Firm Feel Steering Box going in
Guys,
Just installed a new Firm Feel Stage 2 steering box. It's a remanufactured factory part, so it fit like a glove as you might expect. I ordered the fast ratio Pitman arm and Idler arm too, and the parts are all very high quality, well packaged and all inclusive. Pix below might help to answer some of the questions folks have asked in this thread, particularly about the bolts: 1/2 inch 12 point. The top pic shows two of the three bolts removed. The one on the left is a bit of a bugger, needing a socket extension at first and then socket u-joint later as it comes out. Run a tap through the bolt holes as was suggested. I did and the bolts went right in when I reinstalled the box.
I took the box out the top and put it back in the same way, but I pulled the exhaust manifold off to do it.
I did not completely remove the steering column, but DID pull all four retaining bolts from the firewall and loosened the three up near the dash to the point where the steering column was JUST about to drop loose.
I removed the Pitman arm with a $10 Pitman arm puller from Harbor Freight (worked like a charm), and removed the other end from the drag link (as well as the idler) with a pickle fork. Also much easier than I had expected - two shots with a small sledge hammer...
You'll see the 1968 to 1970 B Body Steering Box Extraction, Maneuvering and Lifting System that I invented for the project. It is available on ebay now for just $99.95. :toothy6: (Moderator: That's a joke. See the pic!)
