The saga continues: found out Friday that the steering gear box needs replacing. Pretty sure I'm going to go with a Power Steering Services Inc unit out of Missouri, plan to call him tomorrow AM. I'm curious, is there an EASY way to tell whether it is a 3 bolt or 4 bolt unit (holding it to the frame rail), w/o crawling under the car and looking. I'm of an age that that is becoming somewhat difficult to do -LOL! Also, those that have made the conversion to the quicker ratio, is it that much better? Apprieciate any and all replies.
Aron

 

Aron.

If the box is for the Silver Bullet, there are 3 bolts that attach it to the frame. I've done a quick ratio upgrade 0n a 69 442 and to me, the difference is like night and day. The road feel is much better and the box will require a little more effort to steer but having done it, I could never go back to a stock ratio. A stock box will require about 3 3/4 turns of the wheel to go full lock to lock. The faster ratio box takes that down to 2 1/2 turns.

Brian

 

Just to clarify, there are only three bolts used to hold it to the frame, but these Saginaw boxes could have come with either three or four threaded holes in the casting. Only three of them are used in this application, but the four bolt casting fits just fine also. Keep in mind that this same box was used in just about every GM car line built in the 1960s and 1970s (as well as in those of other manufacturers), so the basic casting has an adaptable set of mounting holes.

Here's the three-hole casting:



Here's a four hole casting (yes, it's an aftermarket box, but the factory ones have the same four mounting holes):

 

I vote for one of the quick-ratio boxes.

I have a '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee box on mine, and I like it much better.
There are also the Buick Grand National boxes, etc.

I can understand that some might prefer the "steamboat steering" of the older American cars for originality's sake (it IS a large part of the driving experience), but if you actually use the car, you will like the quicker ratio unit much better.

- Eric

 

PSS rebuilds these boxes with the quick ratio gears if the owner desires.

Note to Aron:

If you can see the difference in the four mounting ear in the casting photos I posted, you can pretty easily determine if your box has the fourth ear or not by looking under the hood. The fourth ear is the one on top, closest to the hoses.

 

I did the JeepGC upgrade on my 68 cutlass. Haven't driven it yet since the upgrade as the roads are white with salt. Easy to do if you decide to go that route. There is a detailed thread here on CO if you decide to do it.
Your wagon has a good looking paint scheme. Very nice.
The hot rod power tour is starting in Dallas this year. You going?

 

WOW! That's one of the things I like about this site-----instantaneous responses! Great ones, by the way. I just jacked it up, and it looks lilke it is the 4 bolt pattern, whether it uses the 4th, or not. Am going with the outfit ouf of Missouri, as THINK I can get him to send me a re-done one, then send the core in once it is replaced.......by other folks. Most of you know of my mechanical prowness. Found out the SB also needs new lower ball joints. They suggested Moog Problem Solvers (oversize, as the A-arm seems to be "wallered out" a bit). Like I said, always something. I'm trying to "talk up" doing the 1st leg of the Hot Rod Power Tour, from here to Texarkana. I've heard nothing but good things about this event. Hope it all works out. Thanks again for the quick responses.
Aron

 

Aron,

I've used PSS for several steering boxes and have been completely satisfied. Chip does great work and yes, he will ship you a rebuilt box now and refund the core charge when you return your old one.

 

X2 on what Joe said. Chip is a really nice guy and does great work.