I have a 1969 cutlass with power steering. I made the jeep steering box modification. The steering box has some play and I want to replace it. I have looked at some old threads and several part numbers show up, LARS 1353, 970, 973, and 974. I am thinking about buying a new 970. Any recommendations or opinions?

 

There are 17 options listed on AutoZone for 1998 Jeep. Price range is $272 - $850.

3 of the 4 you mentioned are on that list. The 1353 at the base $272 the 970 at $357 and the 974 at $496.

When you do a firm, exact, match for a 1969 Cutlass. The Lares 10970 is considered correct for your car, Advance Auto. That model is also 1 of the 17 recommended on AutoZone at $628 for the 1998 Jeep.

10970 = new power steering unit.
970 = remanufactured power steering unit.

Both above and all 17 come with a limited lifetime warranty. So the 970 makes sense.

Side note the 10970 is 4 turns lock to lock according to AutoZone. As I understand it the primary reason for swapping to the 1990s Jeep unit is, reducing the turns lock to lock with the fast ratio. So you will lose this advantage if that was the reason for the swap. Otherwise the Lares 972 & 974 are the better match if that is the priority as they are 2.5 turns lock to lock each.

Both the 972 & 974 have decent to great reviews from fellow members here.https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...g-gear-133405/
Please pay special attention to post #27 and #34 for concerns regarding the Lares 972, in that first link. And post #1 in this second link here https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...radius-151102/

Taking a little bit of all aspects into consideration. The 974 and 970 are the best options and it that order...

 

Might want to look this individual up. Hector Carrillo. Avatar on forum sites is "carhex". Inland Empire. Does GM performance upgrades and rebuilds of stock Saginaw boxes. Likely considerably less expensive than "big box" rebuilders. Have no connection with him, just mentioning his enterprise.

 

I put a 974 box into my 69 Cutlass wagon just before Power Tour. Very happy with it though it is a little twitchy. The quick ratio box takes a little getting used to.

 

I once tried a Lares 970 in my '72 ragtop - hated it. Was never a huge fan of the mass retail-level rebuilds (i.e. Lares, Cardone, etc.) and that one sealed my aversion to them. In my case all else as to the suspension being in proper working order, it made the car wander over just about any road surface imperfection or grading variation. And it only marginally improved the overall firmness from the factory free-spin level.

Removed it within 1000 miles and ultimately replaced it with a Lee Power Steering 14:1 ratio firm feel box - 3.25 turns lock to lock, dead-straight tracking and the perfect steering mid-firmness for any driving conditions. Not priced for the faint of wallet especially when heeding their caveat that it works most efficiently with their matched, higher-than-stock flow p/s pump. But it's an awesome product.

 

bluecutlassconvertable I have a 65 Cutlass that I went from a manual gear box to power steering. I got my Lars 973 from Rockauto in June of 2014. Price with new rag joint and shipping and core was $128.11 Core was $35.00 I have no problems with mine. Very happy with the way it works. You might look at Rockauto. You possibly can find a discount code worth 5%. My .02 cents.