Steering upgrade? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

resto_rookie · 12-27-2009, 05:35 PM

Starting with a bare frame on my first project and looking for a good handling ride. Any suggestions on a steering setup would be appreciated. Thanks

hchad18 · 12-27-2009, 05:55 PM

73-87 gearbox would be an upgrade. Less turns lock to lock I think.

resto_rookie · 12-27-2009, 06:22 PM

Is that a direct bolt-on upgrade or will I need to change anything else?

adpostel · 12-27-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hchad18

73-87 gearbox would be an upgrade. Less turns lock to lock I think.

Would you consider that an upgrade? I have a 73-87 gearbox on my truck and I find it extremely difficult getting around in a parking lot.....

Just wondering.......Thanks

Mondo · 12-27-2009, 09:27 PM

If I was doing a frame off, and had the budget, I'd go the rack & pinion route. But it requires new crossmember etc..$$$

http://porterbuiltstreetrods.com/site/

I went thru 4 steering boxes... leaks, slop, quick ratio then variable ratio. Variable ratio is definately the best; ratio gets quicker the more you turn, great for freeway & parking lot.

Don't go for a NAPA type rebuilt or your likely to get slop back in your steering after a few months (I did).

I highly recommend these guys. Tell them what you have and what you want

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

PS - since your doing a frame up you might consider a new pump too (I assume you want power steering).

resto_rookie · 12-27-2009, 09:45 PM

Thanks for the links. I had wondered about the rack and pinion but don't see that fitting into the budget especially since the rest of the suspension has already been purchased.

turp mcspray · 12-28-2009, 12:57 PM

I believe there are two different ratios available on the steering boxes. The quicker ratio is like 3.5 turns lock to lock, and the standard ratio is like 5 or so if I remember correctly. When searching for a used box, count the turns and compare to what you have now. I'm sure there is probably a thread with this info.

1968SWBBigBlock · 12-28-2009, 04:53 PM

The only note of caution that I will throw out is ----
Do not go to the quikest box you can buy - unless you upgrade all the suspension to get the truck to lay flat in a curve - these trucks have are top heavy - if the box is to quick and you are not a rally road driver you can lose control in the blink of an eye and find yourself upside down
Get a new box, new pump and lines it will all be worth the $

12-27-2009, 05:35 PM	#1
resto_rookie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hardinsburg, KY Posts: 61	Steering upgrade? Starting with a bare frame on my first project and looking for a good handling ride. Any suggestions on a steering setup would be appreciated. Thanks

12-27-2009, 05:55 PM	#2
hchad18 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 372	Re: Steering upgrade? 73-87 gearbox would be an upgrade. Less turns lock to lock I think.

12-27-2009, 06:22 PM	#3
resto_rookie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hardinsburg, KY Posts: 61	Re: Steering upgrade? Is that a direct bolt-on upgrade or will I need to change anything else?

12-27-2009, 09:27 PM	#5
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: Steering upgrade? If I was doing a frame off, and had the budget, I'd go the rack & pinion route. But it requires new crossmember etc..$$$ http://porterbuiltstreetrods.com/site/ I went thru 4 steering boxes... leaks, slop, quick ratio then variable ratio. Variable ratio is definately the best; ratio gets quicker the more you turn, great for freeway & parking lot. Don't go for a NAPA type rebuilt or your likely to get slop back in your steering after a few months (I did). I highly recommend these guys. Tell them what you have and what you want http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ PS - since your doing a frame up you might consider a new pump too (I assume you want power steering). Last edited by Mondo; 12-27-2009 at 09:41 PM.

12-27-2009, 09:45 PM	#6
resto_rookie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hardinsburg, KY Posts: 61	Re: Steering upgrade? Thanks for the links. I had wondered about the rack and pinion but don't see that fitting into the budget especially since the rest of the suspension has already been purchased.

12-28-2009, 12:57 PM	#7
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Steering upgrade? I believe there are two different ratios available on the steering boxes. The quicker ratio is like 3.5 turns lock to lock, and the standard ratio is like 5 or so if I remember correctly. When searching for a used box, count the turns and compare to what you have now. I'm sure there is probably a thread with this info. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

12-28-2009, 04:53 PM	#8
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Steering upgrade? The only note of caution that I will throw out is ---- Do not go to the quikest box you can buy - unless you upgrade all the suspension to get the truck to lay flat in a curve - these trucks have are top heavy - if the box is to quick and you are not a rally road driver you can lose control in the blink of an eye and find yourself upside down Get a new box, new pump and lines it will all be worth the $ __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree



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