Want more "road-feel" with power steering

[luvbowties]

I'm using an adapted '80's GM pickup ps gear box on my '66 C-10. It has approx. 3.25-3.50 turns, lock-to-lock. Feels much better than the '70's motor home unit I first installed--it had approx. 4.25-4.50 turns, lock-to-lock.

Just got out of storage my 2002 Z-28 for its annual exercise. Its approx. 2.25 turns, lock-to-lock, has raised my curiosity and has me wanting a steering box close to the Z-28 ratio for my pickup--hoping to get a better road-feel with it.

Anybody used a suitable factory box that will interchange?
Or, used any other ways that gives a "harder-to-turn" feel?
My main desire is to get more road feel--not necessarily a quicker turn--but both results would be an even greater plus!

We've aligned the pickup, using '87(iirc) specs; I'm sure we adjusted it with much more positive caster which provided a firmer/harder-turning feel.

I recall from older swaps that some Jeep Grand Wagoneer boxes were a direct fit. Also, some models Dodge pickups would fit. I have no idea what the turns-ratios of these were.

Any ideas will be appreciated.
Sam

[62-One-Ton]

Rack and pinion possibly...?
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[cortcomp]

I know flaming river does rack and pinion updates for cars and trucks without putting the whole mustang II front end in, just their kit to change steering, might well be something worth looking into.

[Rich 5150 69]

Unisteer mkes a good product....
http://www.unisteer.com/seach_by_veh...inion_kit.html

[kieth]

I do not have the specifications but we used the box off a 01 burb 1/2 ton 2wd, I think they called it variable ratio power steering and it is pretty quick, I think about 1.5 turns lock to lock. will check to see about that and let you know. The smaller diameter wheel and the VR make it easy to handle. Kieth

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by kieth

I do not have the specifications but we used the box off a 01 burb 1/2 ton 2wd, I think they called it variable ratio power steering and it is pretty quick, I think about 1.5 turns lock to lock. will check to see about that and let you know. The smaller diameter wheel and the VR make it easy to handle. Kieth

Kieth, this sounds interesting. Looking forward to more info.
Sam

[luvbowties]

Anyone ever used a Jeep Wagoneer, 1976, gearbox on a Chevy? Looks like it will bolt right on. BUYAUTOPARTS.COM has several listed with suffixes "LTL" which I interpret as lock-to-lock.

For the 1976 year models, it lists
Quick Ratio 2.5 LTL $325 $321.75
Quick Ratio 2.75 LTL $245 $242.55
Quick Ratio 3.0 LTL
I think these 3 are brand new units. They also list, for same application, a remanufactured one for like $188.00--but no mention of any "LTL" specs.

If these will fit in place of our GM units, that will give us 3 more choices(in addition to the 2 we all know about: the 4+ turns and the 3+ turns) of ps gear ratios for our trucks. That "2.5 LTL" unit looks especially appealing!

Anyone knowing for sure they will work, please chime in.
Thx,
Sam

[tincan1966]

I installed a Mustang/T-Bird power rack in my 'Burb. I made my own crossmember and mounts. I am going to try and make a bracket that will work with the OEM crossmember, too.

One thing to consider with the R & P conversion is the steering shaft from column to rack- you will need to be a bit creative around OEM engine mount towers.

Just a little bit of what I can offer on the subject.

[Low Elco]

Call Chip at Power Steering Services in Springfield, MO. He can set a box up any way you could want it for around $200. Great guy as well. He did a '72 Monte box for me with high effort feel and quick ratio ws-6 guts. Worked perfectly, and got that tub hustlin'! look here-

http://powersteering.com/

[bubba327]

I used a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Delphi steering box in my 69 Chevelle in place of the Saginaw. Had a few minor adaptations like the rag joint and metric hoses but it sure made a day and night difference. Is quite a bit of info on the chevelle sites.