F41 steering box

[rfpowerdude]

The steering box in the '83 H/O leaks all the fluid out at the steering shaft input. How hard is this to fix? A rebuild of the box? What parts are necessary? Source(s)? Should I just get a used one to replace it?

 

[Longroof79]

You're probably better off getting a fresh rebuilt box from Advance or Autozone...or if someone locally is parting out a Monte SS, 442, H/O, GN/ T-Type, IROC or Z28 Camaro, Firebird T/A..etc.
You're going to want the quick ratio box approx. 2.5 turns lock to lock.
I don't think rebuild kits are available for them over the counter.

 

[pontiacgp]

It's not a big job to change that seal but it's usually leaking for a reason, something is worn causing it to leak. I agree with Jack that it would be better to buy a rebuilt box. I have a Z box and it's leaking from the input shaft, that seal assembly is $178 on it's own so I'll be changing the box before I do that repair.

 

[Longroof79]

It's not a big job to change that seal but it's usually leaking for a reason, something is worn causing it to leak. I agree with Jack that it would be better to buy a rebuilt box. I have a Z box and it's leaking from the input shaft, that seal assembly is $178 on it's own so I'll be changing the box before I do that repair.

Steve,
I was thinking the same thought, that something broke internally...a bearing let go perhaps and destroyed the seal...something of that nature.

 

[Ringers]

*Shrug* Mine is starting to leak too. Good timing on the thread. I'll just get a Monte SS box from O'Rielly

 

[vanrah]

Greetings Guys; My new favorite subject, "steering boxes". Has anyone used a AGR box? I called them last year and they will put a unit together with a spool valve of your choice, and he gave me a number of choices. I'm lead to believe that the AGR unit is made better with higher precision bearings and an additional row of support bearings? Has anyone had any of these units apart including GM units? AGR units are very competitively priced. My OE isn't leaking yet but may be the oldest moving part on my car. And time is up 34+ years it's sloppy. Of course many of us have been spoiled be some nice racks. procircuit if you see this what box are you using? Anyone using a parts store unit here chime in, good results or not so happy? I had heard & I'm not sure if this is a good story or BS. Anyway some late model GM truck (late 90s or early 2000s?) the last boxes before they went to racks. Were made with modern precise tooling and have the best feel? Also they cost $600 to $700 bucks? And they are very light duty and don't stay precise very long. Can anyone put some light on this issue? Bob Jr.

 

[rfpowerdude]

A Lares rebuilt box from Advance is $173. There is a "Powercraft Steering Gear Major Seal Kit" one for $16 and one for $32. I wonder what these kits include and how hard it is to service these units. Is this service in the chassis service manual? My manual is not handy as it is at my rental shop. I will check it tomorrow.

Atsco has rebuilt ones for $107+$25 core from rockauto.com... hmmmm...

Thanks all!