[powerrodsmike]

A manual 525 box will bolt right in and the ratio is numerically higher, so the steering is fairly easy.

We never did get the power 605 box referred to in that other thread to work how it should. we tried readjusting it after several thousand miles and got nowhere. I think it is internal friction by design .

The 525 boxes are found in many 60's and 70's midsize gm manuall applications. Camaro and chevelle, some pickups also.

I don't know if this helps, but thought I'd put it out there anyway.

later, mikey

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by grandpaws 57

I finally heard from a retired FE shop owner. He had an hot rod align shop.He said 605 boxes are junk! I wish I talked to him before I did the deal. Vendor must be aware of lockup problem,may not know a fix.

Summer's almost gone ......!!!!

As for driving with no boost, hard to do with modifyed steering colume.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ previously

The suggestion above calling for removing the assist feature (I would simply remove the drive belt) and seeing how the box performs while driving it without assist makes sense (make sure you have a double ration of Cheerios).

This suggestion was only for possible diagnosing. If without the assist, the steering improved, it would much more likely to be a box defect. Not meant to attempt and drive it that way...

[grandpaws 57]

Thanks for responce to all.I am afraid to drive with no assist,if and when box locks up,then may have a real problem steering!!!! This happens when driven for a distence,can't be perdicated.!!!!!!

[redlightning]

On the one post,the guy said he added a second cooler and it helped.I don,t see how it could be heat.But what about volume.Could it be not enough in the reserve and adding a second cooler would add more fluid to the system?Is it only at cruising speed?Maybe a larger pulley to slow it down?

[grandpaws 57]

Thanks again for responce,going to measure temp next time .Heat expands parts,some at a different rates.Get's hot enought you can't touch it.The more I hear bout 605 boxes,the better I understand the problem!!! Checked temp of p/s fluid ,not a hot day,140-150 degrees.I am sure it gets hotter. Still locks up turning left.

[KULTULZ]

Excess heat will slow down a hydraulic unit. How close is the box to the exhaust manifold? You may have to fashion a heat shield and add a larger cooler. Do you have a meat thermostat to measure the oil temp in the reservoir?

It is begining to sound as though the system was designed without operating temperature being considered. You may have to install a small trans cooler to get the operating temp down.

Now the gentleman with the 63 BIRD has an option (if he already does not have it) in that FORD used a remote reservoir (Eaton pump) on the early FE BIRD and that will also lower operating temps.

Where did you place your cooler?

Is it possible to post a pic of the installation?

[60tbirdrick]

I placed my two coolers right on the outside of the radiator so it will receive maxium air flow. I have spoken with grandpaws57 over the phone about our problems. I believe he is running the old Ford Eaton canister type of pump while I am running a newer GM Saginaw pump. Same results with locking up. I currently have two coolers (atleast 6 pass each) and a heat shield. Still the problem exists. It doesn't take much heat to expand the internals and close up the tollerances. As you said, he probably didn't take temperature into consideration when building it. I don't believe the Saginaw 605 boxes are junk because they are very popular. 55-57 owners use these in there cars without any coolers and have no problems. I see them all over the place at shows and cruises. This is a very popular modification for these cars. The difference is that the company who modifies them for the 55-57 knows what they are doing and backs up their product.

All the suggestions are good ones but Gearheads should be responding to our calls and working with us. I added them to the company reviews section but it may take a couple of days to come up.

[grandpaws 57]

AS to previous post,a retired align shop owner said 605 boxes are the worse boxes he ever saw.As to my car I have a 351w stock ex. man, 3-4'in between box and man.Vendor never said anythink yet after I said "locks up".Summer slips away....

[KULTULZ]

All the suggestions are good ones but Gearheads should be responding to our calls and working with us. I added them to the company reviews section but it may take a couple of days to come up.

I for one certainly appreciate your sharing this information as a friend is putting a MODULAR in a 57 CUSTOM 300 and wanted to go to P/S.

At least I can warn him.

[redlightning]

If you guys think it is heat related.Could it be the hoses to small and restrictive causing more heat?

[grandpaws 57]

anyone tried 'wyrth r/p kit..got to dump Gearheads p/s kit.

[grandpaws 57]

Heard again from Gearheads,they want to sell .me a$ 200.00 idler arm and $120.00 drag link. As for lockup they say to add a cooler to system . Why these problems were not talked about before I don't know.They have not offered to make box right,never called to discuse problem,only e-mails. These e-mails came twice shortly after I received letters from my credit card co. Fancy that!!!!

[KULTULZ]

Maybe file a complaint with the credit card company claiming a faulty product (with no vendor support) and possible refund of price along with return of product?

File with the BBB and search for any other complaints?

[grandpaws 57]

Have done that ,as of 9/11..Got an e-mail from them.Don't know how to attatch to this site.Basic C.Y.*** letter. Summers gone......

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by grandpaws 57

Have done that, as of 9/11..Got an e-mail from them. Don't know how to attatch to this site. Basic C.Y.*** letter.

Summers gone......

You would need to scan it and have it hosted on a web site (can do it here) and then you can display it here on the board.

Have you ever tried to take the temp of the fluid in the pump reservoir after operation? I also remember faintly that once (I think) that they recommended using their center link and idler arm (or I read it in a tech article). The idler arm I understand as it's design can lead to binding but it seems the M/S drag link should be useable.

Do you have access to the OEM external P/S system?