Steering Gear Box Ratios

[VANDAN]

I posted a similar Thread in the steering section, but thought I'd post one here also. Has anyone re-worked their 24:1 Manual Steering Gear Box to a tighter ratio for a '62-'65 B-body ? What ratio did you go with, 20:1 or 16:1, and how did you like it, or work for you ? Just want some feedback before I send it out, Thanks...

 

[hunt2elk]

Don't think you will find anybody to make you a 20:1. The parts have been gone for awhile now. I have heard rumors that PST is working on making a new one though. I sure hope so, because that is what I want to try. @PST maybe will chime in?

 

[VANDAN]

Don't think you will find anybody to make you a 20:1. The parts have been gone for awhile now. I have heard rumors that PST is working on making a new one though. I sure hope so, because that is what I want to try. @PST maybe will chime in?

I've already been in contact with Firm Feel, one of their optional ratios, along with the 16:1. It is roughly 2x the price of the 24:1 though...

 

[hunt2elk]

And they have the parts to do the 20:1 conversion?

 

[Photon440]

You might find other options. For example on the AAR Cudas with fast ratio steering, the box remained the same. The ratio was changed by using a longer pitman arm.
https://p-s-t.com/n-11822-mopar-fast-ratio-steering-linkage-kit.html

 

[cryplydog]

I'm dang near certain that I read something recently about the 20:1 ratio is available. I have the same question and I do not want to go to 16:1 with my manual box. The new aftermarket 20:1 manuals complete are not a heck of a lot more than the 16:1 rebuild kits.

 

[VANDAN]

And they have the parts to do the 20:1 conversion?

Firm Feel in Vancouver, WA has the 20:1 option. I would like to tighten my steering up a bit, so I thought the 20:1 would work decent. I have no plans to road race, or autocross my car, so the 16:1 seemed like overkill ?

 

[hunt2elk]

Firm Feel in Vancouver, WA has the 20:1 option. I would like to tighten my steering up a bit, so I thought the 20:1 would work decent. I have no plans to road race, or autocross my car, so the 16:1 seemed like overkill ?

Thats good to know. Last time I talked to Firm Feel and Steer and Gear, neither had any 20:1 parts. Been a couple of years ago now....

 

[andyf]

20:1 is a good ratio for a B body car. The 16:1 box will be too fast and require too much effort in a nose heavy B body car. I had a 16:1 box in my Coronet for a little while. Had to take it out since I couldn't steer the car at low speeds. But I have a manual trans so I often need to shift at same time I'm steering. Perhaps a 16:1 box would work okay if you have an automatic trans since you can keep both hands on the wheel.

 

[khryslerkid]

I would think you are talking about standard steering?

IMO I have the factory box, standard steering and in no way would I want a closer ratio. The factory setup on my '62 with the 600lbs plus 440 requires quite a bit of strong arm and steering wheel revolutions to navigate. One of those deals where the car has to be moving in order to start turning.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the experience of the original feel of this car in every way. I did own a '64 with power steering and those systems were smooth and effortless, more so than these newer models of today. I think I would regret changing the ratio on a standard gear box JMO.