Just got out my 69 bird for first drive of spring! Noticed how much play i have at highway speeds. I have always wanted to tighten up the "feel" in the steering. I have already replace tie rods and ball joints.....and have heard of others replacing steering box with newer styles for 76-80 models.....then replacing hoses with one end new style one end old style.....

Does anyone have a suggustion of a good step that is moderate in price?

Thanks Tim

There are 12:1 gear boxes that will not require changing hoses. I put one on my car when I restored it. I want to think its from a mid 70's trans am. It made a big difference in the bird.

I just changed the box in my son's 75 Chevelle from a variable to a 12:1 also. It is being hooked to an ls1 engine so I went with a later year to get the newer style hose fittings.

Someone said you can buy a rebuilt quick ratio box from Napa for around $100-$150. You m,ight want to try to tighten yours first(free) though just to see if it's good enough for you.

I think the one I just bought was 119.00

How do you tighten the existing box? I thought there was a bolt on top of the box for adjustment....

Once again thanks....
Tim

Napa box says 21/2 to 3 turns lock to lock, what is stock

Make sure to adjust steering box with the wheels straight. Unlock counter nut on stud ( the stud as a slut on top to turn it) make ajustement and relock.It's pulling the center shaft closer or furter.

also make sure you have no play in pitman arm and in idler

Sorry to jack the thread, but when I read this I laughed my @ss off

Scroll down about half way down the page. I did this upgrade and the feeling of the steering is much improved.
http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_steering.htm#Steering%20box%20and%20ratio%20info

Right. You need to do the adjustment when in the straight ahead position because that is where it will bind if it's going to. Adjust a 1/4 turn at a time and then spin the wheel back and forth to make sure no hard spots. The last thing you want is to have you wteering lock up on you.

You could order different boxes from the factory but I think std pwr was 3.5 turns L to L.

thanks for the link Robert, lots of good info

Firebob is right, just adjust a little at a time. Do not overtighten! It is necessary for the sector shaft (the pitman arm attaches to this)to be free enough to react to road conditions and activate the spool valve accordingly. If it is binding at all you find that you have to correct your steering halfway through a corner as the directional force on your steering overcomes the binding of the sector shaft. If this happens loosen the adjustment 1/4 turn at a time until this condition goes away. If the steering feels too loose at this point and all other steering components and shocks are good, you probably need a new steering box.

I just ran out to the garage and checked mine. Sadly my steering box has no slut ot top of it. I wonder if she fell off at some point.
On a more serious note I do plan on trying the adjustment to see if I can get the steering a little tighter.

Harry,
I guess you stud isn't firm enough to keep the slut from backing off anymore.