Steering gearbox

[rwljpl]

anybody know the differences between the steering gearboxes offered in different model years. The LMC catalog lists different boxes for 73-76, 77-79, and 80-87. How can you tell them apart?

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Didn’t want this to get swept under the rug, but I’m 99% sure it has to do with the mounting pattern. The only other thing I could imagine it being is the output spline count because if I’m not mistaken, the input was the same across the truck line. Someone will correct me, though, if I’m wrong.

 

[K201979]

I think its 84 and newer have oring lines and the older dont. Other than that the only difference i kno is the ratio and or size of the teeth on the sector shaft. If they were all saginaw

 

[K201979]

I kno i put an 84 steering gear in my 79 while i was rebuilding the original and i had to teflon tape the fittings on the lines to be sure they wouldnt leak. They r metric too on the newer but they will thread in. I replaced my lines when i put the rebuilt gear back in.

 

[K201979]

They r not too bad too rebuild if you can pay attention to detail. 20 bucks for the kit.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

They r not too bad too rebuild if you can pay attention to detail. 20 bucks for the kit.

You’re better than me. If I tried it, all the ball bearings would grow wings and fly away as soon as I got in there. Tiny parts, more so ones that can roll away, are the Achilles heel of my mechanical endeavors.

 

[K201979]

Lol. I used a magnet and magnetic tray

 

[K201979]

Actually i was worried about all the ballbearings, but that wasnt too bad. I didnt get the sector shaft bearing drove deep enough the first time n that gave me problems. The next hardest part was getting the big snap ring in the endcap with a fat new oring and the only other thing was getting the piston and rotary valve back in the case with new teflons and orings. All doable tho. If anyone wants tips i learned the hard way