guys, on my frame off 78 Monte, I'm thinking a new steering box and shaft system. DSE seems to have the upgraded box for quicker turn and ragless joint and using their shaft as well... Pricey for sure but this isn't the time to skimp... Any experience with their systems? I have the UMI stage 2 system for front suspension so I'm assuming the dse will fit without interference on the sway bar, but I'll check with both vendors. Any knowledge is appreciated.
Upgrade steering system on build
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You could track down a monte ss quicker ratio box and do the jeep intermediate shaft upgrade. It would save you alot of money over that kit. The jeep shaft has u joints at both ends to eliminate the rag joint. I installed one on my cutlass but haven't been able to test it yet.
I bought rebuilt Monte SS boxes for both of my cars through Advanced Auto parts. They were rebuilt by a company named Lares in MN. Price wasnt too bad considering they were rebuilds.
My Monte is an 83' and is not an SS and it started it's life as a regular Monte with the CL package and it came fully loaded along with the F41 suspension and quick ratio box, so for Monte's you can broaden your search beyond just the SS.
I also went with a new Borgenson collapsible steering shaft that was cut to fit, a lot more than a used Jeep shaft but it is new and has top quality universal joints on each end and I was able put the collapsible section in a location that gave me the most header clearance which is a valuable option when you have huge headers on a big block.
With the newer monte box, if bought at napa or wherever, would it be a bolt and go or would I have to do additional fittings, etc.? I like the collapsible shaft, is that a rag joint or u joint? Where did you buy that and who then cut it for you?im putting in a SB, but will have headers and didn't even think about clearance, good reminder, thanks.. I'd like to be clear as to what to do and get this box bolted to frame before engine goes in... I'm just a little confused on exact upgrade options and making sure those will fit on a 78 with power steering. Thanks for the help guys
The newer Monte box should be a direct swap but I think you will need metric adapters for your power steering pump, I have an older BBC pump and had a local place make the high pressure line for me.
The shaft has a universal joint on each end, no rag joint. I bought mine from Summit separately then did the mock ups for the shaft and cut it when I determined where I wanted everything.
What are you doing for your pulleys and accessories? If you plan to spend the money on a new Monte steering box, then get a new pump and hoses as well - don't flush 30 years of junk into your fresh 'box.. Use a power steering pump and hoses from the same years as the steering box. Don't forget that you need the Pitman arm from a 800 box if you switch to the Monte SS 'box. If you are lucky, your '78 has the 'box with the square top and four bolts. That's the 800 series, and the Pitman arm is already the right one. 1978 was the odd year for Malibus on wheel bearings and steering shafts. It was the last year for the splined steering column end, and 1979 was the first year for the 'D'-shaped end. If you will use an automatic transmission, consider swapping the column for a 1979+ tilt unit, then the Jeep shaft upgrade is a drop-in. IF you will go with a manual transmission, consider a manual tilt column from an S10, 1983-1994. It will have the key release lever.
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