Power Steering Gear Box

[tmodel66]

I'm going to bite the bullet and add power steering. It's a '69 L48. I've read about the different boxes and I need to know which box to use. Do I need to use the 2 1/2 or 3 1/2 turn gear box. I want my steering a little stiff. I don't like the real "touchy" soft steering. Also which pump do I use?  Is it the one with the big reservoir and skinny neck or the other one with the big filler neck?

[Petes L48]

You may find some useful information here, or maybe contact the author with any question.  Click on topics at the right side of the home page:

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/

Looking at the AIM under UPC N40, it appears the older banjo style pump was only used on the L6 in 69.  Looks like SBC V8s used pump 7805656 which was the newer style with the tank crimped to the body or what you call a big filler neck.  Apparently the 396 used a different pump as it shows a different p/n in the AIM.  You will also need a flex coupling/rag joint and possibly a different Pitman arm, proper pulleys for the pump, hoses, also there are some retainers to secure the hoses which should be shown in the AIM.  I have no idea on the 2.5 or 3.5 turn gearbox, someone with more knowledge may chime in.  If you've a numbers car there are date codes on the pumps, gearbox body and aluminum top cover.         

[Ed Bertrand]

While I agree Jim is THE MAN when it comes to steering, you might also want to check out DAVID POZZI'S SITE as well. Lot's of great info...

Ed

[tom]

I believe I remember reading that 69 power steering boxes used a variable ratio. the more you turned the wheel the higher ratio. Also the box was not the only factor in the ratio, there were different length steering, and pitman arms that changed the overall ratio. ABSOLUTLEY check out Dave Pozzi's wealth of information.

[Boston14]

My 69 L48 RS/SS convert. has the original 2 1/2 turns lock to lock P/S gear, the 5.80 inch pitman arm and the short steering arms (I forget the numbers off hand, but can check if you like).  Here is a picture of the pump reservoir and brackets when I was rebuilding and restoring the pump.  I hope this helps.


boston14

[tmodel66]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm on the trail of parts now.

[Mark]

All the power steering boxes in 69 are the same, its the length of the pitman arms and steering arms that give you the different steering ratios and lock to lock differences.

[tmodel66]

I know I'll have to change my pitman arm but will my steering arms have to be changed or can I use the ones I have on my manual box?

[tom]

The manual steering arms will work, but are probably not the ones you want for the faster steering ratio.

[rich69rs]

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=1175.0

Above link has the part numbers for the outer steering arms for the RPO N44 fast ratio option.  When I was restoring the front suspension on my '69RS it was a nice surprise to see that my ride came from the factory with N44.  The link also has some pictures of the outer arms.

Good luck,

Richard

[zman1969]

The manual steering arms will work, but are probably not the ones you want for the faster steering ratio.

you can make it too fast, I did the Iroc swap on my 69 Nova with the longer pitman arm but not the short steering arms - you dont want the car twichy or too fast ratio do the gearbox swap then the arms later if you need more