Thread: Steering Ratio?
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Old 02-06-2012, 10:21 AM   #4
68gmsee
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Re: Steering Ratio?

Quote:
Originally Posted by resto_rookie View Post
Thanks but what I don't understand is the 16:1, 14:1, or 12:1. Which one of those is the factory style or which one is the quick?
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They're all factory ratios if installed in a stock gear box. The higher ratios (ex. 17:1) means you have to turn the wheel more than the lower (12:1) turn the wheels. Here's a short writeup from this site.

The steering ratio is a number of degrees that the steering wheel must be turned to pivot the front wheels 1 degree. The higher the steering ratio (30:1 for example). the easier it is to steer the vehicle, all other things being equal. However, the higher steering ratio, the more the steering wheel has to be turned to achieve steering. With a 30:1 steering ratio, the steering wheel must turn 30 degrees to pivot the front wheels 1 degree.

Actual steering ratio varies greatly, depending on the type of vehicle and type of operation. High steering ratios are often catted stow steering because the steering wheel has to be turned many degrees to produce a small steering effect. Low steering ratios, called fast or quick steering require much less steering wheel movement to produce the desired steering effect.


Forgot to add> I would stick with the lower (quick) ratios if you will drive mostly in town. Get the middle range ratios if mostly highway.
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