Need input on Steering Gear Ratio - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

May70 · 07-08-2022, 12:36 PM

I am putting an ls in my truck and upgrading to power steering BUT keeping the big original wheel for non PS.

Im reading/told conflicting info on the ratio I should go with. Quick ~3 turn 15:1 vs standard ~4 turn 18:1.

Im going to purchase a red head gear. They recommend the 3 turn and said only go with the 4 turn in power steering applications for offroad use with 36" plus tires.

Ive read some threads about finicky steering with a big wheel and PS upgrade.

I think im going to go with the three turn if anyone can confirm success with a big wheel. Thanks

jimijam00 · 07-08-2022, 12:41 PM

Red Head knows what's up. Follow their advice.

72SB · 07-08-2022, 01:03 PM

FWIW I put in a CPP 14:1 unit. I did not want anything tighter. I had PS and put this box in as a replacement. Plug & play.

IDK what the stock unit ratio was but 14:1 feels "normal" (read not twitchy, tight turn ratio)

I do however have a 14" steering wheel. The stock one, for me, was just to big making braking pedal access awkward as I had to bend my leg sideways and I am only 6'2"

https://www.cjponyparts.com/classic-...All%20Products

**HO455** · 07-08-2022, 04:01 PM

I have a newer power steering box in my Burban with the factory steering wheel. It is about 3 and a third turns and it drives nice. The old box was around 4 and a quarter turns lock to lock. I don't miss that box at all.

And for what it's worth the steering wheels are all the same (As far as I know. I’ve never seen a larger wheel, unless you start looking at C40s or larger trucks) for power and manual steering.

May70 · 07-08-2022, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

I have a newer power steering box in my Burban with the factory steering wheel. It is about 3 and a third turns and it drives nice. The old box was around 4 and a quarter turns lock to lock. I don't miss that box at all.

And for what it's worth the steering wheels are all the same (As far as I know. I’ve never seen a larger wheel, unless you start looking at C40s or larger trucks) for power and manual steering.

Thank you. I ordered 2856 (3 Turn/15:1)

tim_mc · 07-08-2022, 08:03 PM

FWIW, I have a remanufactured Lares #1075 3-1/4 turn steering box with P/S and my stock '67 steering wheel and love it. Steers with one finger and stable at highway speeds.

07-08-2022, 12:41 PM	#2
jimijam00 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PNW Posts: 553	Re: Need input on Steering Gear Ratio Red Head knows what's up. Follow their advice.

07-08-2022, 01:03 PM	#3
72SB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 774	Re: Need input on Steering Gear Ratio FWIW I put in a CPP 14:1 unit. I did not want anything tighter. I had PS and put this box in as a replacement. Plug & play. IDK what the stock unit ratio was but 14:1 feels "normal" (read not twitchy, tight turn ratio) I do however have a 14" steering wheel. The stock one, for me, was just to big making braking pedal access awkward as I had to bend my leg sideways and I am only 6'2" https://www.cjponyparts.com/classic-...All%20Products

07-08-2022, 04:01 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: Need input on Steering Gear Ratio I have a newer power steering box in my Burban with the factory steering wheel. It is about 3 and a third turns and it drives nice. The old box was around 4 and a quarter turns lock to lock. I don't miss that box at all. And for what it's worth the steering wheels are all the same (As far as I know. I’ve never seen a larger wheel, unless you start looking at C40s or larger trucks) for power and manual steering. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

07-08-2022, 08:03 PM	#6
tim_mc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: St Peters, MO Posts: 444	Re: Need input on Steering Gear Ratio FWIW, I have a remanufactured Lares #1075 3-1/4 turn steering box with P/S and my stock '67 steering wheel and love it. Steers with one finger and stable at highway speeds. __________________ 1967 C20, 350 SBC w/Comp roller cam, 700R4 w/3.42 posi, PS, 4-wheel PDB, Old Air AC & GM Tilt column.

07-08-2022, 12:36 PM	#1
May70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Hampton Roads VA Posts: 643	Need input on Steering Gear Ratio I am putting an ls in my truck and upgrading to power steering BUT keeping the big original wheel for non PS. Im reading/told conflicting info on the ratio I should go with. Quick ~3 turn 15:1 vs standard ~4 turn 18:1. Im going to purchase a red head gear. They recommend the 3 turn and said only go with the 4 turn in power steering applications for offroad use with 36" plus tires. Ive read some threads about finicky steering with a big wheel and PS upgrade. I think im going to go with the three turn if anyone can confirm success with a big wheel. Thanks __________________ 70 C20 Build link : Project Montezuma http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=794479 How to repair that rusted out 67-72 c10-c30! Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/c/MaycoCustomRestorations



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