Go with the Monte Carlo box. Call Tom Lee Manufacturing and get the flare conversion and rag joint kit for $85 and you are all set. If you don't want to go with an older box and one that is already set up, Lee makes a direct replacement quick ratio box and so does AGR. Awesome on the pro touring circuit. Give SCANDC.com a check for the boxes.
Summit sell rebuilt Monte SS boxes - Anyone ever used them? According to all I've read they will bolt right in but I would need the flare conversion and rag joint kit you talk about below. But that would be it right? Would I need new lines or just the flare conversions for my existing lines?
Just the flare and rag joint conversion from Lee Manufacturing. Lee Manufacturing 11661 Pendelton St. Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-768-0371
Ok, So I swapped in my Quick Ratio box a while back, and the turn ratio was improved, but the pump started leaking and didn't feel like the power steering was all there. I ordered a new gasket kit for my extra pump, cleaned it up and regasketed the entire thing. Just swapped it on and the power steering is completely non-existant. I guess i put it back together wrong. I'm about to go out and buy a 87 Monte SS power steering pump...hopefully that'll do the trick. Now i'm thinking the line's aren't going to work since we had those custom made for the old pump/new box. Just kinda getting ticked off a bit. Called Lee Manufacturing twice and they didn't seem to have much help...nothing against them, it's my problem anyway.
ok so an 87 Monte SS PUMP has different mounting points so I passed on getting it. I guess i'll have Lee Manufacturing or Chip at Powersteering.com rebuilt it to spec.
Ian, you may know this already but I'll say it here... When you first start your car after a box or pump upgrade you will have lots of air in the system. You will not have power steering (or it will be very limited) initially....and it will make lots of noise. It took me at least 5-8 short trips to get the air out. I refilled each time I found bubbles in the pump, air was still coming out. You could also jack the front of the car up and work the steering wheel from lock to lock as well but you will likely have to drive it some too to get the full function back. Maybe you did this, just making sure you don't give up too early.
yeah, I just put the old PUMP back on...I must've put the bad one back together wrong b/c it wasn't doing anything. I shouldn't have taken it apart and let it sit for like 6 months apart! thinking I would get it back together right...oh well....
So, this leaves the question, why didn't the Monte SS box bolt right in? I've heard it said a thousand times that those boxes are a direct bolt in?
The Monte boxes do bolt right in. But you need an adapter kit from lee Manufacturing that changes over the hose connections and a steering coupler to convert to the different splined output shaft from the monte box.
IM SORRY!!!! MY BOX IS FINE AND WORKS 100% I KEEP SAYING "BOX" WHEN I MEANT TO SAY "PUMP"! ou: ou: ou: ou: ou: ou: I JUST WENT AND EDITED BOTH OF MY POSTS....SORRY SORRY SORRY HAHA
Dredging up an old topic - Re: Steering box upgrade for A-Body What's the latest & greatest on steering box upgrades for '70GS? I did the GN/Monte swap years ago but HATE the huge turning radius. I hear the Grand Cherokee box will give me the quick ratio (12:1?) and minimize turning radius. Is that true? Any calculations on how much difference in turning radius? Not finding definitive answers in my search. Been so long since I've been here I can't remember my password.. need to get a reset. Thanks.
Re: Dredging up an old topic - Re: Steering box upgrade for A-Body I sell a direct bolt in 12.7.1 ratio box that uses stock rag joint and hose fittings. Its a 3 turn box with no loss in turning radius. I sell them for 120 rebuilt with a year warranty. plus a 120 core charge. if you return a #6 or 7/6 core that is 3 turn you get the 120 back if the core is more than 3 turns you get 60 back and the other 60 goes towards the 12.7.1 conversion. Hector 626 488 5472
I have the Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box in my 65 Skylark and it works great. The ratio is something like 12.7 to 1.
Hector: Is this unit smaller than the stock unit? Currently LS swapping my wagon, from reading a couple of threads looks like I may not clear it. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Joe
same factory housing just different internals. I do have 605 boxes which are smaller. same price Hector 626 488 5472
Joe What front drive are you reading about? I've never seem a GM A body LS swap mention steering box clearance. Thanks!
