GM A-Body Quick Ratio Power Steering Box Replacement - NO ADAPTORS NEEDED! EXACT FACTORY FIT!

Considering replacing the power steering gear box in your GM A-Body to speed up the steering and make your car handle better and more drivable? Forget that S-10 box, forget the Grand Cherokee box and save your money on that Borg Warner replacement! This remanufactured box from Cardone (27-6509) is a direct factory replacement that uses the same hydraulic hoses, same rag-joint, same pitman arm, and just bolts directly in with NO ADAPTORS needed!
We take a detour from "Restoring Christine" to work on our 1971 Cutlass convertible, replacing a steering box that was over 4 turns lock-to-lock to this one that requires about 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.
Here's the link to the part: www.cardone.com/product/steer...
The only reason it might say "not a fit for your vehicle" is because of the QUICK RATIO, which is what you want to change anyway!
Bill Thomassie
Restoring Christine
1956 Bel Air Restoration
1971 Cutlass Supreme Convertible
Music Credits:
"Greaser" by TrackTribe
• TrackTribe - "Greaser"...
KZbin standard license

[@Zsule]

So after watching day one of Cruising the Coast, I don't think I would buy a Cardone Steering box lol Glad you kept your old one.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I'm thinking about doing a follow-up video. It might not be the fault of the box, but it probably was. My pump might be pushing too much pressure, but yet a 50 year old box is surviving with it.

[@oacumulador]

Great update

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks! Not your Christine Sunday Morning Show, but there it is!

[@JULIO-mt8oq]

Just did this on my 68 chevelle I'm very happy with this got it on amazone thanks

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I found that while it's quicker, it doesn't have the same range - it's narrower. It takes away some of the turning radius.

[@jraposo911]

I got a used grand Cherokee box from the wreckers. $50, got a new rag joint (different) rock auto, and fitting adapters Lars . For the line connections. 😊JR in🇨🇦

[@RestoringChristine1956]

To avoid having to hunt down a 30 year old used box, I considered buying a rebuilt version. From what I can tell, the Grand Cherokee box and the S10 box are actually the same. Then I found this box that avoided all the adapting, so I went the direct plug-and-play route.

[@theshark2804]

Great tip I need to replace my steering box on my 65 cutlass. I was trying to install Hydro boost with a LS swap and I followed the instructions from CPP as far as the plumbing and it burned up my pump and my gearbox.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Glad it helped!

[@4speed3pedals]

My first experience with this box was a 1970 GTO Ram Air 400 with a 4 speed. One night on a nice road, it was kind of damp out and I stomped it in first gear. The tires broke loose and I tried to stay in it and had to back off because of the speed of the steering. I was over correcting. Once you get used to it, not an issue but if this is your first time, be aware.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Fortunately, the Cutlass is built for comfort!

[@jack002tuber]

I had a 71 Olds Delta 88 and that steering box leaked a lot. I rebuilt it and no leaks. I wish I'd heard about this. I would of liked a faster steering like this. Cool.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

It's only been on there for a week and I don't miss the old slow and soft steering at all - not one bit!

[@joewolf4483]

I did the same box ... 23/4 l to l ... they say the 2.5 is too fast ... the only thing with mine is the center of the flare fittings were not replaced and had been tightened down too tight and made a mark on them ... I had to tighten them more than I like but they finally sealed ... this ratio in what comes in ss camaros ... takes getting use to but I like it ...

[@RestoringChristine1956]

What I like about it is that you don't have to saw on the wheel to make a hard right or left turn. One rotation to go full 90 just feels right!

[@theshark2804]

I just tried to install the same one and where the fitting go it stripped out. So i have to get a replacement now.

[@lmt-adventures620]

Would this steering box be good for a off-road vehicle build?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Well, it's a factory box - it's not aftermarket, so it'll be as tough as any other.

[@justinw523]

Hey buddy how many splines does the pitman arm shaft have on that box 31 or 32 with 4 masters? If I’m correct I think manual steering box have 32-spline and power steering has 31 does that sound right?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

The specs are @4:06 in the video. 31 splines, but I'm not sure if there are 3 flats or 4, but I remember them being at 90 degrees.

[@justinw523]

Thanks

[@RestoringChristine1956]

@@justinw523 And the total lock-to-lock comparison is flawed. The new box doesn't turn as far as the old one. The car is a little less maneuverable.

[@markfurry2807]

So now after watching this episode, I’m curious if there are upgrades for the tri-fives? That made a great improvement on the Cutlass. Knowing what you know now, do you think you will change out Christine’s gear box?

[@MagaRickn]

I'm with you Mark! You beat me to it! ;) My 56 has manual steering, but I added the "poor mans power steering", the Idler arm with bearings rather than bushings . :)

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Christine was originally 100% manual: steering, brakes, clutch and three on the tree. I upgraded the brakes to discs and a modern 2-chamber master cylinder. But I ordered a CPP kit to convert to power steering! I did an unboxing video on it a LOOONG time ago (Episode 41: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnzOc3ugndONm7M).

[@jarvismitchell3721]

Do you think this work on a 67 Skylark since it’s an A Body car?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Possibly. I've discovered that these boxes are all pretty much the same geometry, with differences in the spline diameter and tooth count, gear ratio, and degrees of rotation. I will say that I gave up a bit of turning radius with this box.

[@superdeleon]

What are you going to on the 56?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Good question! I bought a CPP power steering kit and am using the new box that came with the kit. Check out Episode 41: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnzOc3ugndONm7M