Well, I was under the car yesterday and my steering box rear seal is seeping. Really not happy about the 0 feedback on these old boxes anyway...too slushy.

went thru a few old posts and saw some notes on a 3rd generation box install...B4 I go start accumulating parts for a change this fall are there any other ideas or comments on a good swap?

Just had a box done by powersteering.com into fast ratio, higher feedback. Won't know for a bit how it feels on the road, though.

I wouldn't. They rebuild the old boxes to work like the newer boxes. I think I gave you a link to a high performance one in your other steering thread.

Summit sells these; http://www.agrperformance.com/ I think they are about $350. Saw a couple new chrome ones on eBay for a little less.

Go to AutoZone order Power Steering Repair Kit #7860 made by Powercraft for 68 Firebird, mine blow out at a car show, I pulled the box off and marked everything remove the four bolts on top that's all, pull the shaft and replace the seals the kit comes with a drawing its not that hard.

Ah but here's the rub. I've worked in a GM steering plant for a lot of years. When I pulled them apart I noticed that the bearings are usually worn out when the seals go...... The seals will hold the shaft for a short time and then leak again. An original box is way past it's life expectancy..... Question; How can you tell if a steering box is due for a rebuild?

If a place like powersteering.com can rebuild the old in to a fast ratio unit, I'm interested. Vikki, let me know what the cost was and the final verdict.

I don't want to just rebuild it, I want the performance too. $350 sounds a little steep tho!

It's due for rebuild. Used parts aren't going to be any more reliable than what you have.

Powersteering.com:

$259 sounds like a deal. And they used to cost a lot more than $350!

Thanks ladies and gentlemen, I will be checking their website and sending it to them AFTER October or so

Here is a sticky on swapping in a 3rd Gen steering box from the Team Camaro Web site:

Team Camaro 3rd Gen Steering

What about the rebuilt boxes that NAPA and others sell for around $160 before exchange? Are they any good? Will be changing mine this winter since it has about 10 degrees of slop in it, even after a complete suspension rebuild.

They are good. Specifically ask for the quick ratio box. If they want an application, tell them 1969 Camaro Z 28.

Will that work in my 68 as well?, and does it give more feedback than the slushbox? I looked in to ordering or having mine rebuilt short of checking locally, and shipping a 30# box just about kills the deal!

Yep. Works on all 1st gens. Very responsive.

I purchased one from NAPA this past May. Ordered one for a 69 Firebird w/ power steering. It was $160 with the exchange and the thing works great. Much more responsive than my old one.

New pitman arm helped matters as well. Although the ones you get from the parts places now are all the straight version, not the "bent" one. I wouldn't change one without the other (gear box and pitman arm that is).

From what I could find the "fast ratio box" is variable 16:1 to 12.4:1. and the same 15 to 21 (lbs?) of effort as slower boxes.

The 3rd GEN Iroc box is constant 12.7:1 and 28-34 (lbs?) of effort. So the Iroc box should give you more "feel" and even faster response.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/1967-93CamaroStrgGearBoxesRev04OC04.xls

Thats what I was thinking. More responsive does not mean better road feedback. I am hoping for a liitle "weight" to the feel.

Two different parts of the equation. The quicker ratio is "more responsive". A different spool valve (regulates the amount of assist) gives more "feel".

The 69 version has both a quicker ratio and a different 'spool' than the earlier versions. Up until 69 the 'spools' weren't variable. We started putting the variable spools in late 68. At the same time we designed a machine, a valve balancer, that balances the valve spool to give more assist at the times, in a turn, when it is needed. Since 69 all power steering boxes have gotten tested and 'balanced' right after assembly. I was 'captive' in this department for a few years and had to fix the balancers right quick because without them being balanced the assembly lines backed up. It was a 'HOT' job with lots of perks. All I did was sit back with a pager and wait for the call that a valve balancer was down. Lots of breaks and lots of glory when you get the balancer back up and running.

Thanks for the clarification. Does a variable spool mean it is user adjustable. At any rate I'll be checking the auto parts store to see what they have and cost. It may be the least expensive way to go.

No. It's not manually adjustable. It adjusts itself during a turn to apply the right amount of assist for the wheel position during the turn.

OK. gotcha