Steering box choice

Hi,

I'm on the way to replace my steering box on my 72 Skylark (power assist)with a shorter ratio one, i have seen 2 brands : AGR and LEE... what is the difference , in quality, longevity, feeling...what is the best choice?

Thanks
David

 

Here's another alternative. Send Jim your box and he rebuilds it with top shelf parts and quick ratio gears.

http://www.powersteering.com/products/

A few members have used him and I believe they have all been very pleased with the results.

 

Or you can do it this way:

http://www.buickperformance.com/GSteering.htm

 

You can buy a new/reconditioned GN gear box at Rock Auto for under $200.
Google Rock Auto or Standard Motor.

 

I have had an AGR box and power steering pump in my GS for the last five or six years.The box is quick ratio(12.2 as I recall) ,and the overall "feel" at the wheel is much improved.It steers as well as a new rack and pinion car.Very happy with the improvements.There is less power assist than was factory in 1971.The only downside is that the pieces are not cheap.The billet cover on the steering box looks good too.
Rod

 

Hey NOTNSS,

Does that GN box bolt right in ('67 Skylark), or are modifications (hose threads, etc.) required?

Thanks,
Joe M.

 

The GN box is a bolt in. They have metric hose connections, but thats an easy fix. Either use the metric hoses and change the connection at the rear of the pump to the metric fitting (it screws in) or buy the adaptors that fit in the box to use your stock hoses. Then just change the rag joint. Big improvement over the old boxes. Couple that with an 1 1/8" front TA (Pontiac) bar and it helps pull the understeer right out of our A body cars.

Hey Gary..............got a buck hanging in your garage.............I do :grin:

 

same place mine is getting done ....should be ready any day ..I opted this way bcs its no fuss no muss with lines and all...

also Jim suggests that the ps pump should be upgraded to put out a bit more pressure to get 100 % exact feel out of the gear box ...
but you hardly hear many mention the upgrade on the pump..

 

I'm curious if anyone has used the Sweet Nascar box. There are two on ebay right now.

Regarding GN boxes, I installed one in my 67. It is direct fit and yes you need to adapt metric fittings to the existing PS hoses. They work fine, but the draw back is you lose a lot of turning radius.

Harvey

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee box

 

I had my steering box upgraded to quick ratio, as well as the P/S pump rebuilt by Chip at Power Steering Services.

Great work, fast turn, and super quality and phone support.

 

Any issue with constant ratio vice variable ratio? What is the stock box?

- Bill

 

Hey GS-XNR,

From the power steering services website regarding using the Camaro/Firebird steering box:

"The Camaro/Firebird gearboxes have internal stops built into the gearbox to limit the amount of swing for the pitman arm ("F" bodies do not need as much swing as "A" bodies). If you install an "F" body gearbox on your "A" body without removing the internal stops, the turning radius of your car will be reduced and you will have a hard time making U-turns or parking."

Thought I should pass that on.

Best Wishes,
Joe M.

 

i have dse 600 box its supposed to have rack and pinion technology plus its lighter than stock one and comes jet hot coated . overall feel is very good and firm. but $

 

Thanks for the info!
Harvey

 

what's the con of the 12.1 ratio box from powersteering srvs?

is it still easy to turn the wheel or is it a lil harder like rack and pinion?
does it make parrell parking hard to do?