Steering box help!
 

Can anybody explain how to change a gear box with power steering in a 1967 el camino? Is it that difficult? :confused:

It's not that hard. The hard part is removing the Pitman Arm from a Steering box.
If you're swapping from a Manual box to a Power Steering box you need the Pitman Arm that was on the Power box. Pitman Arm for Manual Box doesn't work on the Power box.
You need a Tie Rod seperator tool or other to remove the Pitman from the Draglink.

It's a power steering box to a power steering box. So I need a tie rod seperator tool, anything else that I should know, remember I'm a noob! :sweat:

(May) need some Flare Fitting wrenches for the hose connections. They can be tight and round off the Hex nuts if using a regular Open End wrench.
The Pitman Arm will be very hard to remove, I recommend spraying the splines and threads with WD40 or similar several times & a day ahead of time. :sweat: May require some heat from a torch while applying pressure with the Pitman tool.

Flare Nut Wrenches-- These are Metric, you need Standard type.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99993

Ball Joint/Tie Rod Seperator tool
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38649

Pitman Arm Tool
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1752

These tools can be found at AutoZone, Advance etc.. they have loaner tools that you can use without having to buy them.

Have to unbolt the Rag joint from the Steering Column also but, that's easy.

Would be a good idea to flush the system before installing the new Box also.
http://cardone.com/english/club/Prod...%2020-0012.pdf

Are you going with the Stock Power Steering 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 turn Box or the Close ratio 2-1/2 to 3 turn, lock to lock Box?
I noticed Rock Auto.com has the 2-1/2 turn box for $117 w/$75 core charge.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

They also make a pitment arm puller. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...5x000001&aff=Y . :thumbup:


Cole

I'm going with the 2-1/2 to 3 turn. I bought it from napa auto, it was about $175. Thanks for the advice on the tools. Quick question, once I get the pitman arm off, how do I re-install it, can it be tapped on with a hammer, or does it have to be pressed on? :confused:

With clean splines properly aligned, all it takes is torquing the nut correctly to secure the pittman arm- the splines are tapered.

Any idea on what the torque would be? Thanks for the help.... ;)

It don't press on just Slip it on and it should toqure at-least 180 lbs. :thumbup:


Cole

If the nut's 1-5/16" the torque is 180 ft/lb. I've always run them down w/an impact wrench- but I do not suggest you do the same.

Wow, ok thanks guys, I would of never guessed it would have been 180ft lbs. :D

For a vehicle that old you may want to make sure someone has a rag joint. They are know to fall apart when you try to unbolt them

Thanks for the heads up, I already bought one... :cool: