1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

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NicolasB
Posts: 261
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:27 pm
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Years Owned: 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby NicolasB » Mon Apr 05, 2021 11:55 am

Thanks haha it’s a good thing RockAuto had the rag joint in stock. I also got the KYBs there too and am not disappointed with them.

The driver side CV boot has a rip and leaked grease everywhere. If it’s bad what would happen to the car?

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Otto Skorzeny
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Mon Apr 05, 2021 6:24 pm

All the grease leaks out and the ball bearings wear out. Water and dirt get in thewre and wear out the ball bearings, etc. etc. Then you have to replace or rebuild the entire CV half shaft.

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Otto Skorzeny
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Mon Apr 05, 2021 6:35 pm

Since I'm lazy, I opted for the Dorman Speedi-Boot, which is a clamshell style boot. The sides overlap for a good seal and its stitched up with tiny screws and 1/4" nuts.

It comes with a large packet of CV grease. It's tedious but relatively easy.

Start with the big end and work your way out. The seem overlaps and is stitched up with tiny screws and nuts. Do the outer fold skip the next inner fold and do the next outer fold. Go back and do the inner one and then move on to the next outer, etc.

When the outers are closed, it naturally pulls the inner one together so its easier to get the screw in.

Punch the screrw through both halves first before starting or you'll never be able to do it. Position the screws ahead of time as shown.

Don't fasten the inner and outer bands until its all done. Position the seem in a straight line with the wheels straight ahed when tightening the bands. The wheels can be turned to full lock whiole assembling the boot for easier access.

Pack the grease into the joint with a one inch wide putty knife for a nice flat , clean look (see pic #3). You don't want that grease all over the inside of the boot.

I'll find the part number for you. Check to make sure the cv joints are the same as the ones for 66 in terms of outer diameter.
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Otto Skorzeny
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Tue Apr 06, 2021 8:58 am

Dorman Speedi-Boot #03609

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xgecko
Posts: 455
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:21 pm
TOA Membership Number: 831
Years Owned: My first Toronado was a 1968 W-34 with the bucket seats and center console... (weeps gently) It was a New England rustbucket in 1982 after less than 14 years. So sad. But it is what infected me and before I knew it I had another '68, a '69, a '70 and eventually inherited a friend's '67 and another friends '73. After buying my brand new Grand Prix in 1988 I retired the last of my Toronados and pulled the 455 I had rebuilt along the way and put it into storage in a friend's barn where it is to this day.
In Mid September of 2010 I happened to see a repeat of the show where Jay Leno did his 66 Toronado and had an instant remission of the disease which resulted in my purchase of a 1969 in very good condition. I am now in the process of fully rehabilitating it and hope to have it on the road in the spring of 2011.
Location: Gig Harbor, WA

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby xgecko » Tue Apr 13, 2021 12:05 pm

It might be a bit late, but I had my Box rebuilt by Redhead here in Seattle and it is fantastic. So tight the slightest turn results in a change in direction, exactly as I requested. I wanted as close to a Rack and Pinion as possible, and they sure did deliver.

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/
I have my Fuel Injected Toronado. Life is good! 8-)
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NicolasB
Posts: 261
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:27 pm
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Years Owned: 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby NicolasB » Tue Apr 13, 2021 12:56 pm

How much was the rebuild for yours?

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xgecko
Posts: 455
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:21 pm
TOA Membership Number: 831
Years Owned: My first Toronado was a 1968 W-34 with the bucket seats and center console... (weeps gently) It was a New England rustbucket in 1982 after less than 14 years. So sad. But it is what infected me and before I knew it I had another '68, a '69, a '70 and eventually inherited a friend's '67 and another friends '73. After buying my brand new Grand Prix in 1988 I retired the last of my Toronados and pulled the 455 I had rebuilt along the way and put it into storage in a friend's barn where it is to this day.
In Mid September of 2010 I happened to see a repeat of the show where Jay Leno did his 66 Toronado and had an instant remission of the disease which resulted in my purchase of a 1969 in very good condition. I am now in the process of fully rehabilitating it and hope to have it on the road in the spring of 2011.
Location: Gig Harbor, WA

Re: 1st Generation Toronado Steering Box

Postby xgecko » Tue Apr 13, 2021 4:31 pm

I recall it being in the $300 or so range, which I felt well worth it given how tight and smooth it is.
I have my Fuel Injected Toronado. Life is good! 8-)
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