steering options?

[overpaid]

So guys, hear me out for a sec. My el camino originally had factory PS. I liked it, it was nice but just for simplicity I left it out when I did my LS build. I still like the simplicity of my manual box but the Lares unit I bought from rock auto in just less than a year has a decent amount of play now and has been progressively leaking fluid from a sealed unit. That being said I have contemplated replacing and sticking with just the manual box, getting a PS unit, OR I have seen these pretty cool flaming river rack and pinions that you can get in either manual or power. They are a touch over 2k but with my having invested so much in the car and it is a keeper, maybe it would be worth it.

So two questions:

Does anyone have any experience with the rack and pinions?
Does anyone regret sticking with manual box and wished they had gone power or stayed with PS.

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[Derek69SS]

Rack & Pinion is not worth the cost or effort. The only advantage of R&P is less moving parts to wear, and lighter weight... but all of that is negated by the cradle it takes to mount one in a Chevelle, and the weird center link attached to it to move the tie rod points inboard to reduce the bumpsteer back to stock levels.

A good PS box and new linkages is a much better solution in a Chevelle chassis, and there's a ton of options depending on budget and ratio desired.

 

[overpaid]

Just talked to Lares and they said to call summit and get a replacement since they have a lifetime warranty. Just got off the phone with Summit and they are sending me a new one. Good to know though on the rack and pinion, so I will just stick with my manual box

 

[Nashville Cat]

I love the Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering box

 

[overpaid]

I love the Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering box

Even though i am sticking with my manual box, just curious on this. Is this a common swap for the chevelle chassis?

 

[Nashville Cat]

Even though i am sticking with my manual box, just curious on this. Is this a common swap for the chevelle chassis?

Yes, a direct bolt-in. The pitman arm that connects to the box has to be changed if you have manual steering.
Cost was about $175 from RockAuto. You'll have to adapt the PS lines too.

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Ask Away with Jeff Smith: What's the Right Steering Box for my Early Chevelle? - OnAllCylinders

I have a ’67 Chevelle that I have decided to swap in a faster ratio steering box. All the stories I’ve read suggest that an ’88 Monte Carlo steering box …

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[Derek69SS]

I ran a Jeep box for a while in my car, but the 12.7 ratio wasn't quite quick enough for autocross.
I put an 8:1 Sweet Mfg. box in my Chevelle and then put the Jeep box in my Dad's '68 Camaro.

 

[Nashville Cat]

Even though i am sticking with my manual box, just curious on this. Is this a common swap for the chevelle chassis?

I had manual steering on my 66 Chevelle back in the 80's. You really should upgrade. That car was a nightmare to park.
Unless you are trying to make other family members not want to drive your car. LOL