I bought a NAPA rebuilt power steering box p/n 51-6539 for my '65 Chevelle. I was told this was the quick ratio box, and that it was a direct bolt-in. When I went to bolt it in my car, it did not fit.

With a bolt in the top hole, the two lower mounting holes hung below the frame. Is there another box I should be using? I would like to be able to re-use my rag joint and I would rather not purchase an adapter rag joint. Your experiences would be appreciated.

Both OPGI and NPD sell a direct bolt-in replacement quick ratio power steering box. They appear to be the same unit but NPD's price is much better, especially if you have an old one to return as a core. OPGI sells theirs outright without a core requested.

I checked that part # and saw that it fits a Ford product. The correct # is 27-6509 which has 2.5 to 3 turns lock to lock or 27-6537 which has 3.75 to 4.25 turns lock to lock. Call your NAPA store and verify the number. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Originally posted by wilmaya:
I checked that part # and saw that it fits a Ford product. The correct # is 27-6509 which has 2.5 to 3 turns lock to lock or 27-6537 which has 3.75 to 4.25 turns lock to lock. Call your NAPA store and verify the number. graemlins/thumbsup.gif What's the NAPA price on those units?

Never mind! I found them on-line and they are about $20 cheaper than NPD and I can get them locally without any shipping charges! This website just saved me $40 or more!

Local NAPA store price is almost $173.00. Going to see if I can get them to do a price match against their own website.

THANKS for the napa numbers , don't want to hijack this thread , but today I'am also changing out a manual 1966 to a power steering set-up and have bought a 67 and 69 box and still can't seem to get the right parts, collapsable columes in 67 are making small problems for me , 69 boxs pitman is wrong and won't fit due to tappered hole size. will take my boxs to napa and hope to get it right this time - thanks again graemlins/clonk.gif

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll be taking the box back to NAPA during lunch tomorrow. Thanks again, Wes.

no bolt goes in the top hole. That hole is not used and it hangs out in the world.
Move the box up and you'll see that the other 3 line up !!!

Nate

i used a 88 monte ss box. make sure you specify ss.

Originally posted by FO_FDYFO:
i used a 88 monte ss box. make sure you specify ss. But doesn't using the late model Monte SS box require modifications to the rag joint and/or steering column connection? The quick ratio box NAPA sells is supposed to be a direct bolt in unit allow us to use the original rag joint, pitman arm and frame mounting holes. In fact, the box itself is a reused old box with improved internals to provide the quicker ratio.

i did not know that. yes the monte box needs a $65 kit to adapt the hoses and comes with a new rag joint. thats it.

Originally posted by FO_FDYFO:
i did not know that. yes the monte box needs a $65 kit to adapt the hoses and comes with a new rag joint. thats it. And where do you find the kit to adapt the hoses?

Wilmaya, thanks again for posting the correct number. I went by the NAPA store I got the box from today. Their computer cross-referenced the steering box to the 27-6509. The manager is building a '65 El Camino with his son, and had the 51-6539 box, but they haven't tried installing it yet. Anyways, they went ahead and ordered me the 27-6509 and I'll be picking it up tomorrow. Apparently, the two boxes are sourced from different rebuilders.

Regarding the mounting holes on the steering box, it only had 3 holes (one upper, two lower) and I'm sure I had it installed using the correct frame holes. I'll post back when I install the new box. Thanks again, Wes

Originally posted by dcromero:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by FO_FDYFO:
i did not know that. yes the monte box needs a $65 kit to adapt the hoses and comes with a new rag joint. thats it. And where do you find the kit to adapt the hoses? </font>[/QUOTE]lee manufacturing, try a search. its $65 for the kit.

The cheapest easiest way, would be to go to a wrecker and grab the power steering box and pump with hoses from any G-Body with the F41 suspension package (they have 1 1/4" front sway bars). It does not have to be a SS Monte, alot of the Cutlasses have the quick ratio boxes. Then all you have to worry about is the rag joint. I think I remeber reading somewhere there's a F150 one that will work, but search the net and see.

Steve

Originally posted by wanarace:
The cheapest easiest way, would be to go to a wrecker and grab the power steering box and pump with hoses from any G-Body with the F41 suspension package (they have 1 1/4" front sway bars). It does not have to be a SS Monte, alot of the Cutlasses have the quick ratio boxes. Then all you have to worry about is the rag joint. I think I remeber reading somewhere there's a F150 one that will work, but search the net and see.

Steve when you say late model what years are you refering to? also when you say quick ratio, are you sure they are 12.7:1 same as the monte ss quick ratio. the kit for $65 comes with the fitting adapters and a new rag joint. no mods are necessary.

From what I know any G-body 78-87 with the F41 suspension package should have a quick ratio 12.?:1 box. Mine is less then 3 turns from lock to lock on my 86 Cutlass. I also grabbed the box from an 82 Cutlass that had a quick box for another car. The Monte SS doesn't have a special suspension package unique to it. They come standard with the F41. Next time at wrecker, check any G-Body with 1 1/4" sway bar. The wheel should be less then 3 turns. I have never seen a SS box in person so I can't guarantee it is the same. But it should be the same as any other F41 car.

For me, 65$ US would pay for steering box, pump, hoses, sway bars, and B-body spindles. :D

Also I checked out the Napa#'s. 276550 is the number for the Monte SS quick ratio box. It is also the same box listed for Grand Nationals, Regals with the FE3 suspension, and Pontiac Grand Prix with "heavy duty, touring suspension". For whatever reason they only list the standard box for the Cutlass. 276509 list as 2.5-3 turn box that will bolt right in with no mods. But I don't think they are quick ratio, just variable ratio boxes. Maybe someone knows more.

Steve