Steering Box

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I need to replace the manual steering box on my 1981 Spirit. I am looking for something better than the stock ratio. Is anyone aware of any aftermarket item, or a stock box that's better than the one I have? 

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
scotty54 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Aug/07/2015 Location: TN Status: Offline Points: 70	Post Options Post Reply Quote scotty54 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Steering Box Posted: Oct/21/2016 at 1:20pm
	I need to replace the manual steering box on my 1981 Spirit. I am looking for something better than the stock ratio. Is anyone aware of any aftermarket item, or a stock box that's better than the one I have?

CamJam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Jan/04/2014 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 6546	Post Options Post Reply Quote CamJam Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/21/2016 at 1:45pm
	I'm not familiar enough with the Spirits to say for sure, but the 92-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee box is a good choice for most AMCs. Make sure you have the right diameter steering shaft. You should have, because around 1976 the change was made from 13/16 to 3/4" diameter. Worst case you'd have to get an adapter, for around $75 I think. The following article is written for Chevy's, but good information for us as well since AMC used the same Saginaw steering boxes. http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-0901-gm-steering-box-upgrade/ EDIT: Just realized you said "manual" and I was talking about power steering. Problem with going to too quick a ratio on a manual box is that the steering effort becomes excessive. If you want to build up your biceps then it might work. Edited by CamJam - Oct/21/2016 at 1:48pm

73Gremlin401 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Mar/02/2013 Location: Stmbt Sprgs CO Status: Offline Points: 946	Post Options Post Reply Quote 73Gremlin401 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/21/2016 at 5:30pm
	You may want to give these guys a call - I've had excellent success with them, and I've been really impressed with their knowledge. https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ Ditto on what the 1st responder said with regard to steering effort on the manual gear - you may really want to do the power steering change over, which is really not all that involved, and most bits can be junkyard sourced.
	73 Gremlin 401/5-spd. 77 Matador Wagon 360/727. 81 Jeep J10 LWB 360/4-spd 83 Concord DL 4-dr 258/auto

scotty54 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Aug/07/2015 Location: TN Status: Offline Points: 70	Post Options Post Reply Quote scotty54 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/22/2016 at 8:39pm
	Thanks for the replies. The Spirit is a drag car so I am not concerned about manual steering effort. Just looking to maximize control. The Hot Rod link had some great info, and I will be calling Red Head next week.