recommendation for manual steering box 81-87

[naphtali5725]

hey all,

wanting to change from power to manual steering. any recommendations for a manual steering box for an 86 c10?

it has 2 1/2 drop spindles. id like it to be pretty easy to turn... what ratio should i use?

thanks!!

[Palf70Step]

Most folks I know like and use redhead geasr boxes to replace their stock ones. Other wise find a good stock unit.

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/

[mongocanfly]

Why change to non power steering if your wanting it to turn easy?...I can steer mine with 1 finger...
But like Bill said redhead or stock box should work

[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Why change to non power steering if your wanting it to turn easy?...I can steer mine with 1 finger...
But like Bill said redhead or stock box should work

Do you have any recommendation on what ratio manual i shoud get? 16:1? 20:1?

i'm looking for a good easy to turn manual gearbox. switched to wilwood manual brakes as well...
i already know all the pros cons etc....

[mongocanfly]

Gotcha...
The higher the ratio numbers, the easier its gonna be,,,,also a large dia steering wheel helps even more...
And tire width will also affect the steering...wide tires are harder to turn than skinnys..
And thank you for your service..!!!!

[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Gotcha...
The higher the ratio numbers, the easier its gonna be,,,,also a large dia steering wheel helps even more...
And tire width will also affect the steering...wide tires are harder to turn than skinnys..
And thank you for your service..!!!!

thanks mongo! front tires are P245/60/R15's

i saw a 20:1 and a 23:1 online... the grant wheel i wanted to use is only 13.5 inches, is that big around enough?
opinion?

[mongocanfly]

If your old enough to remember before power steering, think about the steering wheels in the old trucks..they were huge..for a reason..that was for steering leverage..I can remember how hard it was to steer them things when I was young..especially if the truck was sitting still..we used to have to rock the truck back and forth to get the wheels to turn..we had a grain truck with a manual box on it..haha
a 13.5 wheel isnt gonna help you much, nor will the 60s..if 23:1 is a option, that'd be the best bet..or a higher number if you can find one

[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

If your old enough to remember before power steering, think about the steering wheels in the old trucks..they were huge..for a reason..that was for steering leverage..I can remember how hard it was to steer them things when I was young..especially if the truck was sitting still..we used to have to rock the truck back and forth to get the wheels to turn..we had a grain truck with a manual box on it..haha
a 13.5 wheel isnt gonna help you much, nor will the 60s..if 23:1 is a option, that'd be the best bet..or a higher number if you can find one

thanks for all the info

oh, i remember well lol learned to drive in a 71 longbed
thats why i was asking about ratio's! i'll get the highest one i can find
steering wheel size recommendation?

[mongocanfly]

I like the stock size steering wheel in my 81...personal choice on that though

[Axle]

Even in a manual box I'd suggest a quick ratio/variable ratio box. Might not make turning easier on the arms, but it does make turning easier by having it so you do not need to make as many revolutions of the steering wheel. I've got manual steering in my Nova, the variable ratio box is much nicer to maneuver the car with than the fixed multiturn ratio manual box it originally had.

[Palf70Step]

I can tell you with a 17.5 inch aftermarket wheel, 8" wide rallys wheels with 60 series tires on my 70, that after driving it around for 3 days in town for a cruise, I felt like my wife beat my arms with a ball bat. 13.5 is a very small wheel for manual steering. It will take some work at low speeds.

[KQQL IT]

15 inch steering wheel.
Unknown ratio box
245 60 15s
Turns fine if rolling at all.

Wish you where closer I'd give you a spare to try out.

[TrailerTrash]

I have had a few manual steered vehicles. I would not go smaller than a 15 inch steering wheel. The large factory sized wheels are the best the leverage really makes a difference. Making the vehicle move even slightly while trying to park also helps alot.