25thAnn_RS

I am trying to rebuild my steering box instead of replacing it. My problem is I can't find the correct rebuild kit. It's on a '92 camaro rs 305 tbi. The local parts shops can't seem to find one. Everyone wants to know if I have soft ride suspension. The code for that is FE1, mine is F41 (firm ride suspension). I ordered a Gates kit from Rockauto Part number 349700. The pitman arm shaft bearing was wrong and all the seals were to short. I called them, they called Gates, everyone says this is the right kit for my car. I know what you guys are thinking... It's not the original steering box. The car was all original with less then 100k miles. I bought it from the original owner who saved all the receipts for everything. Also the original coating was still covering everything, you can tell the bolts have never been removed. I also checked with the dealer. They ran my VIN and came up with what looked like the correct box, but I have to order all the parts separate, costing over $200. I can order a new box for that much. The problem there is none of the parts stores can tell me the gear ratio of the box they are selling. Mine has HX printed on the top cover (quick ratio 12.7 to 1)... the reason I don't want to buy a new one. The number cast on the side of the casing is 26000525. There is also a Z cast under it. It looks like it matches the pictures of a Saginaw model 700, but I'm not for sure on that. Either way I can't find a rebuild kit for it. Sorry for all the rambling. I just wanted to make sure I got all the info I had out there. If anyone has anything that could help me find what I'm looking for I would appreciate it.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

I'm pretty sure all the boxes use the same seals. I think it's just the sector shaft and plunger that's different, but only in the teeth. I have been using the NAPA kits, but they usually have to order it in. I would just order the NAPA kit for a std box and see if its the same.

25thAnn_RS

Someone suggested Redhead Steering Gears. These guys seem to know what they are talking about. They found the right bearing, and I have a seal kit on order through them. We'll see if it's the right one. I will post part numbers if it's the right kit, just in case anyone else has run across the same problem.

Brian Wishin

[QUOTE=25thAnn_RS;5619415]Someone suggested Redhead Steering Gears. These guys seem to know what they are talking about. They found the right bearing, and I have a seal kit on order through them. We'll see if it's the right one. I will post part numbers if it's the right kit, just in case anyone else has run across the same problem.

I'm having a similar issue I hope you can help. I have an 88 formula and I can't seem to find the correct pitman arm shaft seal for my box. Every store has order me the "correct kit" but the seal is always too small and can't fit over the shaft. By any chance did you find the correct one, I'm dead in the water so any help would be great

25thAnn_RS

Sorry about the lack off a response. I haven't been checking this much lately. Redhead Steering Gears did get me the right part. I don't have the part number though. If I remember correctly I gave them the number that was stamped on the bearing or seal and the looked up the rest of the kit from that. Their located in Washington, or check them out here http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com If you have all the info you can get they should be able to help you out. Good luck.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I keep one of the kits around, in stock, just in case; seems like it fits pretty much everything.

Same here, except the numerous places I've lived lately, which are all more or less major metro areas, the BIG NAPA always has one in stock. One... not TWO.

74 Caprice, 78 El Cam, 83 Z28 L69, some kind of a Cheep Bland Cherokee, that I can recall off the top of my head; ALL have used the same rebuild kit, with maybe me having to dig up an O-ring for a hose fitting or something tragically heart-breaking like that. The GUTS of the gearbox all are the same as far as paper and rubber.