Best Steering Box Upgrade

[eversmann79]

Hi my 78 regal is handling like a school bus. There is a ton of play in the steering wheel and it just feels like its going to roll over going around a turn at 30 mph.
i know springs shocks sway bars etc will help but i want a little more steering "feel" if that makes sense. its really really easy to turn the steering wheel so i was wondering if i can get like an "upgraded" one from like a camaro or something?

 

[85GPLef41]

Try a Monte SS, Grand National or 442... 😀 They fit the best cuz they were designed for the gbody platform.I'm sure any parts store could hook you with a rebuilt one. Some have used one from a f-body but had problems with the steering arms and some haven't.

 

[eversmann79]

ya but a steering box out of a used car wouldnt have as much steering slop as my car?

 

[RITTER]

NSP. #88-277101 for $144, this is a remanufactured gear box for an SS Monte Carlo. This is a very popular upgrade and not just for GBody's. I have sold a couple of these gear boxes this year already. I know the one guy was putting it in a '72 Cutlass 442 with a 455 You would be upgrading from 3 - 3 5/8 turns, lock-to-lock, to a 2 1/2 - 2 15/16 turns, lock-to-lock. Your worn out rag joint will also cause a lot of slop in the steering wheel.

Other things to consider would be tie rods, ball joints or even a complete Energy Suspension front end rebuild kit.

 

[dogsht]

Ritter nailed it. I might add even simple inexpensive new poly end links will give you better response & feel.

 

[gthmcty1]

NSP. #88-277101 for $144, this is a remanufactured gear box for an SS Monte Carlo. This is a very popular upgrade and not just for GBody's. I have sold a couple of these gear boxes this year already. I know the one guy was putting it in a '72 Cutlass 442 with a 455 You would be upgrading from 3 - 3 5/8 turns, lock-to-lock, to a 2 1/2 - 2 15/16 turns, lock-to-lock. Your worn out rag joint will also cause a lot of slop in the steering wheel.

Other things to consider would be tie rods, ball joints or even a complete Energy Suspension front end rebuild kit.

What part number is that you listed? Is that a NAPA part number?

 

[eversmann79]

damn i love you guys.

 

[RITTER]

What part number is that you listed? Is that a NAPA part number?

:wink: You know it

 

[othtim]

I need to buy a new steering box this summer. My last one (from a reman company last year) cost 300 bucks and it is as sloppy as my old one, after a year. I may look into this. Thanks ritter.

 

[larryo454]

With care, it is possible to adjust the Allen screw in the top of the box. With the steering centered and holding the Allen screw, loosen the lock nut, tighten the Allen screw about 1/8th of a turn, holding the Allen screw in possition, tighten down the lock nut. You may find that you have to make the adjustment 2 or 3 times to get the feel you want. Tightening the Allen screw too much will cause the steering gear to bind at centre, requiring that you back the screw off 1/8th turn.