1980 Steering Box Questions
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From: Richmond, Virginia
1980 Steering Box Questions
1. Is the steering box rotation when just sitting on the bench (out of the car) infinite where you keep turning it and it will never hit a stop internally?
If so then I dont need to make sure the steering box shaft is centered in its left/right position before locking it down, I just need to make sur the steering column points the steering wheel to center and the wheels point ahead. Correct?
2. Can I just remove the nut on the bottom shaft of the steering box and smack downwards on it to remove the pitman arm?
Thanks in advance.
Ken
If so then I dont need to make sure the steering box shaft is centered in its left/right position before locking it down, I just need to make sur the steering column points the steering wheel to center and the wheels point ahead. Correct?
2. Can I just remove the nut on the bottom shaft of the steering box and smack downwards on it to remove the pitman arm?
Thanks in advance.
Ken
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From: Virginia
If you think you might have a rebuildable core, send it to @GTR1999 to rebuild. Or, search for his threads, and buy a shop manual, and the proper tools.
But for a steering box, just send it to Gary. It will come back marked for center, and ready to install.
But for a steering box, just send it to Gary. It will come back marked for center, and ready to install.
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Your number 1 assumption is totally incorrect. There is a definite High Center in the box. It must be on high center at straight ahead. You definitely hit a left and right stop as well. You are 100 percent incorrect.
And yes you need a puller to pull the Pitman arm.
And yes you need a puller to pull the Pitman arm.
Old Pro Solo Guy
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From: Marlton NJ
Yes there are right and left stops.
Even on the "same" box the stops can vary from chassis to chassis, camaro, impala, etc.
And the way the gears are cut they are a little bit tighter in the exact center, for that "no slop" feel, so you do need to find the exact center when adjusting lash, or installing.
Lash it wrong and it could actually "lock-up" when it hits the high spot. Not good.
Even on the "same" box the stops can vary from chassis to chassis, camaro, impala, etc.
And the way the gears are cut they are a little bit tighter in the exact center, for that "no slop" feel, so you do need to find the exact center when adjusting lash, or installing.
Lash it wrong and it could actually "lock-up" when it hits the high spot. Not good.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,248
Likes: 7,840
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
And so, as you can see, your assumptions are way off target.
Sorry Ken. It's just not that easy. And not knowing what your doing here could cost you your life. Or even someone special to you. This may be a bad place to learn, but if you do dive in keep this in mind.
Perhaps think about getting a FACTORY service manual.
Cheers and best of luck to you.
Sorry Ken. It's just not that easy. And not knowing what your doing here could cost you your life. Or even someone special to you. This may be a bad place to learn, but if you do dive in keep this in mind.
Perhaps think about getting a FACTORY service manual.
Cheers and best of luck to you.
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From: Virginia
That thumbnail looks correct. I found an original manual on eBay with better photos. Or get a repro from a Corvette vendor (Zip Corvette is 20 minutes away from you), or even from RockAuto.
For finding center, look for a post from @GTR1999 . What "new box' did you purchase?
For finding center, look for a post from @GTR1999 . What "new box' did you purchase?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2024
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From: Richmond, Virginia
That thumbnail looks correct. I found an original manual on eBay with better photos. Or get a repro from a Corvette vendor (Zip Corvette is 20 minutes away from you), or even from RockAuto.
For finding center, look for a post from @GTR1999 . What "new box' did you purchase?
For finding center, look for a post from @GTR1999 . What "new box' did you purchase?
I will check out GTR1999's post. Thanks for the heads up
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From: Virginia
It should be obvious where the center is. Perhaps return it to Zip, or ar least ask for help?
If I were fixing up a C3's steering, I'd either fully convert to manual with a @GTR1999 -rebuilt steering box (as I did on my 80),or do a Borgeson steering conversion (as I did on my wife's 79).
An unmarked steering box with no steering limits and no obvious center is not acceptable.
If I were fixing up a C3's steering, I'd either fully convert to manual with a @GTR1999 -rebuilt steering box (as I did on my 80),or do a Borgeson steering conversion (as I did on my wife's 79).
An unmarked steering box with no steering limits and no obvious center is not acceptable.
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From: Richmond, Virginia
There is a flat on the input shaft. I just have no documentation on the steering box and could not find any information in the manual. I have since found a document here that outlines to processes. I have two weeks off during this holiday to replace the steering box, install headers, sidepipes and install a 268H CAM. As such I had to ensure that all of the parts I selected are instock, in my hand and ready to go. Steering box is easiest when in my hand (it is) and with the exhaust manifold off (it is) and I will install it before I put the headers on. If the steering box is a POS I am out $240 but doing all of the work myself that is not that bad... Thanks everyone for the input.
