no power steering,how bad would a 14 or 15 inch wheel be

[thewyseone]

i was wondering,my 1970 c/20 dont got power steering and has the stock 17 inch wheel,how bad would a 14 inch or 15 inch wheel be.i got no problems steering now,just want more room between wheel and my lap.

[stich626]

don't think an inch ,inch and a half of leverage is gonna make or break it

[thewyseone]

thats what i'm thinking,just dont want to plop down about 200 bucks for billet wheel and adapter and find out its very very hard to steer.

[yuccales]

I too have no PS, or power anything for that matter. I put my GT Vega steering wheel in my truck once. It lasted about two weeks. Just didn't like it. I got a reproduction stock wheel and am quite happy with it.

[stich626]

Originally Posted by thewyseone

thats what i'm thinking,just dont want to plop down about 200 bucks for billet wheel and adapter and find out its very very hard to steer.

take the horn cover off, and with a breaker bar and socket on the nut that hold the wheel on..
grab the breaker bar at 15" and see just how much more power it takes, yes it'll only work on right turns as lefts will loosen the nut, but you'll get the idea of what it'll take to turn the truck..
cost, your time

[67Slider]

I had a 14 inch wheel on mine when I bought it. I just put power steering in and man what a difference. I didn't realize how hard it really was to back up and make tight turns. Even long slow turns were different. I think I paid around $125 total collecting parts from the board and junk yards. Best investment I made in the truck. Hands down! If you are pondering installing power steering at all knuckle up and do it. You won't regret it.

[BMERDOC]

Steering wheels are like gearing. Your gonna have gonna have to exert more effort and steer more with a smaller wheel. Expect some grief when pulling a u turn. I want one too and I'm ready to accept the consequences.

[crazy longhorn]

I had a 10" wheel in a 71 (no power)....maybe thats why I have all the "ham' on my arms At any rate, I didnt think driving the truck was too bad, but it would tax the arms parkin it Honestly, I doubt that you will see much diff in a 14, or 15" wheel.....crazyL

[thewyseone]

ah,thanks for the input,looks like i'll be getting a billet wheel,thanks.

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by thewyseone

thats what i'm thinking,just dont want to plop down about 200 bucks for billet wheel and adapter and find out its very very hard to steer.

Before laying down the greens, go get a smaller used GM car steering wheel at the local wrecking yard and try it!

Originally Posted by 67Slider

I had a 14 inch wheel on mine when I bought it. I just put power steering in and man what a difference. I didn't realize how hard it really was to back up and make tight turns. Even long slow turns were different. I think I paid around $125 total collecting parts from the board and junk yards. Best investment I made in the truck. Hands down! If you are pondering installing power steering at all knuckle up and do it. You won't regret it.

My favorite answer but even after (if) you go PS...you will then REALLY want a smaller wheel.

I drive a '68 and I have a buddy working on shaving 1 1/2" off the diameter of a stock wheel. Best of all worlds, in my book!