new steering box for the 86

[//<86TA>\\]

it time for me to pick up a new steering box for the bird. Its worn out and i think its the only stock piece left on the car.

i was looking at this guy
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...8+&appfilter=1

anybody ever deal with this company and have any reviews or input?

thanks
-Phil

[deadtrend1]

consider trying to find a GTA quick ratio one? Maybe rebuild it if necessary?

[HeadlessNorseman]

3rd gens arent rack and pinion? i never realized that

[Tru2Chevy]

Yea, I think the WS6 box is also 12:1 and you could pick one up and rebuild it for less than that.

- Justin

[//<86TA>\\]

i know i can get a factory one and rebuild it, but i just like the idea of new and shiny.

I just really dont want to go through the hassle of finding a used box, gutting it, finding rebuild parts, seals, gears ect and god know what else.

I wanted to swap to rack and pinion, but its not an easy deal with a 3rd gen without a shat load of u-joints

[BigAls87Z28]

IROC or WS6 box will work. They sell them already reman'ed ya know...

[BonzoHansen]

If you want the best, get a Lee built box, SC&C carries them. The open trackers swear by this guy (IIRC his name is Tom Lee), and he's been upgrading boxes for race teams for years. I plan on using a 670 Lee built box in the 67, mainly to buy some extra header room over the larger 800 box. That would save you a few pounds. If you do go to that degree, talk about the valve in the pump too.

Otherwise an AGR or even a reman IROC/WS6 box will work. Although reman boxes can be hit or miss since they all look the same. Most people like the AGR boxes, although like any product you'll see a handful of complaints on the web.

Rebuilding a box is no small event. There is no real benefit to changing over to R&P, except maybe some weight.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

If you want the best, get a Lee built box, SC&C carries them. The open trackers swear by this guy (IIRC his name is Tom Lee), and he's been upgrading boxes for race teams for years. I plan on using a 670 Lee built box in the 67, mainly to buy some extra header room over the larger 800 box. That would save you a few pounds. If you do go to that degree, talk about the valve in the pump too.

Otherwise an AGR or even a reman IROC/WS6 box will work. Although reman boxes can be hit or miss since they all look the same. Most people like the AGR boxes, although like any product you'll see a handful of complaints on the web.

Rebuilding a box is no small event. There is no real benefit to changing over to R&P, except maybe some weight.

THAT'S the name! I knew there was another one and couldn't think of it to save my life. I have heard great stuff about Lee boxes.

[//<86TA>\\]

thanks or the link scott, i was unaware of that option. I kinda like the idea of the 670 box being lighter, im always trying to shave a few more lbs on the car.

hmmm they are pricey though....

I assume i have a 800 style box? how do i find out?

[BonzoHansen]

Unless I'm totally off my game, yes, you have an 800 series box.

Hey, there is a 3rd gen WS6 box, low miles, no leaks, in my Z. Buy me a Lee box and I'll give you this one, install it and align the car.

Call Marcus @ SC&C and talk to him.

[//<86TA>\\]

picked up the agr box off ebay for 149.50 brand new. Saved a few hundred bux

[BonzoHansen]

Solid buy

[//<86TA>\\]

pulled the old box off today, there was actually a lot of deflection in the input shaft, maybe that was an issue....

its a real PITA changing a steering box in a 3rd gen. 16mm bolt heads? just happen to not have any 16mm sockets

now i can't get the pitman arm off

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\

pulled the old box off today, there was actually a lot of deflection in the input shaft, maybe that was an issue....

its a real PITA changing a steering box in a 3rd gen. 16mm bolt heads? just happen to not have any 16mm sockets

now i can't get the pitman arm off

Phil, if you need a pitman arm puller give me a yell. Just got another one.

[crainholio]

AutoZone usually has a puller in their loan-a-tool inventory, $0 after you return it.

Check your rag joint while you have it all apart, they tend to get soaked with oil and become flimsy.

Also check the firewall bushing at the top of the steering shaft, just grab the steering stub and see if there is noticeable deflection. At 300k miles, mine was shot. Get a new one for an '89 Chevy Astro...they're roller bearings instead of plastic bushings like ours. It's a direct fit, pops right in and is an easy swap while you have the steering shaft out. Huge improvement on mine. $25 shipped on Amazon.com for the genuine AC Delco piece.

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally Posted by crainholio

AutoZone usually has a puller in their loan-a-tool inventory, $0 after you return it.

Check your rag joint while you have it all apart, they tend to get soaked with oil and become flimsy.

Also check the firewall bushing at the top of the steering shaft, just grab the steering stub and see if there is noticeable deflection. At 300k miles, mine was shot. Get a new one for an '89 Chevy Astro...they're roller bearings instead of plastic bushings like ours. It's a direct fit, pops right in and is an easy swap while you have the steering shaft out. Huge improvement on mine. $25 shipped on Amazon.com for the genuine AC Delco piece.

This kind of info is awesome. I love when I come across nuggets of info like this. Thank you sir.

[BonzoHansen]

What part?

[//<86TA>\\]

i would assume #40

would you believe that the big nut holding the pitman arm on the box is 33mm? would you believe that i dont have a 33mm socket, neither does sears, home depot, lowes, autozone, or tractor supply....
another day lost....
Finkles will have it, have to swing by tomorrow.

Picked up a cheap pitman arm puller, let see if i can break it before the arm comes off. Im starting to think i should just buy a new pitman arm and be done with it.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\

i would assume #40

would you believe that the big nut holding the pitman arm on the box is 33mm? would you believe that i dont have a 33mm socket, neither does sears, home depot, lowes, autozone, or tractor supply....
another day lost....
Finkles will have it, have to swing by tomorrow.

Picked up a cheap pitman arm puller, let see if i can break it before the arm comes off. Im starting to think i should just buy a new pitman arm and be done with it.

Did you try Carver's? They have some random tools there.

[crainholio]

Yup, it's part # 40 in that blowup drawing.

[//<86TA>\\]

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

Did you try Carver's? They have some random tools there.

you know, its funny, that place has been there forever, and i never remember its there. I think they close at 5 or 6, so it wouldnt have been open anyway. My co-worker is getting me one from a place near where he lives up[ near easton, probably the only 33mm socket in NJ.

I checked my rag joint and firewall bushing, no slop or deflection at all. so im leaving them alone for now.

[crainholio]

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\

I checked my rag joint and firewall bushing, no slop or deflection at all. so im leaving them alone for now.

Cool beans, the new steering box is going to make it feel like a new car.

[//<86TA>\\]

i will say that things go a lot smoother when you have the right tools.

I picked up the 33mm socket this morning, popped it on the impact gun, and the nut was off in a second. Kind disappointing really, i was expecting a fight considering the amount of effort i exerted trying to take it off with a wrench.

The cheap ass Pittman arm puller i picked up worked like a dream too!

Then stupid me tried to put the box back in the car, i spent about a half hour trying to get the steering shaft splines to match up with the box before i realized i had the box spline 45 degrees off. Then it fell on.....

Took the car for a spin and it feels good, it still drives to the left a little, but i think that has a little to do with the height of the idler arm, i will have the check that.

On the way home, took turn and hammered it, ended up totally sideways in the middle of the road, missed second, and bounced off the rev limiter pretty hard...at least i know that works. Im kinda amazed how quickly this engine revs dispite the long stroke

Now i need to do yard work