Are we talking about a 1962-'67 one piece steering box and steering column? The steering box for a 1968-74 is the same and the one for a 1975-'79 is the one that most GM cars use.

All of the later model Nova's use the same Saginaw steering gear box the difference is in the pitman arm and the number of splines that mount it. There are actually two basic power steering boxes the 600 series used on heavier vehicles such as the chunkier Chevelles (wagons and pick-up) and the Impala and light trucks. The
Lighter cars (excluding Monza, Vega, and Corvair) shared the 800 Saginaw gear box. Newer (after 1985) will have better steering response.

This article explains what is going on with Saginaw gear boxes.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-0901-gm-steering-box-upgrade/

Big Dave

 

I recently put a brand new manual steering box (Made in the USA) in mine, as for headers, I didnt need to remove them to swap out the boxes. Since I changed out the upper control arms to tubular style I did need to remove them for that, so it was out of the way. I would say no, you dont need to if you have a manual box.

 

Dave,

My car is a 68 I will get a photo for you later today. This article looks like a way to upgrade the existing box?

 

i bought a rebuilt one from orileys they are not that exspensive but you might try the adjustment screw first. there is alan head bolt sticking out of the top with an nut on it hold the alan bolt loosen the nut then tighten the alan bolt a couple of turns tighten the nut then try driving it