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View Full Version : Shops/parts to rebuild manual steering box and change ratio

Jeff H
09-06-2022, 06:12 PM
Does anyone have a suggestion for a shop to rebuild a 5679142 Saginaw manual steering box and change the ratio? I have a dated box for my 69 Z28 but it's 6-1/2 turns LTL and I need it changed to the quick ratio 3-1/2 turns LTL. I reached out to Lee mfg and waiting to hear back from them. I was also wondering if there is a source for the internal parts to change it to quick ratio. I contacted Borgeson but they only sell new units.
William
09-06-2022, 08:52 PM
The production 1969 Camaro manual steering gear [4.8 t L-L] was the same regardless of application. To achieve the faster Z/28 ratio, a longer pitman arm [5.75"] and shorter steering arms were used.

N44 on a Z/28 did use a gear with a different ratio; 2.9 t L-L. Absolutely miserable for daily driving.
Too Many Projects
09-07-2022, 01:23 AM
Call Lare's and ask about this. I have a quick ratio gear set in a vintage '66 Chevelle box, but it's power. Don't know if they change manual ratios.
https://www.larescorp.com/
parkbrau
09-07-2022, 05:28 AM
I had these guys rebuild mine. http://www.powersteering.com/ I sent my manual box to them and they did an excellent job.



And bought a pitman arm shaft from the guys. https://www.midweststeering.com/


They might have what you are looking for.
Jeff H
09-07-2022, 03:14 PM
The production 1969 Camaro manual steering gear [4.8 t L-L] was the same regardless of application. To achieve the faster Z/28 ratio, a longer pitman arm [5.75"] and shorter steering arms were used.

N44 on a Z/28 did use a gear with a different ratio; 2.9 t L-L. Absolutely miserable for daily driving.

So the internals are the same regardless of standard vs Z28? Were the manual boxes for the Chevelle, GTO, Cutlas a different ratio with different internals than the Camaro?

I got around 6-1/4 to 6-1/2 turns L-L with the box out of the car, is the Camaro box around 5 turns L-L out of the car or in the car?
William
09-07-2022, 05:44 PM
The info came from Chevy service lit.

#1. The standard [exc Z/28] manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 28.3:1 [overall]. 4.8 turns L-L.

#2. The standard Z/28 manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 21.4:1 [overall]. 3.5 turns L-L.

I believe A bodies were front steer; steering gear does not interchange.