Steering Boxes

[Pyrotechnic]

Were there different steering boxes that came in these trucks from the factory ? Reason I ask is because on the RPO sheet in the glove box, it says something to the effect of "Variable Ratio Steering." If you guys need the code and the exact wording I can go look but I was wondering if anyone knew off the top of their head.

[Captkaos]

There was the factory manual steering and the power steering with varible ratio. There was only 1 power steering box though. Standard was the manual.

[Pyrotechnic]

Thanks. I have another question. Did the crew cab trucks have more wheel cut than the regular cab trucks ? Reason I ask, I find the amount of wheel cut on my longbed just barely adequate for most parking situations. I can't imagine the extra few feet of a crew cab being maneuverable at all with the same amount of wheel cut.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Did the crew cab trucks have more wheel cut than the regular cab trucks ?

I don't think the amount of turn is limited by the steering box. There is a hard mechanical stop (ie interferance) between the spindle and the lower control arm that limits the amount of turn angle.

[1975stepside]

I know 4x4's have different steering boxes than 2 wheel drive. But I don't recall if that was for manual steering or power steering.

[Ivan D.]

Originally Posted by 1975stepside

I know 4x4's have different steering boxes than 2 wheel drive. But I don't recall if that was for manual steering or power steering.

Dunno about different steering boxes, but the pitman arm is different - pointing straight back on 2wd models, and towards the passenger side on the 4x4 trucks - that's why switching a 4x4 over to crossover steering linkage involves installing a 2wd steering box or at least a 2wd pitman arm.

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Thanks. I have another question. Did the crew cab trucks have more wheel cut than the regular cab trucks ?

Same box on all 2WD's. 4x4's use a different box setup, but it is still variable ratio.

[Pyrotechnic]

So a crew cab long bed wouldn't have any more turn angle than a regular cab short bed ?