How To Upgrade Your G-Body Steering on the Cheap

gbodytoys

G-Body Guru
May 1, 2014
501
646
93
Detroit, MI
Car Craft Write Up - 6-13-17

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/upgrade-g-body-steering-cheap/

g-body-junkyard-steering-upgrade-01-e1497378280864.jpg


While searching for the ultimate handling machine, many tend to fixate on the suspension. However, the steering is perhaps your most direct connection to the car. To make a huge impact that you can really feel, take every opportunity to upgrade the factory, recirculating-ball steering gearbox on your muscle car.

It’s a sad fact but the later G-bodies got not only the best powerplants, but also the best steering box. While the later Grand Nationals, Olds 442s and Monte Carlo SS’s may have been picked clean at this point for their 12.7:1 ratio Saginaw steering boxes, there is a cheaper solution than going with an aftermarket or even a remanufactured piece. Knowing that our 1983 Buick Regal T-type (aka G Machine) still had the stock steering box, Greg Lovell at AntiVenom recommended an upgrade in the form of a steering box from a ‘90s square body Jeep Cherokee.


At our local salvage yard, we grabbed a couple different steering boxes from 1993 – 1998 Grand Cherokees, which Greg says are preferable because prior to 1993, Grand Cherokees used a slower ratio steering gear, and after 1998 they used Delphi units with a longer Pitman arm. Typically the 1994 and earlier Cherokee is the go-to for steering shafts, since these have long been a cheap upgrade for G-body enthusiasts.

Instead of the rag joints that are prone to wearing out over time, the Jeeps use U-joints that eliminate any potential slop. If you are searching for more feedback in the steering, this is the way to do it.
 
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Reactions: 5 users

DRIVEN

Geezer
Apr 25, 2009
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i did this upgrade on my '66 El Camino and it was a dramatic improvement. I always wondered if the Jeep box was compatible with a Gbody.
There was no mention of it, and it may go without saying, but the Jeep box will use O-ringed fittings that are different from the early G flared fittings. Borgeson sells inserts that address that. #925122?
 
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Reactions: 1 user

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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Socialist NY
Nice job Hot Rod Magazine we have only been doing this upgrade for the last 15 or so years................

Why not just keep to articles on the same 69 Camaro you have been writing about for the last 40 years
 
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Reactions: 2 users

pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
29,270
20,391
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Kitchener, Ontario
Nice job Hot Rod Magazine we have only been doing this upgrade for the last 15 or so years................

Why not just keep to articles on the same 69 Camaro you have been writing about for the last 40 years

but there are new guys who are interested in the G body and not on a forum so it could be useful to them and maybe some are not on the internet.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
If there not on the internet then they would not see that webpage!!!!!


:banana:
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
I have no idea,

I'm just messin' with ya!
 

LOCOGOMEZ

Greasemonkey
May 19, 2014
117
39
28
Southern IL
I always wondered if this made an improvement on the steering. I have passed these Cherokee's in the junk yards but never looked at getting the components.
 

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