Steering Box

P

philip l. stewart

New member
Dec 16, 1997
287
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>
>
> I am thinking about replacing my steering box.....My lady has 128,000 on her I
> have replaced all the goodies in the front end but she is still a little loose.

Arch,I too have been thinking about doing this change. My Transmode has 101,000
now, but like your lady it feels a little loose in the steering. But I don't
know how tight the steering should feel on GMC. After 30 years of only driving
rack and pinion steering my point of reference is probably not valid for the
GMC. I'm wondering if anyone knows what is acceptable steering wheel free play
on these coaches. I can say that when I replaced a worn out relay lever and
bushing in the steering linkage I removed a lot of slop in the steering . If I
could expect as big an improvement from the steering box replacement I'd
definitely go for it. Thanks for starting this thread.
Phil Stewart
'76 Transmode, TN
 
> GMCers
>
> I am thinking about replacing my steering box. I would like to hear any
> experience you may have had with the NAPA box, Caspro box or the
> one from Cinnabar.

Arch,

I just replaced everything in the front suspension less the steering gear. Still
had too much slop. Replaced the gear box with a unit from Golby for $300.00.
Had I had the #, I would have bought the NAPA unit for $156.00.

My GMC now drives like a dream.

Waldo
'76 Palm Beach
 
>
> Thank you very much!! You seem to be in much the same position as
> I am in. My next question is this----is there some way we could help
> you tell us if the Golby unit is actually the same Cardone unit as the
> NAPA one?

No. The unit I bought from Golby was reman'ed by an outfit in Nevada, but I
can't remember the name.

Someone posted a NAPA Part # for a reman'ed unit for $156.00 (I think). I trust
NAPA on parts like this. I believe the problem with the units that are sloppy is
that the valve is worn and will not hold a "centered" position nor input small
corrections in a timely manner. I had a good 1"+ slop in the steering wheel for
a correction to take. You're always trying to "get on top of the ball".

My .02.

Waldo
'76 Palm Beach
 
Arch,
I just did the NAPA one a few weeks back. $176 w/$165 core charge. Easy to
do if you have a pitman arm puller (a must and only $10 from Princess Auto
here in Omaha 1-888-460-7989 PN 2990068 and it works perfectly) and crows
feet wrenches (for the line fittings). I added a small NAPA trans filter
($15) to the return line at the wipers and dumped the screen filter. Flushed
it twice (takes about a quart each flush). Man it sure tightened up my
wander problem. No adjustment needed. Did throw my steering wheel off a bit
but that will be fixed at the next alignment. Also did my Steering CV boot
at the same time since I had it all off. Be sure the blue teflon coated
shaft moves free. If not use a fine file to smooth it up amd regrease it.
Made a BIG difference. Be sure to pull the pinch bolts ALL the way out since
theres a groove in the splined shaft they ride in.
Now if I just had an engine...

Nate '75GB (yup, still dead) Omaha


Date: Thu, 19 Aug 1999 17:14:32 EDT
From: Gcbr
Subject: GMC: Steering Box

GMCers

I am thinking about replacing my steering box. I would like to hear any
experience you may have had with the NAPA box, Caspro box or the
one from Cinnabar. We have a price spread here from $150 to $450.
This seems like a lot of spread. Sure would like to here your thoughts.
My lady has 128,000 on her I have replaced all the goodies in the front
end but she is still a little loose. I dont think the last owner ever
greased
anything.

Take Care
Arch 76 GB IL

 
>I promise not to tell. Take Care Arch 76 GB IL

We have ways of making him talk...

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
Arch,
Took me about 5 hours total what with all the messing around getting the
tools, etc. This was a straight bolt on conversion. Best thing I've done so
far outside of the Ramco mirrors and Alcoas. Do it, you will not be sorry...
atleast I sure was satisfied when it was done and tracking straight for a
change!!!
Thanks again for all the tips on the engine swap. Jasper is starting to
sound like it could be the winner here (so many choices). Bummer that they
will take 3-4 weeks lead time to get me an engine though. Found a guy to
haul it to Jim Bounds, cheap too.

