How to decipher Steering box date codes?

[mbxlesney]

Can anyone out there tell me how to read date code stampings on 1970 Saginaw power steering boxes. Thanks

[RamAirDave]

Its a julian date code on the aluminum cover. Look for a 3 digit number.

[Mr70]

That's true,but I have found there were two different Saginaw Steering Gear plants assembling these,each with their own unique codes.Both stamped on the rectangular machined side boss on the aluminum top cover,directly under the P/S reservoir.These are not to be confused with the steering box CASTING date,which was cast into the gear box body itself.

If assembled at SSG plant 2:
123 0
123=Day of year
0=Last digit of year
Manual steering boxes were dated this exact way too,on the housing adjacent to side cover.

If assembled at SSG Plant 7:
0 A 123
0=Last digit of year
A=Shift
123=Day of year
Steering Columns were dated this exact way too,stamped into lower jacket.

I've found Power Steering Pumps were dated too.Stamped about half way up the side of the reservoir,facing the waterpump.
Assembled on:123 A B 0
123=Day of year
A=Shift
B=Line
0=Last digit of year

I've found Power Steering Hoses were also,by two seperate plants as well,printed on side of hose.
Manufactured on:123 0 A
123=Day of year
0=Last digit of year
A=Shift

Or another plants code:

Manufactured on:10 30 0
10-Month of year
30=Day of Month
0=Last digit of year

[Woj]

RamAirDave is correct. Additionally you will find the last digit of the year after the julian date. A box build January 15, 1970 would read "015 0". There is usually a small space between the julian date and the year digit.

Check out this box on ebay. Dated 084 0, That translates to March 25, 1970.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-CHE...030312574QQrdZ1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-CHEVELLE-SS-POWER-STEERING-BOX-1969-1970_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34200QQihZ018QQite mZ280030312574QQrdZ1)

Phil Woj.

[Woj]

Rick and I must have been typing at the same time. My info is repetative.

Phil Woj.

[mbxlesney]

Thanks guys as always , Great Info!!!!

[RamAirDave]

[ QUOTE ]
If assembled at SSG Plant 7:
0 A 123
0=Last digit of year
A=Shift
123=Day of year

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats pretty interesting. I dont think I've come across one with a letter in the date code. Was this used on steering boxes for certain years/models?

[Mr70]

The shift & line codes I denoted with a letter there,mainly to differentiate it apart from the rest of the code.I haven't come across any P/S gear boxes or hoses yet that had a letter there...so far.
But I have found letters used to denote the shift & line on the side of steering columns & P/S reservoirs from the years 1969 + up.

[mockingbird812]

little help here with date decipher?....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/DSC04029-1.jpg

Thanks! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

That Manual box shows a casting date of May 19th,1969.

Look on that machined boss at the 7 O'clock position to the top cover for the assembly date.

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Rick. I see the julian date i.e. 139 = 19 May, but what is the indication that it was cast in 1969. Is it the "9" above the part # on the case? This box came out of a 06A built '69 Malibu.