I have a 71 chevelle..I replaced the entire front end with new parts..bushings and all..including drag link.Had it lined up..
Steering is very sloppy..I tried to adjust the
steering box with the small set screw as per the service manual instructions..steering firmed up as in turning the steering wheel..but still wants to road walk ..constantly steering back and forth..Is it time for a new steering box?

Anyone???

I'd say so, is there alot of play in the steering? Like can you turn the wheel an inch or more and the car goes nowhere, mine had alot of play and "road walk" I replaced everything also, months ago, including new control arms, and just this week I finished with new rear shocks, the upper ball joints, and a new quick ratio steering box, theres nothing left, it steers so much better, even without the alignment which im getting monday (damn place isnt open weekends)
:(

A couple more things to check. There is a joint in the column up near the firewall. Could that be a source of looseness? And the rag joint should be checked out, too. One thing to consider is using "old" alignment spec's with modern tires. I have felt that my car would enjoy having a few more degrees of positive caster to make it wander less.

DO I want the quick ratio steering box with 3 turns lock to lock or 3 1/2 to 4 turns..

I would say if your problem is wandering at speeds you more than likely have alignment issues. Caster and toe determine steering response and stabuility. Have a "performance" alignment done, using stock specs on modern radial tires is a waste of time and money.

I just put a variable ratio, 3.5 turns lock to lock, power steering box in our Chevelle. It came from a '72 Lemans. There is some road feel and works well. These boxes are common and cheap. I don't have the caster/camber specs but they are different when you go to radial tires. We had our Chevelle set up by an old guy who knew his stuff and the car goes down the road like it was new.

I'd say that nothing more than the fact that it's 33 years old is good indication that it's worn out :D .
I'm in the same boat with mine, it could really use a new box.

Is there a step by step procedure for checking power steering gear box play? Something other than "it's old and I think it needs replacing or the steering wheel has play with the motor shut off" Dave

Originally posted by dsr:
Is there a step by step procedure for checking power steering gear box play? Something other than "it's old and I think it needs replacing or the steering wheel has play with the motor shut off" Dave Good Question..Anyone???

Apparently 3 turns is the tightest you can get and it may reduce overall steering angle (no more U turns.

Well I guess either there isn't a way to check if the power steering box is bad and it is a replace and see if it helps operation :confused: .

??? You guys lost me somewhere. If you turn the wheel side to side and the pitman arm and linkage don't move doesn't that sound like slop in the gear box, seriously? If you have little play in the wheel, parked engine off, then the wandering has to be from something else. Yes/No?
After new bushings and ball joints I got an alignment. Owner said they did not set these old cars to factory specs because they wander to much. That old gearbox doesn't give the road feel of the newer ones but I don't have any wander. Feels damn good for a 34 year old car.