Cross Over collection

[78 k5]

I'm about to start collecting parts for my x-over conversion. Should I try to find a 2wd box off of the same year truck or will any box work? (1990 6.2 Sub)

 

[K5er4Life]

No your going to need a box that is 80-up, the fittings on the tapped side of the box vary a bit from a few different years. You shouldnt have any problem finding one of those boxes, I found mine in perfect condition the first day I went to the yard. Cant beat 20 bucks, gotta love half off days.

 

[78 k5]

thanx heading to the yard as we speak

 

[BozoWise]

(x2) You will have the metric hose fitting with the o ring versus the older style flare fittings. I think it was a 80's change. My 79 is is flare. I didn't know this and bolted up the new metric box on mine...... So removed it and decided to just tear into both the boxes and swap the sector shafts.

Man that was a piece of cake. I think I could have done it with the boxes installed on the truck and never even removed a PS line or steering shaft.

If you want to try and do just a sector shaft swap I would be happy to go through the procedure.

 

[mxfireman]

.........and decided to just tear into both the boxes and swap the sector shafts.

Man that was a piece of cake. I think I could have done it with the boxes installed on the truck and never even removed a PS line or steering shaft.

If you want to try and do just a sector shaft swap I would be happy to go through the procedure.

I agree with BozoWise that the sector shaft is the easiest way to go.

 

[MTMike]

I agree with BozoWise that the sector shaft is the easiest way to go.

I agree as well.

When I did mine, the fittings from the box I had wouldn't fit up. I wrestled with those steering boxes for 3 hours taking the 4x4 one off, putting the 2wd one on only to find the fittings didn't fit, taking it off, changing the sector shaft (which took all of 20 minutes) and then putting the 4x4 one back on, I wish I would have just went the sector shaft from the get go. If your steering box is good, I'd say go for the sector shaft.

-Mike

 

[Leper]

Is the sector shaft really that easy to replace? I am about to do crossover on mine and I already have a 2wd box. So you just swap the shafts only? No bearings or other stuff?

 

[thor]

One thing to watch if you change just the sector shaft is that there are 2 styles. they do not interchange between the variable rate and standard boxes. I was going to go this route but I had the 2 different types so had to swap the whole box. If you look up the option on the rpo sticker in your glove box it would be easier to find a suitable one with out opening the boxes at the boneyard..

Here is the link for more info

 

[mouse]

This post needs pictures!!! I can figure it out easier with pics!

 

[85mudblazin]

So the one on the left in that pic looks like it doesnt even have splines on it??
Is the 4wd on the left or on the right??

 

[78 k5]

Anyone wanna do a quick write up on swaping sector shafts????? post away

 

[85mudblazin]

I have a 2wd sector shaft but I want to make sure its the right one.

But to swap shafts take the box out of the truck. pull off the stock pitman arm.
Take out the 4 bolts on the top of the box.
Pull on the cover on the top of the box and the sector shaft will pull straight out. (may need a little help with a rubber mallet on the bottom)
Drop in the new sector shaft and re-install the 4 bolts. loosen the locking nut in the middle of those 4 bolts.
Turn the steering shaft lock to lock. If you fell it get tight in the middle (center) then back off the stud that the locking nut is on. You want it adjusted so that you can just barely not feel it get tight.
When its adjusted lock down the locking nut.
And your done.

 

[thor]

So the one on the left in that pic looks like it doesnt even have splines on it??
Is the 4wd on the left or on the right??

The one on the left is a 4wd variable ratio.

 

[steve_kibbe]

good info

can I swap the sector shaft from a 78 2wd box to a 72 4wd box?

 

[85mudblazin]

The one on the left is a 4wd variable ratio.

So did they ever decide what years had the variable box??
My 2wd sector shaft look like the one on the right (the 2wd one)
The one on the left doesnt even look like it has splines at all. I guess ill figure out here in a few weeks when I go to swap shafts

 

[thor]

The variable ratio was an option over all the years, not simply a this year does this year doesn't..... it has an RPO code that would be on the glovebox sticker.

 

[85mudblazin]

Whats the code?? With it say variable??

 

[thor]

Ok, The codes are:
N40 for power steering, non variable.
N41 for powere steering variable

[backtracking on] This may not be of any use though as my 78 jimmy that came with variable does not list it on the glovebox tag as I thought it did. I appologize. [backtracking off]

 

[steve_kibbe]

I think I get it now, variable is for power steering and non variable is for manual steering?

or am I totally wrong, after re reading it, I'm still confused

 

[85mudblazin]

Your totally wrong

Aparentally if you have power steering you either have variable or non-variable steering.
Not sure with manual steering.

So how can you tell if you have variable steering without pulling the shaft??