16:1 manual steering

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I like the 16:1 out on the road, or, drag racing. It's not real fun parking though. Mopar had a 20:1 gear set there for a while. Not sure they're still available or not. Might be a good compromise.

I rebuilt my OEM manual box with a 20:1 gear set from Firm Feel. Easy to do, really, other than removing/installing the needle bearings. Had to make a tool for them. Probably could have just left the old ones in, as they looked fine.

I didn't have the nerve to go all the way to 16:1, so went 20:1. So far I like it. Not enough curves in this part of the country, though, to really take advantage of the quicker steering.

As for the muscle required, I've driven manual steering cars all my life. Always thought power steering was for wusses. Now that old age (be 70 in a couple months) has pretty much turned me into a wuss, too, I'm a bit more sympathetic. Still get by, though. The trick is never, ever try to turn the wheel while stopped. I've seen people back up and stop with the wheels cranked full to the right or left, then try to straighten them while stopped. Straighten them while still backing, then just go forward. Duh. . . .

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Edit: here's the tool I "made" by modifying something I already had:

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So I pulled the 16:1 box and turned the shaft that the steering wheel goes to. Took some work back and fourth, rinse repeat, etc.. finally loosened up and seems to be ok.
 
well the vette's used this 16:1 box , but it had a power slave cylinder to help drive the steering rods . but not the box . ford used a unit like it as well . i've never had a tuff time with stock stuff . oh ya if it steers hard increase the steering wheel dia. life can be adjusted too .
 
P-S-T was saying a year or so ago that they might be coming out with a 20:1 box this summer. It's damn near autumn! I'm so overdue with my old box but still holding out for a 20:1. James... Hello, James....??
 
P-S-T was saying a year or so ago that they might be coming out with a 20:1 box this summer. It's damn near autumn! I'm so overdue with my old box but still holding out for a 20:1. James... Hello, James....??

Firm Feel has do-it-yourself kits, but they also sell complete manual steering boxes with stock, 20:1 or 16:1 ratios.

Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering
 
16.1 steering here no issues at all and liking it a lot ,just have to remember to move the car while parking which makes it easier. Love the firm feel and great at high speeds not twitchy at all but that’s me . Running the 205/15/65
 
I've got a lot of upper body strength and regular manual steering has never bothered me one bit. In fact, I think it's funny I sometimes see guys on here bitchin about how hard their stock car is to steer with manual steering. I just chuckle. Thanks for the response.

I hit the agree button , but it sure is getting nicer , driving my ram pick up after driving the barracuda . AGE WAITS ON NO MAN !
 
Straighten them while still backing, then just go forward. Duh
This, straighten or turn, and with a 4 speed it's even easier, on a slope even even easier.
People don't understand what the heck I'm doing when I show up or leave, think I'm nuts, but never struggle steering.

I need to rebuild my steering column, literally falling apart at both ends, and wanted to get a new box and call it a day.

So, it seems PST 16:1 is a good way to go, cost, quality, size, yes/no?

Any idea of any potential fitment issues with the stock arm, a 383 and Schumacher headers?
 
Anyone have a pic of it installed?

Here is the PST 16:1 box in my '67 273 Commando. Went in with out taking anything off as far as exhaust. Effort is reasonable but it made the front end way tighter feeling. Combined with the TVS front end it feels like a modern car sans power steering.

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I am sure it would help a 2
Wonder if anyone has used this setup to help the steering rather than a box change..Quick 12:1 ratio pitman / idler steering arm .. not wanting to screw with thread

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I am sure it would help either box but I have heard about clearance issues before. Nothing I can recite verbatim though.
 
Can anyone here explain the bolt with the hole in the center which has a cotter pin stuck in it? Factory box has a solid bolt head and wouldn't this let dirt and debris get inside the box?
 
I've never seen that plug with a safety wire or cotter pin.
That's the way I received my 16:1 box, You can pull the cotter pin out easily, but once I get the old box out I'm going to swap out the plug from the OE box which does not have a hole in it.
 
The boxes that we offer contain a high quality grease.

Thanks
James From
PST
 
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