Looking to put a later model steering box in my 70

[ryanv70c10]

I heard that I can use up to a 1987 truck steering box in my 70. Looking to replace because there is a tiny bit of play but now that I can get the faster ratio box then that's just a bonus!

Anyhow, is it a complete bolt on or do I need anything else such as hybrid rag joint, or pitman arm or different pump and or hoses?

Thanks for any input!

Ryan

[hugger6933]

Ryan, if you get a real ate box[relatively speaking of course] you will need to get different ends for the box side of the lines. In around late 78 I think, there was a change in the flare type of the box needing a o-ring fitting rather than a flare or some such thing I have been confused myself about witch was witch. You can either get a conversion flare from LEE manufacturing. Or change to later model hoses, and you can change out the huge nut looking fitting on the back of the pump[houses the pressure relief valve] to a later model one [it is a direct change; meaning the threads are the same].
Do a search here on it and you will find several hours of reading on the subject. Jim

[toolboxchev]

I have replace my box several years ago. I checked the turns to lock the other day and in fact have a later box, probably one for up to a 78. My turns to lock is a bit quicker than what is listed for stock. It bolted right up.

The auto parts stores are not about getting you the correct part, they are about getting you a part you hopefully can install and utilize.

Auto Parts stores are a whole ball of wax separate from what is supposed to be on our rigs.

Now some of the vendors on here are pretty dime on if it is still manufactured.

[Warrens69GMC]

i found a complete c10 (1977) someone was parting out. We switched our 1969 gmc to a long waterpump setup by taking all of the bracket, hoses, alternator and everything off the front of the 1977. used an alternator conversion module (no rewiring) and was done.

[davischevy]

Just ask for a steering box for a 1979 and you will get 3 1/4 turns stop to stop, and your lines will hook right up. In 1980 the boxes started to use a o ring fitting on the lines.

The input splines are a crap shoot. Sometimes the old rag joint will work and sometimes you have to buy a rag joint to match your new splines.

I used to be able to use the old rag joint every time, but the last few times I changed a box it was hit and miss on the rag joint.

[ryanv70c10]

1979 C10 it is! Thanks for the info. This site is great!

[davischevy]

Check the fittings to make sure they are flare. If not ask for a 78 model.

As far as I know 77, 78 and 79 were close ratio and pre metric.