Nate '75GB Omaha

>>>>>>
> I just did the NAPA one a few weeks back. $176 w/$165 core charge. Easy
to
> do if you have a pitman arm puller (a must and only $10 from Princess
Auto
> here in Omaha 1-888-460-7989 PN 2990068 and it works perfectly) and crows
> feet wrenches (for the line fittings). I added a small NAPA trans filter
> ($15) to the return line at the wipers and dumped the screen filter.
Flushed
> it twice (takes about a quart each flush). Man it sure tightened up my
> wander problem.

WOW we are getting somewhere with this one. Well sometime back I
said I thought this might be the root of wander problems. With what Waldo
and Nate are saying I am even more inclined to say that. Now I still want to
sort out this price spread! Sure would like to hear from more of you. Nate
would like to ask one question was this a straight up bolt on swap with
no modifications?

Take Care
Arch
>>>>>>
 
if I remember correctly the GMC steering box is off a Chev 2 ton truck. The
A-1 cardone unit is a fine unit and every bit as good as the one from
cinnabar or golbys. the mechanic was suffering from rectal cranial
inversion. VW box indeed. i intend ot put a new cardone rebuilt on mine
next month.

>In a message dated 8/20/99 5:33:54 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
>> I
>> asked him why he laughed and he said "why would you put a V W box in a
>> Cadillac"..........So, that makes me think about going with the more
>> expensive box....maybe....What do you think?
>
>Don
>
>I have no idea about all of this. I was trying to do research on all of this
>because there seems to be a dearth of solid information out there. This
>is how they sell us a VW box at a Cadillac price. With a little more
>research I have found that Auto Zone and NAPA both use Cardone.
>I dont know who else is. The real way will be to get two coaches
>together----one with a Caspro and one with a NAPA and look at them.
>Talk to both people and find out the truth. People can only do this
>kind of high pricing for parts when we dont have good information.
>I was just trying to get more information into every bodies hands.
>Duane also added that adjusting the old one is an even better option.
>The problem with that is that at $65 an hour it will probably come out
>about the same. I will tell you what I am going to do----I am going to
>keep looking and doing research. In my GMCMIN I see that up to
>90% of our ladies are not adjusted properly. OK lets find somebody
>like Jim----or whoever that knows how to adjust these boxes and lets
>have a party. We will win----maybe not tomorrow----but in the end
>GMC net will win.
>
>Take Care
>Arch 76 GB IL
>
>
 
Thats what i remembver to Arch. Somewhere i have the info. will have to
look for it when things die down.

>In a message dated 8/20/99 9:11:07 PM Central Daylight Time, warner
>writes:
>
>> if I remember correctly the GMC steering box is off a Chev 2 ton truck. The
>> A-1 cardone unit is a fine unit and every bit as good as the one from
>> cinnabar or golbys. the mechanic was suffering from rectal cranial
>> inversion. VW box indeed. i intend ot put a new cardone rebuilt on mine
>> next month.
>>
>Tom
>
>I was told by two different sources today that this box NAPA#
>277519 is off the GMC and Chevy P series chassis made from
>76 to 79. I honestly dont know what ton chassis that is.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>
 
Arch:

I'm told that the Caspro gearbox has upgraded internal components (e. g.
bearings vs. bushings, and different gears). Therefore, you're talking
apples and organges in comparision.

Paul Bartz

From: Gcbr
To: gmcmotorhome
Sent: 8/20/99 10:00 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Steering Box

In a message dated 8/20/99 5:33:54 PM Central Daylight Time,

> I
> asked him why he laughed and he said "why would you put a V W box in
a
> Cadillac"..........So, that makes me think about going with the more

> expensive box....maybe....What do you think?

Don

I have no idea about all of this. I was trying to do research on all of
this
because there seems to be a dearth of solid information out there. This
is how they sell us a VW box at a Cadillac price. With a little more
research I have found that Auto Zone and NAPA both use Cardone.
I dont know who else is. The real way will be to get two coaches
together----one with a Caspro and one with a NAPA and look at them.
Talk to both people and find out the truth. People can only do this
kind of high pricing for parts when we dont have good information.
I was just trying to get more information into every bodies hands.
Duane also added that adjusting the old one is an even better option.
The problem with that is that at $65 an hour it will probably come out
about the same. I will tell you what I am going to do----I am going to
keep looking and doing research. In my GMCMIN I see that up to
90% of our ladies are not adjusted properly. OK lets find somebody
like Jim----or whoever that knows how to adjust these boxes and lets
have a party. We will win----maybe not tomorrow----but in the end
GMC net will win.

