How much time and difficulty to change a steering box

[Calif240]

Hey guys... I'm getting a firm feel stage III for my '69. I was wondering how long it takes to change a steering box. I've never done this before. Can i do it in one afternoon? Is there anything special I need other than a pitman removal tool? Any other advice for a young novice on this improvement?
Thanks,
Terry

[Ghoste]

Big enough torque wrench.  You should be able to do it in an afternoon.  Do you have a copy of the fsm?

[BrianShaughnessy]

Depends if you have headers or not.

Manifolds:   in and out.

Headers:   unbolt header / exhaust,  unbolt motor mount and lift driver side of motor,   bitch, moan, bleed... 

[Ghoste]

Lol, and if the engine is warm when you start, you can add burn to that list.

[Calif240]

I've got the factory service manual and a large torque wrench. I do not have headers. I also do not have an engine hoist. Will I need a hoist?
Thanks guys.

[Ghoste]

Won't need the hoist.  You'll be fine.

[Calif240]

Awesome! Thanks again.

[bill440rt]

Depends if you have headers or not.

Manifolds:   in and out.

Headers:   unbolt header / exhaust,  unbolt motor mount and lift driver side of motor,   bitch, moan, bleed... 

Did both types within the past year. One car with headers, the other with manifolds.
With manifolds it was a breeze, just need the right tools. You'll need a puller to remove the pitman arm from the box or from the center link.
With headers it was truly a suck-a$$ job. Still very do-able, just not a favorite.

[Kern Dog]

Its easy to sit at a computer and tell someone how easy a job is. Does anyone know WHAT engine is in the car? What chassis? WHAT year model car?
The simple facts? Its not an easy job for a first timer, but with patience, it can be done.
Lets say it is a Slant six. This would be the easiest by far, since the engine leans AWAY from the steering. You can actually do the swap almost entirely from the top. V8s? Not as easy. It has to come out from underneath.  There is less clearance on these but with an assortment of ratchet extensions, the job isn't difficult. Sometimes it helps to remove the starter. Remember that these are heavy. Try to avoid letting it fall! taking a steering box to the head will surely leave a mark!
                                          Good Luck!

[Ghoste]

The first time I did it was a power steering box on a big block 68 model B-body car with headers and it took me about half a day so I will stand by my answer.

[375instroke]

Does it come out the top or bottom?

[tan top]

Does it come out the top or bottom?

comes out from the bottom  ,   becarefull its heavy ,  easier to take the starter motor off    , although done  with the starter in place too for some reason  ,  just managed to squeeze it past   with 1 inch torsion bars & 3" pipes & cast manifolds  , can't think why but there must of been a reason at the time .  think i took it offf to put it back though , i for get now 

[Kern Dog]

A slant six car can go either way. ANY V8 will be from the bottom.

[mopar0166]

it was a pin in the butt,  shed some blood, drank some beer then continued.  glad i wont have to do it again hopefully for awhile