62 Buick special power steering box

[Russelld58]

I'm looking for a power steering gearbox for my 62 Buick special. Is the same box used on other GM models? Any suggestions for online purchase? Any help is appreciated.

[joe_padavano]

The steering box is unique to the 1961-63 Buick Special and Olds F-85.  No other boxes interchange.  Also note that the pitman arm on the 1963 cars is different from the one on the 1961-62 cars, but can be swapped.

Edited January 16, 2016 by joe_padavano (see edit history)

[Hudsy Wudsy]

Perhaps you'd like to look into having yours rebuilt while you are at it. Lares, Corp is the place to find out info about that:

 

http://www.larescorp.com/

[Russelld58]

Thanks. Are the rebuild kits risky?

[joe_padavano]

Any used box will likely need a rebuild anyway.  Bearings and seals are not risky.  The only issue is if there are worn parts inside the box - specifically if the shafts and gear teeth are too worn to adjust or seal properly.  I've had very good results with rebuilds from Power Steering Services.

[Russelld58]

Thanks, Joe. Rebuild means I have to store the car or tow it to my building. Given what you say about the risk of worn shaft, buying one sounds like the way to go. Been looking online, but can't seem to find one. Any ideas?

[joe_padavano]

Thanks, Joe. Rebuild means I have to store the car or tow it to my building. Given what you say about the risk of worn shaft, buying one sounds like the way to go. Been looking online, but can't seem to find one. Any ideas?

 

All you can do is post a parts wanted ad in the various applicable forums.  These cars are not particularly popular, so you are unlikely to find a rebuilt box for sale.  I had to buy a complete parts car for my 62 F-85.

Edited January 17, 2016 by joe_padavano (see edit history)

[junkyardjeff]

I might know where a 63 is in a junkyard that might have a p/s box

[Mssr. Bwatoe]

^{Look at the box, I installed a 71 skylark box on my 64  Riv, for quicker repsonse and more room...the mount flange was the same..box was smaller bit was} 

^{direct fit..look around ..a little faster steering might help that car..}

^{Saginaw boxes didnt change much over the years...}

[joe_padavano]

^{Look at the box, I installed a 71 skylark box on my 64  Riv, for quicker repsonse and more room...the mount flange was the same..box was smaller bit was} 

^{direct fit..look around ..a little faster steering might help that car..}

^{Saginaw boxes didnt change much over the years...}

 

As I posted above, the steering box on the 1961-63 Skylark and Olds F-85 is unique to those cars.  NO other box interchanges.  It is NOT the common Saginaw box used on most GM cars from 1964-on.

[dan at larescorp]

As I posted above, the steering box on the 1961-63 Skylark and Olds F-85 is unique to those cars.  NO other box interchanges.  It is NOT the common Saginaw box used on most GM cars from 1964-on.

 

Joe is right on the money with this one. While the internal design is almost identical to the 1964+ steering gear the mounting locations are very different.

[BAK]

On 1/16/2016 at 6:32 PM, joe_padavano said:

The steering box is unique to the 1961-63 Buick Special and Olds F-85.  No other boxes interchange.  Also note that the pitman arm on the 1963 cars is different from the one on the 1961-62 cars, but can be swapped.

 

Hey guys - I too at now an owner of a ‘62 special with the same desire to add power steering.  My wife even enjoys driving it to go grab groceries once in a while, but the steering is well... manual.  

 

Joe - does your post mean that an F-85 box is also an option to swipe a PS box?

 

Thanks - Ben

Fleetwood, PA