Parts store power steering box?

[74Runneer]

I have a 74 318 road runner and I went through the front suspension over the winter and put a pst front suspension kit and bilstein stocks. I just got my car aligned (it was way out of spec) and now the steering feels really loose. I knew it was always pretty terrible but now with greased up joints and bushings it's even worse. The shop said it was my steering box (no surprise) that was causing the play.

Has anyone ever tried buying a rebuilt steering box from autozone or napa? I know firm feel and steer and gear seem to be the preferred method, but they are about $400 compared to $125 for a rebuilt unit at autozone. I dont race or anything crazy but I really want to get rid of the slop.

Thanks!

 

[Auggie56]

Myself I'd go with the firm feel as you never know what you get at the average parts store.

 

[mopwrd340]

Has anybody ever adjusted the play in the box there is a hex screw with a jam nut on the top of the box .

 

[74Runneer]

No, is there a procedure on how to do that in the service manual? That's worth a try.

 

[Demonic]

One of those two companies might have a sale at the 'Nats. I got mine from Steer N' Gear for $300.- at Carlisle.

 

[Kern Dog]

There is a clear reason why the parts store units are cheaper. Their rebuild process consists of disassembly, cleaning, then reassembly using new gaskets. NO hard parts are replaced. Any steering unit with excessive play will still be loose afterwards but may not leak!
Firm Feel replaces not only worn parts but adds stiffer springs to give a firmer feel to the steering, in short, they add a type of resistance. I have a Stage 3 unit. This, along with Fast Ratio arms, results in steering that is about as firm as manual steering with far less free-play than stock. These guys do have limitations though...They are working with a steering box design that dates back to 1957. They do what they can but they cannot make the unit as tight as a new steering rack or a Borgeson steering box.

 

[mopwrd340]

There should be a procedure in there I just jacked up the front of the car and moved it a quarter turn at a time and grabbing the steering shaft and turning while watching the movement of the pitman arm or tie rod sleeve .
Dont turn it to many times or it will start binding .

 

[74Runneer]

Yep found it. I'm gonna try that tonight.

 

[74Runneer]

I tightened it up about 3/4 a turn total, but it still doesn't feel right. If I tighten it more, then the wheel doesn't return to center. I still have like 2" of slop in each direction. I think I'm going to try the autozone box and then just return it if it doesn't improve. If that doesn't work then I'll jump on the firm feel or borgeson.

 

[OKDart]

I've went through Firm Feel and the parts store both with good results on 2 different cars. The last one I ordered was from Rock Auto and was rebuilt by Lares which I think are supplying every parts store now. Lares paints their's and it looked nice, Firm Feel came unpainted.

I like plenty of assist, so I had Firm Feel build it stock. I never understood what is so desirable about firm steering. It's much easier to go through a slalom with one finger.

 

[powermyster]

I just finished rebuilding mine with new seals and setting the lash on the bench. Not for the faint hearted.

Seems a lot tighter now, but haven’t got out for a test drive yet to see how it handles. Only rebuilt the couples last night. Mine had slot of play, check that for play too as it may be contributing.

 

[747mopar]

I have one from our local Napa in mine right now, zero problems.

 

[74Runneer]

For everyone who went through a local parts store, did those steering boxes get rid of the play in your steering?

 

[blu satelite]

I tightened it up about 3/4 a turn total, but it still doesn't feel right. If I tighten it more, then the wheel doesn't return to center. I still have like 2" of slop in each direction. I think I'm going to try the autozone box and then just return it if it doesn't improve. If that doesn't work then I'll jump on the firm feel or borgeson.

be sure you get the one with the brans name of endurance on the box. the cardone are junk and the duralast are just reboxed cardone

 

[67Charger]

Has anyone actually GOTTEN one lately? I can't get a Cardone, Duralast, Lares, NAPA... All out of stock and can't be ordered. NAPA would send mine to their local rebuilder that the counter guy had worked with personally but it would be $200 and 2 weeks. I daily drive the car and need it to swap, not to mention I need one for a car without a box at all at the moment.

 

[powermyster]

When I looked to having one shipped to Ireland, they were all rebuild services.

 

[furyus]

Make sure the play is actually in the box. If you rock the steering wheel back and forth where there's slack, look while doing this, and see if the play is in the coupler, box, loose steering box, or the steering assembly. Also, don't assume the alignment was done correctly. I hope you think changing steering boxes is fun, cause I went through abou 4 of them. None worked properly. Still ended up going with Steer andGear.