605 to mcss steering box

[oranGekrate]

I know these gear box threads have been done to death, but being new to G body I would like to know if this is correct. My 79 pontiac GL safari wagon has a 605 gear box. I read a thread that indicates the 605 from 78-83 has a 3/16 pitman arm. This will need to be replaced if I upgrade to the mcss box which uses a 3/4" shaft, correct? Also, not sure what my factory p/s hoses are, I think some styles are o-ring and others are flared fit. What are the mcss boxes, will my hoses work?... I would like to do the jeep shaft upgrade also, I assume I'll have no issues using my current column as long as I have the right gear box setup. Just trying to get this right in my head before I commit to doing this upgrade. I found a rebuilt box at http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 8940_6207_ (duralast #6561), not that I'll buy that one, just looking at pricing. If I do need a different pitman arm where can I find one while avoiding the junkyards. In other words, if I will need it and you have one, let me know before I place a wtb post. Any info or suggestions are welcome of course. Thanks...

 

[Longroof79]

Hey Charlie,
Yes, by all means dump that 605 box. They were leaky POS. You are correct, the pitman arm from the 605 will not fit the 800 series box. The 800 has a thicker shaft. They are beefier boxes.
I'm sure someone on the site would have an extra 800 type pitman arm laying around. When I replaced mine, it already had the pitman arm on it because it was used.
As for the hoses, the Monte SS box takes the O-ring type fittings. I think the only real difference in the older box was a brass insert installed to accommodate the flare fitting ends. You'll need a new high pressure hose and a low pressure pipe that you just add a piece of rubber hose and clamps to.

I'll check to see if I have an extra low pressure pipe/ fitting. If I had an extra 800 pitman arm I'd send it to you.

 

[oranGekrate]

Hey Charlie,
Yes, by all means dump that 605 box. They were leaky POS. You are correct, the pitman arm from the 605 will not fit the 800 series box. The 800 has a thicker shaft. They are beefier boxes.
I'm sure someone on the site would have an extra 800 type pitman arm laying around. When I replaced mine, it already had the pitman arm on it because it was used.
As for the hoses, the Monte SS box takes the O-ring type fittings. I think the only real difference in the older box was a brass insert installed to accommodate the flare fitting ends. You'll need a new high pressure hose and a low pressure pipe that you just add a piece of rubber hose and clamps to.

I'll check to see if I have an extra low pressure pipe/ fitting. If I had an extra 800 pitman arm I'd send it to you.

Thanks Jack, I thought this was going to be a piece of cake till I saw I had a 605 box, then dug a little further to find the difference in shaft size. About the pitman arm, what works for me? Anything Gbody f41 suspension? Any year as long as it's 3/4 in shaft?

 

[V8 Rumble]

You can use the pitman arm for any gbody that had the 800 series box will work.

 

[Longroof79]

V8 is correct, Charlie.

Now does anyone have an 800 series pitman arm laying around doing nothing? Perhaps someone can help our friend out? .

 

[81Regal]

Don't throw the 605 box away though, they are used in power steering conversions for tri 5 chevys.

 

[oranGekrate]

You can use the pitman arm for any gbody that had the 800 series box will work.

Thanks V8, I'll be calling pick-a-part tomorrow. :shock:

 

[oranGekrate]

V8 is correct, Charlie.

Now does anyone have an 800 series pitman arm laying around doing nothing? Perhaps someone can help our friend out? .

Thanks for watching out for me Jack, being the "new guy" and all ...Also thanks for the return tube offer. I appreciate it if you do have one...

 

[oranGekrate]

Don't throw the 605 box away though, they are used in power steering conversions for tri 5 chevys.

Yeah, I read about that in the same thread I found info about the difference in pitman arms. I'll save it and sell it at the hotrod rumble I go to.

 

[oranGekrate]

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