Steering box and wheel spaced question

[Stupidquestionspro]

I have done multiple searches on the steering box and have found quite a bit of info but cannot seem to understand so if someone can explain it in simpler terms I’d appreciate it the car is 1983 cutlass Calais I believe it has the 605 box but no idea how to verify it I wanted to tighten up the steering because there is quite a bit of play and all the front suspension is new moog components as well as a new lower steering shaft I plan to change the upper bearing and check the 4 tilt column bolts as well.

From what I think I understand I’m looking for an 800 series box such as this lares 1354 off of rock auto? I have running currently the 1968 Saginaw I think power steering pump on my 350 and I think flared ends on my power steering lines? I have read I’ll need a pitman arm to match the box? Thanks for the help I’m confused

Also my wheel set up just needs a little something else and I’m thinking that’s rear spacers is anyone running them? How wide of a spacer can I use? Any concerns?


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[455'ed80Regal]

800 series box is the more desirable one to have. I scored mine out of an '87 Firebird Formula 350(found on any 80's fbody with the 16" wheel option). Quick ratio box with internal stops. I'm running 17x8 with 245/45 tires so that's what I wanted. Quick ratio boxes were also available in the Monte Carlo SS, Cutlass 442, and Buick Regal Turbo cars/Grand National but without internal stops. Also, the pitman arms do NOT interchange between the two different steering boxes. Have to have the Gbody specific 800 series pitman arm.

People have done it but I wouldn't run anything more than a 1" spacer.

Hope that helps some

I almost forgot, if you are lucky enough to score one of these boxes off a donor car, make sure you get the pressure valve from the backside of the power steering pump. No guarantee that your pump would have the right one in it even if you ordered a new one. Unless of course you scored a NOS GM application specific pump somewhere.

 

[Stupidquestionspro]

Awesome thank you since my car is a Calais which seems to be essentially a 442 or hurst without the paint is it possible it already has a 800 series box how would I tell? Thanks.


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[TURNA]

If yours looks like this, it is a 605

 

[fleming442]

So, is it a definite that the 4 bolt cap is an 800 box? Are all 800 boxes quick ratio? The reason for asking is that the Pig has a 4 bolt cap, but no RPO for F41 or anything related to performance (because by crew cab?).

 

[TURNA]

Not all 800's are quick ratio

 

[Stupidquestionspro]

If not all 800 are quick ratio what is the difference with the 6series and 8? Also how do I tell if an 800 is quick ratio? Will that make my steering feel tighter and more responsive


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[TURNA]

2.5 turns lock to lock.

When they were all new you could see the paint code on them that would tell you what they were

but that mark most likely is long gone

 

[Stupidquestionspro]

I know based on my search wheel spacers are ill advised on this forum but considering this is only a daily no slicks, burnouts or even hard launches really I’m considering a hub centric aluminum space the style that bolts to the factory studs and then has studs of its own the wheel bolts to.

Based on my measurement for the look I want I need about 1.5-2 inches.

I’ve gathered I need 5x4.75 bolt pattern. The hub bore is 70.3mm but my wheels are American racing aftermarket so I don’t know that hub bore unfortunately. Looking for suggestions on possible course I’ve found some spacers but they seems to have an 82mm or so hubcentric bore which seems like it likely wouldn’t work unless wheels had a vastly larger bore than factory.


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