Power Gearbox Rebuilds

There are several things to consider before attempting this swap:

The Camaro/Firebird gearboxes have internal stops built into the gearbox to limit pitman arm “swing” (“F” bodies do not need as much swing as “A” bodies). If you install an “F” body gearbox on your “A” body without removing the internal stops, the turning radius of your car will be reduced and you will have a hard time making U-turns or parking.

If a late model (1980 and up) gearbox is used, the flex coupling (ragjoint) will need to be changed because it is smaller in diameter than the early models.

The hose fittings on the later model gearbox require metric o-ring fittings. The early models use SAE compression fittings, so you’ll need custom hoses or adapters.

During the 1960s and 1970s, GM installed power steering gearboxes in their “A” and “F” body cars that had a very slow turning ratio. It took as many as 4 1/4 turns of the steering wheel to get the wheels to turn from extreme right to extreme left. This slow turning ratio was most noticeable when parking or negotiating curves. Not only does it take more turns of the steering wheel to turn the wheels, it also takes more turns of the steering wheel to correct the direction of the car. This means that correcting quickly in a curve or taking evasive maneuvers to avoid a road hazard takes longer with a slower turning ratio.

With our ratio upgrade rebuilds, we install a factory quick-ratio worm gear and power piston in your gearbox as it is rebuilt. This will give you the responsiveness of a more modern vehicle and reduced the lock to lock turn count, depending on your car’s application. This will enhance the car’s drivability and handling.

Generally, depending on the car’s need for internal stops, between 2.5 to 3 turns (lock to lock). Light trucks will generally be from 3.25 to 3.5 turns lock to lock with a 16/13:1 conversion upgrade from a 1960s 20:1 ratio.

No, the installation of our “fast ratio” conversion WILL NOT decrease your turning radius. Rebuilding your gearbox ensures you get the stops designed for your vehicle. Many of our customers have purchased gearboxes "off-the-shelf" only to find its no longer easy to park the car because the internal stops are not correct for their car.

Yes, that's how we operate, we rebuild our customer's units. Many of our customers prefer to keep their vehicle original. In many cases, your factory core can be made better than new. Plus, using your core ensures the factory stops are proper for your application and the hose fittings and input shaft remain the same. If you would like to send your original gearbox to us, please see our shipping guide. Once your original gearbox is disassembled, we will do a detailed inspection to confirm it’s re-buildable. Most gearboxes that are full of oil are rebuildable , however if water has entered the system, corrosion can turn it into a "boat anchor." If its not rebuildable, we can provide parts to match the factory setup of your gearbox, with the proper stops.

NOTHING! Just remove the gearbox and ship it with or without the pitman arm attached and it will be converted and shipped back to you ready to install.

Yes, however some can require a housing replacement. The replacement housing will be 100% drop-in compatible at installation, the differences are internal. This will add to the cost. Contact us to learn more about this option.