'67 Steering Box

[hipobuzz]

I am restoring a '67 fastback that I bought as a shell. Since I can't drive it, what is an acceptable amount of play in the steering box? Unfortunately, I have an early (long shaft) set up. It would be fairly easy to replace (or rebuild) the box now without the engine. It seems that the steering wheel moves 1/4 to 3/8ths.
Anybody have a comment about Chocostang rebuild vs Flaming River new unit?
Thanks in advance.
Hipobuzz

 

[D.Hearne]

Now's the time to upgrade to a 2 pc shaft unit. You'll need the steering column off a later model to work.

 

[BarnStang]

x2, if you can find a 68 box and column, swap it out. You can even get the quick ratio box if you searh a bit. Here is a chart to help:

http://www.stangerssite.com/steeringboxtagdecoder.html

You are looking for the SMB-F for manual steering, and SMB-K for power steering, but that's just by the tag ID for authentic restoration. Either should work fine. Or any 16/1 box that has the same specs as those. I found a good source online. Will post that when I get to work tomorrow. Need to pull the receipt.