*If converting from manual to power steering, you will need the pitman arm and coupler that is attached to the steering box. The most desirable 800 series steering boxes should have a 76 embossed on the steering box itself.
*There are other Saginaw steering boxes that are manufactured, like the 808,. The 808 has two versions, and they are used in Chevrolet/GMC trucks.
*Avoid using a box from a GM E-car (1966-85 Toronado, 1967-85 Eldorado, and 1979-85 Riviera), since the boxes are internally different. If bolting one of these boxes onto a traditional RWD vehicle, the worm shaft differs, and the worm shaft is in the reverse pattern, unlike the RWD 800 Series boxes.
*1977-present GM cars used a 13/16 diameter steering coupler (P/N 7826542), which differs from the 3/4 couplers used on pre-1976 cars with the Saginaw 800 steering box. The best boxes to find are in 1977-81 and 1982-92 Camaros and Firebirds, on models like the Z28, IROC, and Trans Am. If swapping a 1980 or newer box, remember that O-ring seals are used instead of the flared fittings that are common on older musclecars, along with the smaller diameter steering coupler.
*One way to retrofit power steering from 1980-present GM vehicles is to use the hoses from the donor vehicle, or order flare inserts from Lee Manufacturing or Whaling Gear.
12.7:1 Steering Boxes
*The IROC/Trans Am steering boxes (Code XH; 1985 - 92 with 16 inch wheels) will require an overhaul, in which the steering stops will have to be changed over to the A-body steering stops, which are thinner. One way to avoid the wide steering arc syndrome is to swap the internal parts out of an IROC Camaro/Trans Am GTA steering box into a Saginaw 800 steering box for older vehicles. Always use the internal parts from a vehicle in the same production line, since minor differences are likely, which include the pitman arm.
*If locating a Code XH box, the only vehicle line that functions well is a first-generation (1967-69) F-body (Car Craft, March 2000). There is a Code WS steering box (1982 - 92 F-car with 15 inch rims/F41 suspension), but this box is best suited for second generation F-cars (1970-81) or 1975-79 X-cars (Nova, Omega, Ventura/Phoenix, and Apollo/Skylark).
*GM P/N 7839897 (Hollander Interchange #1282) is available, and a YA code is common. The box was originally used with 1983-88 "muscle" G-Bodies (Monte Carlo SS, Grand National, 442). The steering travel (turning circle) measured 39 degrees and 15 feet. (Additional information can be found in the Hot Rod's Chevelles newsstand special magazine)
*G-bodies with the F41 suspension RPO are likely to have a 14.4:1 constant ratio steering box (Codes FP and DH). These boxes should bolt in like the Code YA box, but swapping in one of these boxes is like snatching one from a second generation F-car (1977-81 Z28 or Trans Am).
*Another alternative to the Code YA steering box is the one from a 1992-96 Caprice 9C1 or Impala SS (Code FB, 1992 - 94, and MX, 1995-96). The box has a travel of 39 degrees and 15 feet, much like the G-car box.
*The tie rods and adjusting sleeves
use the same part number from 1964-70, but in 1971, the tie rod had a larger
thread diameter, which will not interchange with older models.
The steering arms differ between other chassis lines, like 1967-69 Camaros , 1962-67 Chevy IIs, and 1968-74 Novas, which utilise a rear steer system. Chevelles are front steer, and to simplify this definition, the position of the steering linkage determines the type of steering system used.
