Replacement steering gear for '64 GP
 

Hi all. Been a while since I was here but check in regularly. The steering gear on my '64 GP is leaking and I want to replace it. I am in Ireland so will be importing from the States. I was looking at some options on RockAuto, there are three that state that they fit, a Cardone, a BBB Industries and a Lares box. However on two of these there are diameters that are different. I really don't want to import something heavy and expensive across the Atlantic, strip out the old box and then find it doesn't fit. I would appreciate any advice about a recommended box or supplier. Car is for cruising, shows, etc so not looking for anything too fancy. Would appreciate any advice. Hugh.

Lares has a very good reputation. RUN from Cardone.
You may enjoy the nicer steering with a '69 to mid 70's Variable ratio steering box.
Good luck!

If a fluid leak is your only concern, and the leak is from the pitman shaft, a seal kit is easy to install and will fix it. Minimal special tools and a hour job max if you have the tools. Just an idea.

Had good luck with the Lares units. The bolt pattern, pitman arm and rag joint are all the same for your 1964 for a long time. I put a 1995 jeep grand cherokee box in mine, I hear it may make the turning radius suffer a bit but this is a common swap in the A-body crowd. Wheelbase is only 8" longer between a 64 cat and a 70 chevelle.

Thanks guys. I considered doing the seals and got a kit along with a new coupler. But it is leaking from the top end and the steering has a fair bit of play. Ball joints and everything up front seem fine so I thought it would be best just to replace the box. If its the original it's getting on a bit! I am a bit worried seeing different specs for the boxes on the RockAuto site and wanted to make sure I get the correct one. I like the sound of the quick ratio box. RockAuto has a Lares 10972 which is a quick ratio box. It is listed for the 64 GP and the 69 Catalina so might go for that one. Did the diameters etc change at all between the big cars in this era or are they all the same?

64 and 69 both call for the same rag joint so likely a direct swap. The pitman arm from my 62 bolted right on the 95 jeep box.

Thanks Jeremy. Think I will order the Lares. Will check back in once its done!
Hugh