How to Remove the Steering Box From a '56 Chevy

The steering gear box on a '56 Chevy comes in either power steering or manual versions with several different ratios. When ratios are mentioned, it means the number of times the steering wheel needs to be turned to move the tires from their limit in one direction to their limit in the other direction. Close ratio units are great for racing or handling. They turn very quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• ½-inch drive ratchet
• Set of ½-inch drive sockets
• Set of wrenches
• Pitman arm remover

Instructions

1. Remove the two bolts securing the rag joint together. The rag joint is the round coupling between the steering column and the steering gear box shaft. Use a wrench to remove the bolts.

2. Remove the two power steering hoses from the gearbox, using a wrench. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands.

3. Remove the large nut on the steering gearbox-pitman arm-shaft, using a socket. Install the pitman arm remover and use a wrench and remove the pitman arm from the shaft.

4. Remove the driver's side tire and wheel assembly using a 1/2-inch drive socket. Remove the three long bolts running through the frame and into the gearbox using a socket. Lower the steering gear box from the vehicle.