Is it possible to remove the Power Steering Box by removing the pinch bolt on the columm side and not disassembling the rag joint in the car? Also will I be able to remove the Pitman arm with a puller without un-hooking the other end from the drag link?

Yes to both.

Thanks JW worked like a charm....to bad the rest of the plan didn't. Thought I'd grab a new Napa box and be done with it. Long story short....I should have read more. New GM rag joint ended up being service replacement....folks that sold it were real nice. But Hey not a total loss met a few great people learning this lesson.....Thanks Jim and Chip

Thanks JW worked like a charm....to bad the rest of the plan didn't. Thought I'd grab a new Napa box and be done with it. Long story short....I should have read more. New GM rag joint ended up being service replacement....folks that sold it were real nice. But Hey not a total loss met a few great people learning this lesson.....Thanks Jim and Chip

PCB - please eloborate - I think you were planning to keep the original rag joint but ended up getting a replacement? Napa or GM? I want to swap my box for the napa one as well....I was planning on swapping the rag joint at the same time. Just trying to have all my parts there at the same time - thanks....

MJ ....I ended up taking the faster ratio Napa box back, as the box I got had restricted steering radius compared to the original. The original rag joint was in need of replacement, the newer design I ordered looked nothing like the original...different grounding strap, wrong size shouldered bolts (BOTH THE SAME) and the fixed post were of the wrong size. After weighing my options of an aftermarket box or doing the junk yard hunt, I opted to send my original box out and have it completely rebuilt using a new piston and worm gear set at a 12 to 1 ratio. While speaking with Chip @ www.powersteering.com I asked him what my options were for a rag joint. I choose to go with a rag joint that resembles my original except the ground will be obtained with a wire mesh impregnated into the disk instead of the factory wire. Chip was great to speak with and very helpful......plus now I wont be moving my factory box around in the attic for the next 20 years collecting dust. By going this route you will also avoid the issues of different size line fittings found on some of the newer boxes. Can you say WARANTEE....LIFETIME

As for putting the later boxes into the older cars, that info is provided by JIML82 who posts here. I put a 1996 box into my '72 chevelle by using a rag joint from a '79 Olds Omega. It seems that from 77 to '83 there were stock GM joints that allow you to use the new gear in the old car. And Jim's info lists spec's for Pitman shaft travel so you would know if you turning radius would be adversely affected.

JW when it comes to steering JIML82 is the man.....I have printed all of his papers and I'm truly thankful for all he has done for all Chevelle owners..:thumbsup:

PCB and others - did you guys go with a fixed or variable ratio? I won't be doing any racing, I'm thinking the variable would be better for a driver?