Steering gear box choices

RJ Squirrell

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Location
Cheney, WA
Hey all I need to replace the steering gear in my 67 Polara, been reading up on which ones to get and which one to stay away from (cardone repaint).
Has anyone tried one from BAP (buy auto parts) in Kentucky? They offer a "new" one manufactured by them for $582 free ship and no core, and a remanufactured unit for
$229 + 100 core and free shipping. I am in the same state as Redhead and Firmfeel but these guys with free shipping look good if their stuff is good quality.
 
You can screw around with cost all you want to. That's your call.

Or you can go with Firm Feel and be assured that you'll be happy. Best money you'll ever spend.

Having said that, there's lots of other components that make up the steering system. Rag joint biscuit, pot coupler, and the tie rods, idler and Pitman arm. Lots of posts here about the vague navigation of our big cars.
 
( "BAP" used to mean "British Auto Parts", as in BAP/GEON chain of import auto supply stores nationwide, in the 1970s. Later just "BAP". FWIW )

As mentioned, there are lots of other places that might indicate you need a different power steering gearbox. FULLY investigate that first, then proceed to the check-out. "What Trace 300 Hurst said".

Other than "Where to buy?", also be sure to get the HP calibrations, when possible. Which might give you more of a "late model feel", if that's what you might desire, which then might lead to Borgeson?

Enjoy!
CBODY67
 
Somehow I missed this thread earlier. That is pretty amazing that someone has actually started making new power steering gears, (not rebuilt/remanufactured) very similar to the original ones in appearance but not identical, but all new on the inside, not rebuilt.

  • 10300022-qi-1-map.jpg

    Power Steering Gear Box
    BuyAutoParts New

    This is a brand new, direct-fit power steering gearbox. Guaranteed to fit and function exactly the same as OEM, including the same steering ratio. Brand new item, with no core deposit or return required, backed by a three year, unlimited mileage…

    Vehicle: Chrysler 300

    Brand: BuyAutoParts

    Part Number: 82-00475AN

    Condition: New

    Warranty: 3 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty

    $582.67
    IN STOCK
    VIEW DETAILS
    Shipping: Free Ground Shipping

I have not seen that anyone has ever bought one of these to try out. Maybe I will have to take on that task.

Another company has started manufacturing new power steering pumps for our cars, too, that match the Federal ones in every way including appearance with the round filler neck that isn't too tall either. I bought two of them and the first one I tried was perfect - just like nos.
NAPA sells them:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_381047N?impressionRank=5
 
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I currently have one core left in stock if you need one shipped to Firm Feel or any other rebuilder.
 
Somehow I missed this thread earlier. That is pretty amazing that someone has actually started making new power steering gears, (not rebuilt/remanufactured) very similar to the original ones in appearance but not identical, but all new on the inside, not rebuilt.

  • View attachment 479802
    Power Steering Gear Box
    BuyAutoParts New

    This is a brand new, direct-fit power steering gearbox. Guaranteed to fit and function exactly the same as OEM, including the same steering ratio. Brand new item, with no core deposit or return required, backed by a three year, unlimited mileage…

    Vehicle: Chrysler 300

    Brand: BuyAutoParts

    Part Number: 82-00475AN

    Condition: New

    Warranty: 3 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty

    $582.67
    IN STOCK
    VIEW DETAILS
    Shipping: Free Ground Shipping

I have not seen that anyone has ever bought one of these to try out. Maybe I will have to take on that task.

Another company has started manufacturing new power steering pumps for our cars, too, that match the Federal ones in every way including appearance with the round filler neck that isn't too tall either. I bought two of them and the first one I tried was perfect - just like nos.
NAPA sells them:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_381047N?impressionRank=5


That box is interesting, I hope some one does an install with feed back. I would if it was in Canada. After sending two boxes back to Borgeson for noise issues, I can't risk it at this time.
Firm feel is my go to.
 
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That box is interesting, I hope some one does an install with feed back. I would if it was in Canada. After sending two boxes back to Borgenson for noise issues, I can't risk it at this time.
Firm feel is my go to.

I ruled out Borgenson for noise issues from the get-go because that was a well-known complaint. Folks with rodded engines and loud exhausts can have them. I never would even try them.
 
The 2 things that will kill you quicker than anything else in a car are Brakes & Steering, don't skimp on either quality or price of parts! You can thank me later! Good Luck
 
The 2 things that will kill you quicker than anything else in a car are Brakes & Steering, don't skimp on either quality or price of parts! You can thank me later! Good Luck

Yep Im with ya there Stubs- thats why I am asking- seems a little odd to me that somebody would get all tooled up to reproduce new parts for our 50+ year old cars, and nobody has heard of them. I will most likely have Redhead rebuild mine, I am close enough to make a day trip out of driving over there.
 
- seems a little odd to me that somebody would get all tooled up to reproduce new parts for our 50+ year old cars, and nobody has heard of them. I will most likely have Redhead rebuild mine, I am close enough to make a day trip out of driving over there.
These are boxes built for pickup truck application and they just happen to fit our cars. There's not enough market for just old cars.
 
The Bergman (vendor on the right of the page) kit that uses a Borgenson gear and a coupler that does not require cutting the steering column.

Borgeson Steering Box Kit Large Sector - Bergman Auto Craft

I would like to know how much noise it really generates.


OK, so you know when you turn your steering wheel too far and you get that sound of resistance, then you get the screeching noise if you push it harder. The noise is not as much as first sound of resistance but it sounds like resistance in the hydraulics. C-bodies have the rag joint, so it might kill the sound from traveling up the steering shaft and exiting through your wheel.
Peter is a great vendor, stands by his products.
I will all ways direct people to Bergman Auto craft.
I really wanted it to work, but client would not live with it in his stock 70 Road Runner.
Someone with a C-body should give a try.
 
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Did some research on the "Buy Auto Parts" brand, they have been peddling their stuff on Amazon, lots of scary reviews from guys that received what was apparently just a core that was spray painted and re-sold> so another one to stay far away from.
I got the remanufactured unit from Red Head today- a thing of beauty. Cant go wrong buying one from a company that specializes in remanufacturing steering gears.
Bought it through Dalessuperstore.com it was 100 bucks less than buying direct from Redhead.
 
That box is interesting, I hope some one does an install with feed back. I would if it was in Canada. After sending two boxes back to Borgeson for noise issues, I can't risk it at this time.
Firm feel is my go to.
I finally installed one of these boxes on a 1970 Chrysler 300. It had substantially better "on center feel/feedback)" than the original Chrysler steering gears do. I had to modify one of the mounting holes on the box by opening up one of the holes by less than 1/16 inch to get it mounted was my only issue. They are sold by O'reilly Auto Parts (the Master Pro one) at the best price I could find (well Autozone had a better price but they could not deliver one after several days of back and forth with them - so I gave up with them and went to Oreilly's and had it in one day).

https://www.oreillyauto.com/search/v/a/118031/automotive-car-1971-chrysler-300?q=steering+gear
 
Merry Christmas to All.....
Just delivered my steering box to Steer & Gear (Columbus Ohio), for overhaul. They are also rebuilding the pitman arm.
Should have it back late January. Will post when I receive it.
.....and to all a good night.
Omni
 
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