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Interchangeability of hq-wb steering boxes?

Started by _bon_scott_ , Nov 28 2013 09:57 AM

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10 replies to this topic

#1 _bon_scott_

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 09:57 AM

I know, a little left field cause its not torana related, but anyway, my camaro has been converted to rhd. It has a variable ratio kirby bishop power steering box. I don't have a part number because I can't find one (most likely caked in dirt/grease) but given that it says 'made in australia' on it, my own research suggests it's likely to be off an hq-wb model holden. My question is simply, can I interchange this steering box with a manual box off a similar model holden? My reasons for doing this are to simplify the engine bay, reduce the load on the motor and because I think it should have a 'muscle car' feel. My dad used to have a manual steer HT so I'm aware of how heavy it's likely to be. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Chris

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#2 _Lazarus_

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 10:42 AM

Power and manual HQ - WB steering boxes are completely interchangeable.

Early manual steering arms and power arms are shorter (less leverage) but not sure if this is applicable in your case. Might be worth checking if Camaros had a similar arrangement if you find the steering heavy with the manual box.

I think some Monaros had different ratio box too.

.

Edited by GTR - U9X, 28 November 2013 - 10:47 AM.

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#3 _bon_scott_

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 12:41 PM

Cheers, I thought that was the case. I've read they had 1:20 and 1:16 ratio boxes, and i have no Idea whether my setup is a modded hq-wb one or a camaro one flipped. I'll have to find some part numbers I think.

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#4 76lxhatch

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 12:43 PM

The input shafts are different, and I think the pitman arms are too. Generally people sell these with a second hand box.

edit: with regard to the input shaft, I mean people generally sell with the donut required to attach to the intermediate shaft

Edited by 76lxhatch, 28 November 2013 - 12:44 PM.

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#5 _Lazarus_

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 07:55 PM

Ooops yes. Sorry, I forgot about the shafts. But the manual donuts are easy to find.

Not sure about the Pitman arms.

When I changed mine I left the Pitman arms on the boxes.

.

Edited by GTR - U9X, 28 November 2013 - 08:02 PM.

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#6 dattoman

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 11:03 PM

Isn't the centre track rod different between power and non power ?

Armadale Auto Parts sell a RHD Vega manual box

Smaller than the HQ and neater too

http://www.ebay.com....326e4a32&_uhb=1

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#7 76lxhatch

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Posted 29 November 2013 - 04:24 AM

I believe the drag link is the same, they differ slightly between RTS and non-RTS models (positioning of inner tie rod end)

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#8 _Quagmire_

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Posted 29 November 2013 - 02:07 PM

Power and manual HQ - WB steering boxes are completely interchangeable.

Early manual steering arms and power arms are shorter (less leverage) but not sure if this is applicable in your case. Might be worth checking if Camaros had a similar arrangement if you find the steering heavy with the manual box.

I think some Monaros had different ratio box too.

.

short arms are for power steering...these are the ones everybody wants and hence pay for
i gave away my last set of manual arms to sims

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#9 yel327

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Posted 29 November 2013 - 02:23 PM

Short arms are also for manual steering. Only later cars had the longer arms on manual steering.

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#10 warrenm

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Posted 30 November 2013 - 06:48 AM

Didn't the HQ have short steering arms?

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#11 yel327

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Posted 30 November 2013 - 12:11 PM

ALl HQ, I think a lot of HJ and all power steering are short arms. So probably around half of the arms fitted to cars will be short, the other half long.