MALIBU Steering Box Identification

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Ratchet

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I just picked up a steering box from a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. What are the identification marks on the box that will indicate it is a close ratio? I plan on installing it on my 80 Malibu.
 

Longroof79

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If I'm not mistaken, all the Cherokee boxes are quick ratio . Good find. I hope you have the G-body pitman arm that fits an 800 series box.
 
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69hurstolds

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None. No way to tell without checking turn to turn positvely. Of course, if it still had any ink stampings left on it anywhere, you could decipher the code and figure it out, but after 25 years it likely doesn't.

If it's a factory unit, and if it follows Longroof79 assertion of all of them being quick ratio, then that's probably ok. I'd still do a lock to lock turn check on it. Anything less than 3 turns lock to lock is a keeper in my book.
 
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Longroof79

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I recall seeing an article in an older Hot Rod Magazine which mentions the Jeep Cherokee 800 series box being an alternative to the Monte SS, 442, etc.
However, I would agree with you as far as turning it from lock to lock...and if it is 3-turns or less, it's what you want.
 
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Ratchet

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Thanks, I’ll check out the lock to lock.
I have the pitman arm that came on the box. Will it work or do I need to get something else? If so, what?
 

Longroof79

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Thanks, I’ll check out the lock to lock.
I have the pitman arm that came on the box. Will it work or do I need to get something else? If so, what?
I don't think the Jeep pitman arm is the same length and angle. Of course, you'd have to compare it to a G-body 800 series pitman arm. What's in your car currently? It's either an 800 series or a Saginaw 604. The 604 pitman arm will not interchange with the 800 arm. Therefore can't be used on an 800 box.
If need be, Summit sells new replacement 800 pitman arms last time I checked.
 
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69hurstolds

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Pitman arm you need is GM p/n 7837648. Discontinued from GM, but you run across them every now and again. Or if you're in the j/y and run across ANY 800 series box in a G-body with the arm still attached. Bring a pitman puller though.

Per usual, Longroof79 is right again. Summit sells an aftermarket. $45

 
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melloelky

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I just picked up a steering box from a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. What are the identification marks on the box that will indicate it is a close ratio? I plan on installing it on my 80 Malibu.
take a look @ this article,see if there's any similarites
 
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oldsmobile joe

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the jeep box has 7.5 more degrees of travel. this may cause tire rub.
here are some specs.
Screen Shot 2020-12-12 at 6.16.59 PM.png
 
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