70 Chevelle Swap help with steering box.
01-08-2012, 10:13 PM
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70 Chevelle Swap help with steering box. I have read that you can use a Grand Cherokee p/s gear to gain clearance. Can anyone tell me what year box works best? I am in the process of converting to 02 f body ls1 with a 4l60e in my 70 Malibu. Thanks
01-08-2012, 10:45 PM
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no the 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee powersteering box is to gain a more firm, up to date steering wheel feel. It also is less turns lock to lock. You gain ZERO size wise by switching boxes.
01-08-2012, 11:40 PM
#3
box I second that. I've got both boxes in the garage and I don't think there's any difference. I've still got an extra set of the press in adapter bushings to make the regular lines work in the cherokee box from Lee Steering.
It is a good upgrade though and it's dirt cheap.
It is a good upgrade though and it's dirt cheap.
01-09-2012, 07:47 AM
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The swap also works on earlier A bodies. We did it on my 65 GTO, great upgrade. We did it on our 68 Bonneville too. No gain in clearence though. I think the range of years for the Grand Cherokee is 92-98.
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01-09-2012, 10:15 AM
#9
It's faster. I think the original was about 16:1, the jeep box is 12:1.
My 72 442 felt like I was driving an old school bus with the old box. With the new one there's no slop (probably in part to the old box being 40 years old) and it turns like a new car. It only took me one trip around the block to decide to go with the upgrade with the LS motor.
My 72 442 felt like I was driving an old school bus with the old box. With the new one there's no slop (probably in part to the old box being 40 years old) and it turns like a new car. It only took me one trip around the block to decide to go with the upgrade with the LS motor.
01-09-2012, 02:27 PM
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Thanks Thanks for the info. I misunderstood thinking that I would gain clearance. But just knowing the actual benefits are helpful. Especially since I have already ordered the BMR Pro2 handling package. Mine drove like a wore out bus as well. So the newer box should compliment driveabilty. Thanks again.
01-09-2012, 06:22 PM
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I used a mid '80's Monte Carlo SS box, It is slightly smaller but then the input and out put shafts have smeller splines. I have read in many articles companies selling these boxes and making steering components to make them fit.
01-09-2012, 06:37 PM
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The input shaft (where the rag joint connects) is a smaller diameter. But you can buy a new rag joint with the correct size spline for Lee's or other sources (I believe I read that the rag joint for a '77 Chev. Pick up will work). One good thing is you would be matching up the hose type with the same type as on the LS Power Steering Pump.
I did a DYI Hydra-boost brake upgrade when I was doing my swap as well. I was able to use the hydra-booster, and pressure lines from a ~'96 Chevy Astro. I did have to bend the metal line portion of the hoses to get it to fit correctly, but I managed to get both hoses from Rock Auto for around $30.
With the Grand Cherokee gearbox, Corvette PS Pump, Astro Booster, and hoses; everything bolted right up.
I also used a master cylinder from a late 70's-early corvette for my 4 wheel disc conversion.
I did a DYI Hydra-boost brake upgrade when I was doing my swap as well. I was able to use the hydra-booster, and pressure lines from a ~'96 Chevy Astro. I did have to bend the metal line portion of the hoses to get it to fit correctly, but I managed to get both hoses from Rock Auto for around $30.
With the Grand Cherokee gearbox, Corvette PS Pump, Astro Booster, and hoses; everything bolted right up.
I also used a master cylinder from a late 70's-early corvette for my 4 wheel disc conversion.
Last edited by usc2001gc; 01-09-2012 at 07:09 PM. Reason: add pic
01-09-2012, 07:48 PM
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usc2001gc - thank you very much for the Astro Van hoses suggestion. I did the hydroboost conversion and never liked the hoses I used (long story). As I am doing my LS swap, I wanted to change the hoses, so your info is very helpful!
Thanks!
Thanks!
01-09-2012, 09:04 PM
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To name a couple of advantages: The booster takes up a lot less space than a stock booster (I originally had a 454 in the car and wanted additional clearance). It works off of the PS pump instead of engine vacuum, so the brakes aren't affected by a big cam shaft and low idle vacuum.
The accessory drive system and engine is from a 2005 Corvette, with the Kwik Performance high mount A/C bracket.
I'll have to check the fittings, but I know that they're metric o-ring style.
The accessory drive system and engine is from a 2005 Corvette, with the Kwik Performance high mount A/C bracket.
I'll have to check the fittings, but I know that they're metric o-ring style.
Last edited by usc2001gc; 01-09-2012 at 09:09 PM. Reason: add info.