fnabody
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Are the Mopar manual steering boxes A, B, and E-body specific or will a manual steering box from a b-body fit an a-body?
Manual steering box fitment question
- Thread starter fnabody
- Start date
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Mopar Al
MOPAR AL
I am fairly sure they are the same
Boxes are the same,But there are two sizes of pitman arm shafts.Early boxes have a smaller diameter (1 1/8'' I think) up to 1972.In 1973 ish the size went to 1 1/4''.
Don't quote me though,I have been wrong with numbers before..
Don't quote me though,I have been wrong with numbers before..
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dano
Evil Handy Man
The centerlink changed in 73 too, so get the right year of box for your car.
How can you tell the year?
I purchased one from a FABO member to convert PS to Manual.
I purchased one from a FABO member to convert PS to Manual.
easiest way to tell is the size of the hex nut at pitman arm. if you have a 1&1/8 socket to fit it, its early. If you need a 1&5/16 socket for it, its the later. I know this shaft and nut size changed on the power steering boxes but I'm not sure if or when it changed on the manual boxes. The center link attach to pitman and idler changed for both at 73 model whether that shaft size changed or not.
This isn’t true. Manual steering boxes for the A, B and E body’s never changed. That was a power steering box deal. Some of the B body boxes had bearings instead of bushings, so the boxes are stronger, but that doesn’t effect fit as they’re externally the same.
The manual steering boxes for C-bodies and vans did have a larger output shaft. But since they don’t make pitman arms for A, B or E bodies intended for the larger shaft box it wouldn’t be slam dunk to use one.
Info and pictures here
Steering Box Info
The steering center link and pitmans did change in ‘73, you just have to match the pitman to the center link.
Large and small pitman shaft only pertains to power steering boxes. If your asking weather the P/S boxes interchange? Than yes and no. If you use all the steering pieces off the same car than yes. Early (72and earlier) the ptiman and Idler arm stud point up. On 73 and newer they face down.
Pitman and Idler arm. But if you have the older pitman arm set up, you can put it on the Manual box.
I don't know how I can explain it easier, Use the pitman arm that matches your center link and idler arm year range. Splines are the same. The direction the stud faces ( that goes thru your center link) determines WHICH Pitman arm you need. If the stud faces up it is 1972 and back. If it faces down, it is 73 -76
Ok thanks. I had an offer of a steering box,pitman arm and Saginaw pump off a 73/ 318. I just noticed the pitman arm stud pointed down and mine is up. So the taper goes a different way in the center link. So I’ll need them and the idler to match. it’s a 67 car so the idlers odd.
Yeah your going to have other problems, 67 used a screwy idler arm. if you have the 67 K-member, I would change the K-member out to a 68-72 unit.
Too much trouble. Thanks for your advise. I’ll go with a borgeson swap.
This is a 67 idler arm.
Delete: Dodge Dart Steering Idler Arm - Replacement & OEM
This is the 68 -72 idler arm.
Moog K7042: Front Idler Arm | JEGS
Delete: Dodge Dart Steering Idler Arm - Replacement & OEM
This is the 68 -72 idler arm.
Moog K7042: Front Idler Arm | JEGS
Without fabrication on the 67 K-member, the 73 arm won't work correctly on yours
I also saw 1 with a bolt that goes thru it with a bearing. Do you know what that is?
68-76 uses a bolt that goes thru two pieces of metal and uses a nut and bolt.
adriver
Blazing Apostle
Good thread.
Let me put this in it just for reference.
Manual Steering Box...assistance needed...
Manual Steering Box
I've only done a couple and all had needle bearings.
I've got a pile of junk yard pulls.
(Mostly from A bodies)
Someday, if I ever rebuild those, maybe I'll find bushings.
Maybe I've been "lucky".
From the Big Block Dart page.
"62-76 A-bodies, 62-72 B-bodies, and 70-74 E-bodies all used the same manual box. Most of these boxes used bushings throughout, however, the B-body V-8 units were built for more abuse and used bearings internally instead of the bushings. "
The one on the left looks very familiar.
I can't say I've ever noticed the one on the right.
I'll have to check the pile.
And my B bodies.
Right now I'm pretty sure the 67 B car had the one on the left in it.
I replaced with one that looked the same. I think.
I'll have to check the 69 383 car too.
Let me put this in it just for reference.
Manual Steering Box...assistance needed...
Manual Steering Box
I've only done a couple and all had needle bearings.
I've got a pile of junk yard pulls.
(Mostly from A bodies)
Someday, if I ever rebuild those, maybe I'll find bushings.
Maybe I've been "lucky".
From the Big Block Dart page.
"62-76 A-bodies, 62-72 B-bodies, and 70-74 E-bodies all used the same manual box. Most of these boxes used bushings throughout, however, the B-body V-8 units were built for more abuse and used bearings internally instead of the bushings. "
The one on the left looks very familiar.
I can't say I've ever noticed the one on the right.
I'll have to check the pile.
And my B bodies.
Right now I'm pretty sure the 67 B car had the one on the left in it.
I replaced with one that looked the same. I think.
I'll have to check the 69 383 car too.
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UDUST81
Well-Known Member
Thanks all for your help. I have the perfect setup for a 440 swap with the manual steering. But a few things have happened along with age that makes me appreciate the ps more. Is it easier to steer the manual with the bearings instead of the bushings and can they be changed over or do you know for sure. Thanks for your help.
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