Front suspension and steering - factory manual or exploded views

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Looking at all the components on the front end, trying to identify them. Is it best to buy a factory manual? If so, where is the best place to get one? Is there a download available?

I figure it's probably good to have, just looking for the most economical option. And, trying to find out what I should not buy. There seems to be a lot of these on ebay, just not sure which ones are correct.

Once I get the engine out, I should disassemble the suspension and steering and replace with new parts/bushings, etc.

-- Is it a good idea to purchase new upper and lower control arms, or keep the original ones? They don't look that expensive on Rockauto.com. Or, better to have the old ones powder-coated?

-- Also, what's a good steering box/assembly? Is it much more desirable to upgrade to power steering?

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Is this a close-ratio steering box? Are they worth having on a car, or would I be better off with the stock ratio?

http://www.carsteering.com/partview/Buick/Special/Manual_Steering_Gear_Box/82~70032_AN.html

[cwmcobra]

Hey George,

There are manuals in the Electronic Garage on the Home page of this site.  The information you're looking for would be in the Chassis manual.  If you want a hard copy of that manual, I have an extra.  If you're interested in it, please PM me.

Cheers!

Chuck

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Hey George,

There are manuals in the Electronic Garage on the Home page of this site.  The information you're looking for would be in the Chassis manual.  If you want a hard copy of that manual, I have an extra.  If you're interested in it, please PM me.

Cheers!

Chuck

Thanks.
Just sent you a PM.

[WkillGS]

Is this a close-ratio steering box? Are they worth having on a car, or would I be better off with the stock ratio?

Choice depends on your preference.
A close ratio box is more touchy, wheels will start turning with a little steering wheel movement, much like a modern car.
Fastest ones are 12.7 ratio, about  2.6 to 3 turns stop-to-stop.
The stock manual box is 5 to 6 turns stop-to-stop! If you like spinning the steering wheel around and around to go around a turn, the stock box is for you!

One good source is Hector 'Carhex' over at V8Buick. A rebuilt box is about $120 if you supply a core.
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?306408-Carhex-quick-ratio-gear-box-new-prices-and-options

You can also get a rebuilt box from a local auto parts store such as Napa, advance auto, etc.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/cardone-power-steering-gear-remanufactured-27-6509/3791459-P?searchTerm=power+steering+gear#fragment-2

Another option is to find a used box at a junkyard.

[cwmcobra]

I had my stock power steering gear rebuilt by Hector with close ratio gearing.  Looks stock, but much more responsive.

I have a spare power steering gear from my parts car if you want to go that route.  Send me a PM if interested.

Chuck

[Polishmeatballpizza]

I had my stock power steering gear rebuilt by Hector with close ratio gearing.  Looks stock, but much more responsive.

I have a spare power steering gear from my parts car if you want to go that route.  Send me a PM if interested.

Chuck

Chuck, sent you a PM.

Wondering if I should upgrade to power, or just leave it manual. Most of you guys went with power steering?

[cwmcobra]

Considering the weight of the engine and, if air conditioned, the compressor, I wouldn't want to fight those forces to steer the car.  To each their own, but not for me.  I'm adding power brakes to my restoration as well, for the same reason.  They worked fine, but I'm not used to standing on the pedal to make the car stop!

I encourage you to check out Hector's services.  I'm not sure, but he might sell stock rebuilt steering gears without a core and without shipping one to him for rebuild.  If you want the factory ratio, of course.  He'll have a few options to discuss.

Chuck

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Do they sell power steering kits for the 65 Buicks? It's more than just a gearbox, hoses and pump, right? Don't you have to add some different steering components?

[Mark Ascher]

George,

All the same steering components, just need box, pump and pump brackets, hoses and pulley(s) + PS belt.

Mark

[Brian]

...and the rag joint coupler to the steering column is different between manual and PS.  Manual box has a smaller input shaft than the PS box.