Take Care
Arch 76 GB IL
 
do you know this for sure or just more propoganda

>Arch:
>
>I'm told that the Caspro gearbox has upgraded internal components (e. g.
>bearings vs. bushings, and different gears). Therefore, you're talking
>apples and organges in comparision.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
>From: Gcbr
>To: gmcmotorhome
>Sent: 8/20/99 10:00 PM
>Subject: Re: GMC: Steering Box
>
>In a message dated 8/20/99 5:33:54 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
>> I
>> asked him why he laughed and he said "why would you put a V W box in
>a
>> Cadillac"..........So, that makes me think about going with the more
>
>> expensive box....maybe....What do you think?
>
>Don
>
>I have no idea about all of this. I was trying to do research on all of
>this
>because there seems to be a dearth of solid information out there. This
>is how they sell us a VW box at a Cadillac price. With a little more
>research I have found that Auto Zone and NAPA both use Cardone.
>I dont know who else is. The real way will be to get two coaches
>together----one with a Caspro and one with a NAPA and look at them.
>Talk to both people and find out the truth. People can only do this
>kind of high pricing for parts when we dont have good information.
>I was just trying to get more information into every bodies hands.
>Duane also added that adjusting the old one is an even better option.
>The problem with that is that at $65 an hour it will probably come out
>about the same. I will tell you what I am going to do----I am going to
>keep looking and doing research. In my GMCMIN I see that up to
>90% of our ladies are not adjusted properly. OK lets find somebody
>like Jim----or whoever that knows how to adjust these boxes and lets
>have a party. We will win----maybe not tomorrow----but in the end
>GMC net will win.
>
>Take Care
>Arch 76 GB IL
>
>
 
Arch, I too put the NAPA steering box on and noticed significant
improvement in wandering. Really tightened up the steering. I did not
want to mess with the overcenter adjustment on the existing one.
Couldn't find the power steering filter locally though, so you might
order it in advance. Nate is right on the pitman arm puller.

Bill

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com
 
Oh, Arch, John, Scott and all... I forgot to mention the NAPA steering box
has a "Lifetime" warranty. They will replace it free of charge as long as
you own it. So keep your receipt.

Nate '75GB Omaha

Are these consistant with what you were quoted?
>
Hi John!
The 20.60 figure was probably 3 day ground--it was to California- I did not
look up the figure myself- I was quoted that amount to Ca. He also quoted
shipping of $6.97 from Col. Oh to Clev., Oh. about 120 miles.
With all the work that was done on steering gears, I'm done. Whether
Arch will pursue it more I don't know. It is my opinion that the cost of
shipping, along with core charge and shipping core back, delayed
installation(waiting), and possible wrong steering gear shipped, make any
group purchase somewhat meaningless unless the price could be reduced
further, without hurting quality. It seems that with so many NAPA stores
around, that's our best bet. Numerous Netters have NAPA Steering gears and
I guess are pleased. Jim Bounds uses them! NAPA will also take returns--if
within warranty period--you probably could take it back to any store around
the country. Might have to wait, but you would not get socked with
additional
shipping.! I question why anyone would have to pay more than $200 at the
max., $250- $400 puts those vendor types on my s___ list!

Scott NEHODA'S
BACK YARD
 
Arch,
Here's the way I looked at the steering box dilemma. The NAPA box is half
the cost of a Caspro. They didn't have Caspro on the originals so why worry
about it now? All I wanted to do was go down the road straight and it does
that now much to my satisfaction. If I need to replace it is another 25
years I'll use my lifetime warranty and get a new (rebuilt) one for free...
life's to short, just do it.

