cklein

Newbie wondering why 98 model jeep steering boxes are used in several builds? Do they work with an old 72' steering setup? Thanks

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

I'm guessing its because they are relatively stout, and have metric hose connections, so they'll go with LSx swaps into older cars without too much heartburn.

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

They are used in the A body cars because they are a quick ratio power steering box and are literally a "direct bolt in" replacement for the old slush box steering boxes that the cars came with.

I picked mine up for $50 and it is probably the best $50 I've ever spent.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

Original 16:1 ratio, jeep 12:1, went from feeling like an old school bus to a slot car in my 72 Olds.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Also.. the internal stop in the steering box are close enough to the A-body one..

That being it would have about the same degree of the pitman arm/shaft turning.. many of the other model (3rd gen f-body, etc) don't turn enough and you end up with not having same full turning radius of the car.

70-72 A-body need 40 - 43 degree, other one that are close are 84-86 MCSS, 92-96Police Caprice and SS's

You can find some info on the Pozziracing and on the Chevelles.com site.

Also.. what comes into play are the lenght of the Steering arms and center link.

BC

kwhizz

Wow!!!!!!.......Very Impressed....

Thanks for the info.....

Ken

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

Plus, in general, 80 and 81 Z28 and Trans Ams have quick ratio steering boxes with metric connections. Mine is 2 and 1/2 turns lock to lock (12.7:1), and connected directly to a high pressure hose for a C5 without any weird converters or fittings.

So if you know someone with one of these things moldering away in their back yards, that would be an option too.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Those 80-81 box only have 33*30" Degree of turning and might only be 14:1 in ratio..(per my saved notes). If a variable box, then 16-13:1 ratio. Number of turn would only indicate it might be a Quick Ratio box.. but not the Ratio.. you would need to get a degree wheel on it for sure, or if the two letters Alpha Code are still on the end of the box.. that would tell you where it came from and what ratio..

The 82+ had the 12.7:1

The Jeep GC is 43*45" and is a 12:1 box

cklein

Awesome. Thanks for the feed back!

cklein

Best place to find one I assume is the junk yard or would oreillys seem better?

bczee

iTrader: (12)

yeah.. most people look for a low mileage one in the JY's... but a rebuilt one from O'Reilly's or Autozone if you can trust them (do your research, can be a hit or miss) will work..

Lee Manufacturing is a good place to buy new or rebuilt ones. But is the more costly option.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for pointing that out. There is definitely a variety to them, so if digging one out of a car, it helps to be sure. Mine happens to be the 12.7:1 version, and turns the tires approximately 33* off centerline. My understanding is that these were in Z28s more than TAs. Looking at some related threads on other forums, I'm guessing only SBC 305 or 350 cars got them. WS6 cars got the variable box. The Jeep box would be the better choice if really tight cornering is high in the priority list. I just tossed the F-body box out there as an option.

I'm asking out of ignorance here, but have you encountered any suspension/frame/tire well clearance issues at the extreme ends of the turning range? I'm intrigued by the extra 10* of steering range. My A arms aren't factory, so there is plenty of space for more turn now...

Also, are there PS pump pressure issues that have to be addressed with the Jeep box? The older PS boxes (like mine) require lower pressure than what the typical LSx PS pump puts out, and I ended up ordering a low-pressure pump from Turn One. This resulted in better road feel for me- steering was too light with the original pump.

oldgoat69

I just finished my swap yesterday. WOW what a difference! The OE box felt like piloting a steam ship, the GC box adds some much needed steering effort and much better return feel. On the first drive down our twisty road I felt like a little kid with a new toy.