Steering / Steering box removal???

hawaii1984

What's the best way to tackle removing the steering box?
Can I swap it over to the Elk within a few hours or??
The Elk is an '84. Should I be okay re-using the steering linkage?
Anything else I should change or replace while I have it all apart?
Bushings, centerlink, etc...the key word here is BUDGET, so I don't want to make any errors I will have to correct later on.
Aloha, Scott Razz

dave1987SS · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 12:11 am Post subject:

Hi Scott,
You taking the quick ratio Monte box I assume. I did similar with a Z-28 box in my El Camino, pretty simple. first step is to remove the tie rod end from the steering arm. may need a pickle fork to remove it. then remove the two power sateering hoses with a flare wrench, they are metric but i don't remember the exact size. Then remove the steering shaft from the box, if i remember correctly there is only one bolt holding it on. Slide the shaft up and it will come right off. Last remove the 3 bolts that go through the frame into the box and it will fall right out (be sure not to be laying underneath when you remove the last bolt Laugh

)
It is quite heavy and might give a serious head wound! Replacment is the same, you might find it a good time to put on new tie rod ends, center link and pitman arm. those are the only new parts you will need for the steering system to make it good as new.
Dave
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1987 El Camino SS Choo Choo customs package w/ Monte Carlo SS tranny, 3.73 rear end, sway bars, alloy wheels & exhaust system, SS dash & S-10 dual piston brakes - Soon to come - 350 roller cam... all emissions legal!

toms84ss · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 8:06 am Post subject:

While its all apart, you might want to change the rag joint/steering coupler.

awest · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 10:14 am Post subject:

If you are going to be replacing the tie-rod ends, drag link and others, might as well do the ball joints, too.
Even if you only do the minor replacement of the tie-rods and drag link, may as well do the ball joints.
Either way you WILL need to have the front end aligned!
When all done, THEN you will have a new front end, that should be good for 1000,000 miles, easy.
Just remember, the cheap way out, will cost you more later, so may as well do it now.
Any time you change ANY of the steering componets, you WILL still need to do an alignment.

Also, I would not worry about the pitman arm. They very seldom wear out.
I, would though, replace the Idler Arm, instead.

toms84ss · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

Well, if you go that far. Might as well do the upper and lower control arm bushings. Do it all at once and be done with it. I prefer Moog parts. But there are other quaility parts as well.