Nate '75GB Omaha
 
FYI
clips

GMCMI Newsletter #33 p4
STEERING GEAR BOX
The steering gear box is the unit that can be seen hanging down on the
drivers front side of the vehicle. This complex unit seldom wears out or
totally fails, but it is estimated that this unit is out of adjustment on
up to 90% of the GMC motorhomes on the road. If the steering box is out of
adjustment the vehicle will tend to wander with constant corrective
steering required by the driver. To properly adjust this unit it must be
removed and properly adjusted with a 0-30 lb.-in, torque wrench and while
its removed it should be updated with the new type seals. The cost to
adjust and update this unit is $299.50 which includes return shipping. The
unit should be wrapped in a plastic bag to contain any oil seepage, shipped
prepaid UPS, insured for $400.00, and have a note with owner name & address
plus known defects to:
Caspro Company
13535 County Line Road
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022
216-423-0809

GMCMI Newsletter #50 p2
PRECISION STEERING
A new steering gearbox is now available from a company that has made many
other components for the GMC Motorhome. This new steering gearbox was
specifically designed to improve the steering on the GMC Motorhome. It
provides precise steering response with minimal free play and gives better
control on uneven roads. The special variable ratio gears provide a better
steering ratio while still retaining the traditional GMC feel. The kit
contains all new parts and is a bolt-in installation with no chassis
modifications required. A new micronic filter is also included that
provides complete protection for the power steering and windshield wiper
hydraulic system. The kit sells for $495.00 plus shipping. Contact:
Chuck Stoddard
Caspro Company
P.O. Box 390
Novelty, Ohio 44072
216-423-0809

>Arch:
>
>I'm told that the Caspro gearbox has upgraded internal components (e. g.
>bearings vs. bushings, and different gears). Therefore, you're talking
>apples and organges in comparision.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
>From: Gcbr
>To: gmcmotorhome
>Sent: 8/20/99 10:00 PM
>Subject: Re: GMC: Steering Box
>
>In a message dated 8/20/99 5:33:54 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> > I
> > asked him why he laughed and he said "why would you put a V W box in
>a
> > Cadillac"..........So, that makes me think about going with the more
>
> > expensive box....maybe....What do you think?
>
>Don
>
>I have no idea about all of this. I was trying to do research on all of
>this
>because there seems to be a dearth of solid information out there. This
>is how they sell us a VW box at a Cadillac price. With a little more
>research I have found that Auto Zone and NAPA both use Cardone.
>I dont know who else is. The real way will be to get two coaches
>together----one with a Caspro and one with a NAPA and look at them.
>Talk to both people and find out the truth. People can only do this
>kind of high pricing for parts when we dont have good information.
>I was just trying to get more information into every bodies hands.
>Duane also added that adjusting the old one is an even better option.
>The problem with that is that at $65 an hour it will probably come out
>about the same. I will tell you what I am going to do----I am going to
>keep looking and doing research. In my GMCMIN I see that up to
>90% of our ladies are not adjusted properly. OK lets find somebody
>like Jim----or whoever that knows how to adjust these boxes and lets
>have a party. We will win----maybe not tomorrow----but in the end
>GMC net will win.
>
>Take Care
>Arch 76 GB IL
 
>
> In a message dated 8/20/99 10:27:26 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> >
> > I'm told that the Caspro gearbox has upgraded internal
> > components (e. g. bearings vs. bushings, and different
> > gears). Therefore, you're talking apples and organges
> > in comparision.
>
> I have not found anybody that has even seen one let alone been inside
> one.

Arch,

Chuck Stoddard usually brings a trailer load of his stuff to the GMCMI
rallies. He has many of his parts available for inspection, including
several with cutaway housings. If you can get down to Forest City then you
can pose your questions to Chuck himself. BTW, I wish I could be there to
witness that conversation, because Chuck tends to be very opinionated and is
unabashedly proud of his products.

Patrick
 
Arch,
Would like to help. If you would like to spend sometime talking about your
Steering Box replacement give me your number and I will call you. Be happy
to head you on the right track.

Nate '75GB(wish I was in FL w/my coach) Omaha
 
Nate,
I appreciate your offer. I have all the maintenance manuals/parts
books/service bulletins, etc. available through cinnabar and comments
from other GMC owners have helped me decide just to replace the steering
gear. I would certainly appreciate any hints from someone who has done
it before. I have worked on other vehicles in the past but I am new to
the GMC motorhome.
I live near San Francisco, phone number (925) 939-6854. I would be happy
to call you if you will provide your phone number by return e-mail.
Thanks, Jerry Hartley

>
> Arch,
> Would like to help. If you would like to spend sometime talking about your
> Steering Box replacement give me your number and I will call you. Be happy
> to head you on the right track.
>
> Nate '75GB(wish I was in FL w/my coach) Omaha
 
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