Lares 11043 fast ratio questions

[1KoolBee]

So all of the recent discussion about steering boxes for me thinking about my 67 GTX clone build. I’m at a point where the k-frame/suspension/engine/trans swap can happen and I’ve got a few questions about the Lares 11043 box.

1. Does ‘70 Saginaw style pump have sufficient pressure/volume?
2. Is pitman arm shaft small or large style?
3. Does it bolt up with factory steering shaft coupler?
4. Does it provide any additional header clearance?

Experiences appreciated.

 

[ckessel]

I put in an info request to them from their website asking about fitment. Direct bolt in or mods required. Don't see much on web searches. I'll share info when I get it.

 

[1KoolBee]

Thanks!

 

[Kern Dog]

The Saginaw power steering pumps were purported to put out over 1000 psi in V8 applications and around 750-800 in the slant six models. Rick Ehrenberg made such claims in the "Pump it down" article he wrote in Mopar Action magazine.
It all came down to the thickness of the shims that are installed in the spool valve of the pump. More shims equals lower pressure. This is partly why replacement and rebuilt pumps often have no shims....they aim toward the high end of pressure.

 

[ckessel]

Here is the feedback from Lares I received earlier.
Good morning Carl,



The 11033 is the OE replacement for that gear box, the 11043 is the same case, it just a fast ratio (2.5 turns lock-to-lock). Neither of them should need any modifications to make them work, they should both be direct fit.



Thank you!

Rachelle Trethewey Account Manager Product Specialist Phone : 800.334.5749 Email : [email protected] 855 Cleveland St S Cambridge, MN 55008 www.larescorp.com

 

[ckessel]

My reply back.
I hate to be nit picky but “should fit without modifications” is not very encouraging. Could you expand on that or check into it?

Reply for that.
They are built to OE specifications, so if your system is original, it will fit. The only issue we see in these is mainly on the cars. A lot of the Chrysler/Plymouths get column sag throughout the years, so the gear and column sometimes don’t align properly. A fix for that (without replacing the column) is to shim it back up by the firewall to pull it away from the gear a little. Other than that, it will be a direct fit.



Thanks.

Rachelle Trethewey Account Manager Product Specialist Phone : 800.334.5749 Email : [email protected] 855 Cleveland St S Cambridge, MN 55008 www.larescorp.com

 

[ckessel]

Last reply back to them.
Ok, that works. I know there are differences between the years on the inlet fitting but you have that covered. Fit is fine on stock exhaust? I would assume if the exhaust has been changed, ie headers, then the owner is on their own to deal with the fit.

 

[Kern Dog]

If this is a fast ratio at a cheap price, I hope it is also durable.
The Borgeson is a standard 3 1/2 turns but is still considered a “Fast Ratio” of 14 to 1.
If the Lares unit is a full turn tighter, that could be around 11.75 to 12 to 1.
I had the longer Fast Ratio Pitman and idler on my car with a Firm Feel steering box and was told that combination worked out to approximately 12 to 1. My car was 2 3/4 turns kick to lock.
I didn’t see….does Lares spell out the actual ratio?

 

[ckessel]

Here.
Features & Benefits

-	Engineered to meet or exceed OE specifications in fit, function and performance.
-	Carefully manufactured from OE grade materials for strength and durability.
-	Latest technology employing a 0.228 (5.8mm) torsion bar for amazing road feel.
-	Available in 14:1 and 10:1 ratio for spectacular handling.
-	Hydraulically tested to ensure proper operation.
-	Coated with a high-quality paint to resist corrosion.
-	Power steering line O-rings included where applicable, properly adjusted and centered for ease of installation

 

[ckessel]

If I read that correctly, both units are faster than oe.

 

[Kern Dog]

Well , the numbers I have are 15.7 to 1 for most stock mopar steering setups, the factory Fast Ratio excluded, of course.
10 to 1 would be too fast for street use but probably great on an auto cross course.

 

[1KoolBee]

Thanks guys!

 

[ckessel]

If you or anyone else buy one of these boxes, go onto their website first. Get to the box section, put your car info in and let it pull up the items. One you are for sure going to need is the pressure line adaptor fitting that screws into the box. Otherwise you have nothing for your pressure line to hook to. If you get it from Rock Auto, I found the listing for that adaptor fitting on my 67 Coronet under "power steering end fitting" in the steering section of their listing. A number 176 for me.

 

[ckessel]

Had one last question for them about fluid requirements. Should hear back tomorrow.

 

[ckessel]

Received some more info earlier this morning.
Yes, if the car is stock, it’ll fit just fine. If you have headers and are worried about the fitment, you can try getting ahold of Bouchillon Performance. They specialize in Chrysler parts and conversions. They might have the information on the fitment with headers. We only have the information/specs on OE. I included a link to their website if you wanted to reach out to them.



As for the fluid, we recommend using any modern-day power steering fluid. You can use the ATF+4, but the power steering fluid contains additives to suppress foaming and prevent corrosion.



Thanks!

 

[1KoolBee]

Thanks again, my GTX clone is anything but “stock” , it’s the epitome of numbers mis-matching and “incorrect”. Yes it will have headers, 2” primaries. They were on a ‘69 satellite so I assume they will fit with minor “adjustments “. Thanks for your help. I’ll post an update when I attempt to install via complete K-frame drop and reload.

 

[ckessel]

I'll be doing the same on my wagon in the future.