I have a 1972 Cutlass Supreme 455 U code. Put it up for winter, noticed power steering fluid on the garage floor. The box is leaking from the seals, not sure where. I am going to replace the box with a quicker ratio unit. What brands are a good quality box with a factory setup using the same type of fittings? I know there are a lot of junk units out there. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

FYI, the lower shaft seal (if that is what is leaking) is extremely easy to replace.

 

I figured while it was out to replace with a quick ratio for a tighter steering feel and reduce lock to lock from 4 1/2 to 2 1/2 . I'm just not sure of who makes a quality box?
Was looking at the Cardone 27-6509 it seems to fit the bill.

 

Check them out.
https://www.larescorp.com/

 

You could also take your box to a local rebuilder and have them convert it to a fixed 12.7:1 ratio.

Rodney

 

Thanks will look it up..

 

Checked near me could not find anyone who does that. Thanks anyways..

 

I completely understand wanting the quick ratio box, but wanted to let you know the box doesn’t need to come out to replace the lower seal.

 

I will look at box and see where it is leaking from. If I can stop the leak without removing box that would be great. i will let you know when I find source of leak. Thanks for the info..

 

i never replaced a power steering gear box. So took a class at You Tube university, looks pretty straight forward as long as the gearbox is centered before install and stays that way.

 

Look up Carhex (I think his full name is Hector Carillo) on this or the V8 Buick website - he rebuilds the Saginaw boxes to fast ratio firm feel specs for reasonable $$.

Borgeson and CPP make essentially all new Saginaw boxes, also firm feel/fast ratio - CPP is its own site, Borgeson can be found on Summit, Jegs, etc.

if you want the best, Lee Power Steering is probably the top choice, awesome but pricey. -

Consider however with any firm feel upgrade, you arguably should replace your pump with a higher PSI / higher flow than stock specs. Otherwise the firm feel box might be under powered and somewhat lethargic to manage.

March Performance and Lee are two options for high performance pumps that work well with firm feel boxes.

 

Thank you for the info.. I thought that replacing steering pump was going to be needed using a quick ratio unit from the research I did.

 

Not so much if it were only a quick-ratio w/o the firm feel upgrade - it's the firm-feel setting that arguably requires the higher pump pressure/flow.

Also, a 2.5 L-to-L radius can be kinda twitchy on the street - a 3-3.25 turn radius is generally more comfortable for all around driving - still considered quick(er) ratio over stock but not oversensitive to every steering wheel input. If you have the budget, look at this box: https://leepowersteering.com/product...m-classic-cars

I have it on my ragtop and IMO it's the perfect box for general driving purposes - 3.25 turns L-to-L (I have an Olds 15" 4-spoke rally steering wheel) and moderately firm feel so not cumbersome at low speeds or idle.

If you do ultimately change a box out, also install new pressure and return hoses at that time.

 

^^^^^
The Lee steering boxes are awesome, best modification I did on my car.

 

I found the leak. It's coming from where the steering shaft goes into the box. Can you replace that seal without removing the gear box?

 

Yes you can, I also have a leak at my pitman arm seal. I had my box rebuilt/ changed to fast ratio by Chips Power steering about 20 yrs ago. Since then my pitman seal leaks a little- enough to make a mess on floor when car is stored over winter. I sent it back to Chip and he replaced seal and it still leaks.

 

I decided to just replace the leaking seal when it warms up a little more here in Michigan. I bought the seal kit and after taking a class at You Tube university looks pretty straight forward. Thanks for the info.

 

I also have a leaky pitman shaft seal and I was looking at the Edelmann 7856 seal kit on Rock Auto. But before I waste my time I was just curious what the experts think about this kit. Should I be buying a different brand from RA or going to my local part store instead?