Author Topic: Will Steering Box Fit?  (Read 6213 times)

Offline Wilymakeit

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Will Steering Box Fit?
« on: March 30, 2009, 06:07:33 pm »
Hello
Anybody know for sure if a 1986 4x4 steering box will bolt onto a 1979 4x4 frame?
Will the Pitman Arm off the 79 fit the 86?
I am restoring a 1986 Chev swb 4x4, the frame was damaged, the only frame I could find in great condition was a 1979 4x4, the steering box is shot, I would like to keep as much as possible 1986 style, that is why I am wondering if the 1986 box will fit the 79 frame, if not, no big deal, I will just have to buy the 1979 Box.  Your info would be greatly appreciated

Thank You

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2009, 07:07:32 pm »
They are different
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Wilymakeit

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2009, 08:42:02 am »
They are different in what way:
Are the bolt holes in different locations on the frame?
Does the Pitman Arm have a bigger or different spline?

I know the part # is different, I know the threads for the hoses have metric threads, have O rings instead of flared connections but can you give something more than it is different?


Offline Captkaos

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2009, 02:02:15 pm »
The 86 box should fit on the 79 frame

Offline Wilymakeit

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2009, 06:24:36 pm »
Great news, that is why I am a die hard Chevy Man, you cannot beat them, almost every part is interchangeable on these trucks, I thought it would fit but I wanted to find out for sure, parts for this truck are no longer sitting on the shelf of our local parts stores, I would have to special order it and I would not be too well liked if I had to return it if it did not fit.

Thanks again for the Info

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2009, 06:40:42 pm »
Steering shafts and pitman arms are different. I'm not positive of what years they changed the diameter of the worm gear shaft. The torsion rod also changed which because the power steering is overkill anyway you shouldn't see any difference with that.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2009, 06:47:54 pm »
That is correct Vile, maybe we don't have enough info for a definitive answer.  I was going on the assumption that he was taking his existing pieces off the crusty frame and putting them on the new frame with the frame being the only difference.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #7 on: March 31, 2009, 06:59:29 pm »
Well now's a good time to investigate like we did with the tailgates. lol
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Wilymakeit

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2009, 11:50:27 am »
OK not sure what part you mean by the steering shaft, if you are talking the extension of the steering column that bolts to the input of the box that definitely fits because my steering column is 1986 and the steering box right now is 1979, as far as the pitman arm that also fits the 2 steering box's because any aftermarket site states 1973-1987 are the same, I guess I am just going to have to buy a used junk one and experiment, thanks again for the info

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Will Steering Box Fit?
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2009, 02:57:04 pm »
Well now's a good time to investigate like we did with the tailgates. lol

I plan to do that to all of the stuff..