2wd steering gear Question

[carpeonnel]

Went ahead and decided to do the crossover steering on my K5 and had a quick question: Does it matter what year 2wd steering gear I get, just as long as it's between 73-87? Cuz I've priced them and one for a 78 (for example) is $9 cheaper and $80 cheaper on a core charge than one for say an 87. Now they are different part numbers but I figured that they are the same thing and that either will work. Is this correct?

 

[southernspeed]

I believe the later ones use the different o ring fittings. If your box is ok, just change the sector shaft. Cheap and easy.

 

[randy88k5]

Yeah, Mark is correct. The later style box uses o-rings and a metric thread. They cannot be interchanged.

 

[vortec]

but you can probably get adapters at a hardware or auto parts store. but, that may cost you $9, anyway, so i'd just get the right part. that would also make it easier to service if you busted on the trail. adapters, fabbed parts, and non-standard pieces can turn an mild inconvenience into a real headache or make you carry tons of spare junk.

 

[carpeonnel]

How difficult is it to replace the sector shaft and do you happen to have any part #s?

 

[mechted]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147102&highlight=sector+shaft+swap

no p/n. just go to a junkyard and grab one for $15-30

 

[carpeonnel]

I saw the different questions in there about the constant and variable steering. Is it pretty much a safe bet that since my k5 is an 89 I need to find a later model circa 85 or newer?