steering gear
 

my 2wd blazer has play in the steering box, about 10 degrees each side of center. it also leaks around input shaft. a "ZQ8" steering gear is a common replacement. however i have seen a few posts about Monte Carlo SS 82-88 box being 2.5 turns "lock to lock" it actually is cheaper. by a few bucks.
anyone done this swap?
pros?
cons?
can this easily be done by a fat man on the garage floor?
how long labor wise would shop charge so i can estimate my time times 4.
thanks

Help
 

I have a 1989 v10 blazer and am wondering what year blazers steering column/shaft will interchange with it ? Any will will be much appreciated

Here are some reference links about steering boxes. Many of our customers have purchased gearboxes "off-the-shelf" only to find they can no longer park the car easily, because the box has the wrong internal stops for their car. (Monte Carlo box on S10 4x4 ) Fast Ratio Conversions | Classic Cars | Modern Steering Feel ? PowerSteering.com The turns lock to lock ( travel ) are different on some boxes. http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref29.htm
http://www.chevelles.com/techref/pdf...ar01ja2013.pdf
Quick-ratio steering boxes https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mu...s/1508711.html
Rebuild your stock box http://leepowersteering.com/gear-rebuilds-and-upgrades/
Three bolts hold the box to the frame, Pitman arm, fluid lines and shaft connections. One hour. alignment after.

i bought a box for 88 Monte SS from rock auto if i remember it was $89 plus $20 core turned out to be 15-20 cheaper than Zq8.. installing it wed.
i drove twice now on snow. scary when you are in a curve and the blast of wind from a semi sends you sawing on the wheel. hard to tell if sliding or compensating for slop

[QUOTE=marty68;683626]i bought a box for 88 Monte SS
That should make your "winter beater" much sweeter !