Steering gear.

[Lou Merrell]

Can I run a steering gear from a 1990 K1500 in a 96 K1500 Z71 temporarily while rebuilding stock unit?

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

I'm not sure if you have the EVO option on that 1996, but if you do there may cause some concern in the level of boost or *feel* when using the 1990 gear. Otherwise...

Checking RockAuto, it appears the reman replacement gears available there apply from 88-99.

GMC > 1990 > K1500 PICKUP > 5.7L 350cid V8 > Steering > Steering Gear

Results may be incomplete due to size of result set

CADILLAC	ESCALADE	1999-2000
CHEVROLET	BLAZER	1992-1994
CHEVROLET	C1500 PICKUP	1988-1999
CHEVROLET	C1500 SUBURBAN	1992-1999
CHEVROLET	C2500 PICKUP	1988-1998
CHEVROLET	C2500 SUBURBAN	1992-1996
CHEVROLET	K1500 PICKUP	1988-1999
CHEVROLET	K1500 SUBURBAN	1992-1996
CHEVROLET	K2500 PICKUP	1988-1998
CHEVROLET	K2500 SUBURBAN	1992-1999
CHEVROLET	SILVERADO 1500	1999
CHEVROLET	TAHOE	1995-2000
GMC	C1500 PICKUP	1988-1999
GMC	C1500 SUBURBAN	1992-1999
GMC	C2500 PICKUP	1988-2000
GMC	C2500 SUBURBAN	1992-1999
GMC	K1500 PICKUP	1988-1999
GMC	K1500 SUBURBAN	1992-1996
GMC	K2500 PICKUP	1988-2000
GMC	K2500 SUBURBAN	1992-1999
GMC	YUKON	1992-2000

Please refer to catalog for application details.

 

[Lou Merrell]

Thanks.
But if I purchase a rebuilt unit I'll go with a Red Head for $316.
What is the EVO option? Does it have a RPO code?

 

[Kchevys]

Leaning on an old part catalog, 1990 K1500 and 1996 K1500 steering gears used the same part number. I cannot speak about the EVO. I can say a big +1 for the Red Head gear. I replaced the gear in my 2 Door with a Red Head and it has been great.

 

[Lou Merrell]

I think the Evo is an electronic assist. I don't think I have that. Thank God!

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

What is the EVO option? Does it have a RPO code?

Sorry, "EVO" == "electronically variable orifice", used in the variable boost power steering option that was available for some years on some models... I think 1996 - 1999 thereabouts. I don't have the RPO code.

When you replace the gearbox you might want to replace the rag joint with a universal joint, e.g.,

- Flaming River FR1746DD Billet-Joint 1"-DD X 3/4"-30 Steering U-Joint

- Borgeson 015231 1" DD x 3/4"-30 Steering U-Joint


I was using RockAuto as a reference for available years; if you want a reman unit, get one from elsewhere or have yours rebuilt...

PSC

https://www.pscmotorsports.com/ Azle, TX (northwest of FtW)

Redhead

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/ Auburn, WA

Blue Top Steering

http://www.bluetopsteeringgears.com/ Stanton, ND

AGR Performance

https://www.agrperformance.com/ Ft Worth, TX

Lee

https://leepowersteering.com/ Santa Clarita, CA

Turn One

https://turnonesteering.com/ Saginaw, MI

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Leaning on an old part catalog, 1990 K1500 and 1996 K1500 steering gears used the same part number. I cannot speak about the EVO.

For the record, the EVO-equipped vehicles had their own p/n for the reman steering gear, i.e., ACDelco 360517567 {#88991309} for fitment on relevant 1997-1999 C/K 1500/2500 (certain models) and 1999-2000 Escalade.

That p/n was valid in 2012 but it appears invalid (discontinued?) now.

Here's a good post on the EVO steering if anyone needs to kill some time reading... it's a long thread, peppered with both enlightening and useless information.

EVO Steering Bypass Kit From GM - GM Performance

 

[Frank Enstein]

For the record, the EVO-equipped vehicles had their own p/n for the reman steering gear, i.e., ACDelco 360517567 {#88991309} for fitment on relevant 1997-1999 C/K 1500/2500 (certain models) and 1999-2000 Escalade.

That p/n was valid in 2012 but it appears invalid (discontinued?) now.

Here's a good post on the EVO steering if anyone needs to kill some time reading...

Readin'? This here's 'Murica! Readin's fer sissies! Hold my beer!

 

[df2x4]

Sorry, "EVO" == "electronically variable orifice", used in the variable boost power steering option that was available for some years on some models... I think 1996 - 1999 thereabouts.

Pretty sure EVO didn't start until '97. When I was deleting it from my '97s I considered swapping to '96 pumps and lines instead of using the GM delete kit.

 

[Lou Merrell]

I think I'll stick with the rag joint if or when I need to change the intermediate.
The truck is not taken off road and the original rag joint has lasted 180k.
Good enough for me.