I may have to replace the box on my 65 to get the steering as precise as I want. Anyone with a suggestion on where to buy a new/re-man box?
Is there a source for everything needed to rebuild the old box? I'm sure when it is taken apart the bearings will fall apart and it will need seals. What about the worm and sector gears? I'm going to check the tie rod ends and idler today. I have tightened up the steering box adjustment (probably too much) and that didn't get rid of the slop.

Your best bet is to have your box rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing.

Here's a good choice: http://www.powersteering.com/products/

Even with a fresh box, new tie rods, center link, solid steering column and idler arm the system will still feel a little sloppy. If you want it to feel tight like a modern car get over it as it just never will.

Check the upper and lower bearings in the steering column and replace them if they are heavily worn and/or tighten up the column so the shaft can't wiggle around a lot. Also check your rag joint, if it is old or oil soaked replace it. Addressing these items will probably do as much for tightening up the steering feel as anything. A worn, out of adjustment box is dangerous so get yours rebuilt if it has a lot of miles on it.

Good radial tires and an alignment done by a competent shop will help the road feel and steering feel tremendously. Most shops tend to put in just a little caster to keep the steering relatively easy for a manual steering set up, but additional caster can help the road feel and steering feel but it will increase steering effort somewhat. Try to find an alignment shop that does performance cars or race cars and tell them what you are after and they can then work to dial in a little more of what you want.

If the gears and worm are OK, it is pretty easy to rebuild these saginaw manual boxes. I just did the one in my '65 Nova. Having access to a press and bushing drivers is a good idea, and an in-lb tq wrench that can measure in the 0-30 in-lb range is a must.

I may have to replace the box on my 65 to get the steering as precise as I want. Anyone with a suggestion on where to buy a new/re-man box?


Last year, True-Connections had "NEW" manual boxes listed for $215... Maybe quick ratio too?

I haven't checked their site in a while...

I have a quick ratio manual box and while it is better than a stock slow ratio box, it is nowhere near as tight as a modern car. Just part of the territory when running manual steering boxes I guess.

Your best bet is to have your box rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing.

Here's a good choice: http://www.powersteering.com/products/

Even with a fresh box, new tie rods, center link, solid steering column and idler arm the system will still feel a little sloppy. If you want it to feel tight like a modern car get over it as it just never will.

Check the upper and lower bearings in the steering column and replace them if they are heavily worn and/or tighten up the column so the shaft can't wiggle around a lot. Also check your rag joint, if it is old or oil soaked replace it. Addressing these items will probably do as much for tightening up the steering feel as anything. A worn, out of adjustment box is dangerous so get yours rebuilt if it has a lot of miles on it.

Good radial tires and an alignment done by a competent shop will help the road feel and steering feel tremendously. Most shops tend to put in just a little caster to keep the steering relatively easy for a manual steering set up, but additional caster can help the road feel and steering feel but it will increase steering effort somewhat. Try to find an alignment shop that does performance cars or race cars and tell them what you are after and they can then work to dial in a little more of what you want.

all of what rich said, plus it sure helps if your front suspension bushings are all new or in great shape. you would not believe how much bad bushings will affect your handling.

all of what rich said, plus it sure helps if your front suspension bushings are all new or in great shape. you would not believe how much bad bushings will affect your handling.

Good point!

Thanks for all the info guys. It seems tie rod ends and all linkage is pretty tight with no slop. Maybe I am expecting too much from an old recirculating ball steering box (I think that is what they called these boxes). The street rods I have built all use pinto racks and all our newer stuff has R & P steering. I guess I want that feel and it just plain isn't possible. I am going to adjust it with the wheels off the ground to be sure I don't have it too tight.

I checked Tru Connections and they still have new boxes listed on their website. I believe they are standard ratio and they are sstill about the same price.

The help is always appreciated.

i believe flaming river makes a rack and pinion set-up for a chevelle.might be worth looking into.

National Parts Depot has rebuilt M/S boxes as well. Looks like they offer both the "fast" (C-6508-12F) and "slow" (C-6508-11?) ratio, but it's kinda pricey with core charge...

http://www.npdlink.com/modules.php?name=Chevelle_Catalog