Steering gear box question
 

Hi all. I need to replace my steering gear box due to a seal leak. My question is is the quick ratio gear the way to go? I do not have a stock big steering wheel, mine is an after market about 13 1/2" across. I could understand a quick ratio with a big stock wheel. Can anyone that has replaced theirs tell me some pros and cons and which you went with and why. I will be replacing the gear box on a '71 short bed with a 402BB. Thanks in advance for all of the great info I get from this site!!

Re: Steering gear box question
 

I was just reading up here on that very same topic last night. Here's a couple of links for you:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549115

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=629148

Good Luck. -Ed

Re: Steering gear box question
 

OMG yes. When I pulled mine out of the shop the first time I though the rag joint must be off, because you had to spin the wheel like a wildman to get anything done.

Plus, it's hugely over-assisted and the steering wheel enormous. I wouldn't change the wheel because I want a stock look, but if I had it to do over again I'd definitely do a faster ratio.

Re: Steering gear box question
 

I looked into this as well and if I remember correctly, a stock box is 4 turns lock to lock, quicker ratio drops it down to 3. Gets it up to more modern standards with the 3 turn.