steering box question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**old Rusty C10** · 11-01-2022, 04:21 PM

Its been years since i did one of these steering boxes and i no longer have a squarebody truck ( at least here to look at) heres the question.. I have a buddy who has a 1986 K15 lifted on 33s he had his steering box replaced by a local mechanic who is now out of business. He came to me and asked me about a steering box issue in which i notices that out of the three bolts that hold the box to the frame only two are there, the other the top of the bolt snapped off and it broke basically level with the box. There is probably a quarter inch gap between the bon and the frame rail.
Does anyone know if there is a spacer in there or something that may have fallen out when the bolt broke?
Secondly can anyone tell me the exact size and thread of the bolts so i can buy them ahead of time for when he drops me the truck to fix?

kglowacky · 11-01-2022, 05:51 PM

no spacer that I know of, at least on my 78. I bet the frame has bent in the mounting area because of only having 2 bolts. Extreme amount of pressure on the frames at that point in fact so much flex they sell a extra brace to install to keep the frame from flexing.

kipps · 11-01-2022, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

can anyone tell me the exact size and thread of the bolts

Quote:

Originally Posted by kglowacky

they sell a extra brace to install to keep the frame from flexing.

This is a reputable company, and they appear to include the necessary steering box mounting bolts in the kit. https://www.offroaddesign.com/bolt-i...wd-trucks.html

**old Rusty C10** · 11-02-2022, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kipps

This is a reputable company, and they appear to include the necessary steering box mounting bolts in the kit. https://www.offroaddesign.com/bolt-i...wd-trucks.html

thank you im going to print this product out and have him order it

Rich84 · 11-02-2022, 11:57 AM

I installed one on my truck. It's a nice piece. Might be hard to get aligned properly if the frame is bent.

kglowacky · 11-04-2022, 12:53 AM

I also installed one of these braces although I don't remember the brand. But I Think it was a lot cheaper. Might want to shop around

**hatzie** · 11-05-2022, 08:14 PM

The steering box bolt to frame crossmember braces are easy enough to fabricate.

I've fabbed my own Delco high compression engine starter tail braces that seem to get thrown away and the NP208 transfer case to bellhousing braces and the 6.2L diesel bellhousing to motor mount braces that folks like to pitch out.

dieseldawg142 · 11-06-2022, 05:04 PM

or you can use a factory steering brace.
go find a 1 ton, they have a factory brace that bolts on to any K truck- no mods, no drilling.
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2 bolts thru the crossmember and 2 bolts thru the bumper bracket.
just changed my box earlier this yr, frame is minty, even after running 38"-42" tires for close to 20 yrs
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11-01-2022, 04:21 PM	#1
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,270	steering box question Its been years since i did one of these steering boxes and i no longer have a squarebody truck ( at least here to look at) heres the question.. I have a buddy who has a 1986 K15 lifted on 33s he had his steering box replaced by a local mechanic who is now out of business. He came to me and asked me about a steering box issue in which i notices that out of the three bolts that hold the box to the frame only two are there, the other the top of the bolt snapped off and it broke basically level with the box. There is probably a quarter inch gap between the bon and the frame rail. Does anyone know if there is a spacer in there or something that may have fallen out when the bolt broke? Secondly can anyone tell me the exact size and thread of the bolts so i can buy them ahead of time for when he drops me the truck to fix? __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-01-2022, 05:51 PM	#2
kglowacky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: The Woodlands,Tx Posts: 562	Re: steering box question no spacer that I know of, at least on my 78. I bet the frame has bent in the mounting area because of only having 2 bolts. Extreme amount of pressure on the frames at that point in fact so much flex they sell a extra brace to install to keep the frame from flexing.

11-02-2022, 11:57 AM	#5
Rich84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Woodbury, Ct. Posts: 1,664	Re: steering box question I installed one on my truck. It's a nice piece. Might be hard to get aligned properly if the frame is bent.

11-04-2022, 12:53 AM	#6
kglowacky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: The Woodlands,Tx Posts: 562	Re: steering box question I also installed one of these braces although I don't remember the brand. But I Think it was a lot cheaper. Might want to shop around

11-05-2022, 08:14 PM	#7
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,916	Re: steering box question The steering box bolt to frame crossmember braces are easy enough to fabricate. I've fabbed my own Delco high compression engine starter tail braces that seem to get thrown away and the NP208 transfer case to bellhousing braces and the 6.2L diesel bellhousing to motor mount braces that folks like to pitch out. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

11-06-2022, 05:04 PM	#8
dieseldawg142 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: back 40, bc Posts: 3,805	Re: steering box question or you can use a factory steering brace. go find a 1 ton, they have a factory brace that bolts on to any K truck- no mods, no drilling. 2 bolts thru the crossmember and 2 bolts thru the bumper bracket. just changed my box earlier this yr, frame is minty, even after running 38"-42" tires for close to 20 yrs



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