie-rod was in the REAR hole while on cars with POWER steering the tie-rod was in the FORWARD hole...as Bike described.
Typically steering arms used on cars with power steering have a large 'rivet' like plug in the rear holes.
Regards,
Alan
A steering arm with the 'plug' in place. So an arm from a car with power steering.
Here's an example of the steering arm that was used with both standard and power steering.
On cars with STANDARD steering the tie-rod was in the REAR hole while on cars with POWER steering the tie-rod was in the FORWARD hole...as Bike described.
Typically steering arms used on cars with power steering have a large 'rivet' like plug in the rear holes.
Regards,
Alan
A steering arm with the 'plug' in place. So an arm from a car with power steering.
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 5, 2018 at 09:35 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
All Pitman arms have two holes (one for the steering box, one for mating to the control rod). No Pitman arms had extra holes, just a different shape. Here's the filthy takeoff power steering pitman arm, along with the manual steering arm ready to go in. Not the best picture, but they are shaped different. Both have two holes. All idler arms are the same, too, 63-82, power and manual, so the important dimension is the same.
Last edited by Bikespace; Feb 5, 2018 at 10:29 AM. Reason: Clarification.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2016
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Thanks for the replies, I guess the boxes are the same after all. Not surprisingly, my everything-is-worn-out-on-it '69 needs a new box because the one in it right now is worn out to the point that the slop in it can't be adjusted out with the screw on top of the box. With that being said, who has the best deal on a rebuilt steering box?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Most of the vendors have steering boxes, new and rebuilt, even Jegs has them.
That said, if I didn't want to go the Borgeson power steering box route, and I didn't want to rebuild the stock box myself, I'd PM GTR1999 and ask if he can spec a rebuilt box for you.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1-gtr1999.html
That said, if I didn't want to go the Borgeson power steering box route, and I didn't want to rebuild the stock box myself, I'd PM GTR1999 and ask if he can spec a rebuilt box for you.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1-gtr1999.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi TG,
You might want to consider having Bairs Corvettes rebuild your existing steering box.
They're in Linesville, Pa., and have a web site.
There seems to be some confusion about what was being discussed in the thread.... steering arms/pitman arm.
My comments and photos were about the STEERING arms.
Regards,
Alan
You might want to consider having Bairs Corvettes rebuild your existing steering box.
They're in Linesville, Pa., and have a web site.
There seems to be some confusion about what was being discussed in the thread.... steering arms/pitman arm.
My comments and photos were about the STEERING arms.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 5, 2018 at 05:30 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the replies, I guess the boxes are the same after all. Not surprisingly, my everything-is-worn-out-on-it '69 needs a new box because the one in it right now is worn out to the point that the slop in it can't be adjusted out with the screw on top of the box. With that being said, who has the best deal on a rebuilt steering box?
There are those that know about steering gear boxes/differentials...and then there are those who KNOW about gear boxes. GTR1999 (Gary) KNOWS gear boxes. Make not mistake about it!
DUB
Last edited by DUB; Feb 5, 2018 at 07:10 PM.