Steering Box Ratio

Moparmonster said
I'm finishing up my suspension, ending with the steering box, the stock ratio being 24:1. In looking at parts, however, I find that I have a couple of options; 20:1 or 16:1.

Which would be best for a well-handling street driven car?

I already have the Firm Feel fast ratio pitman and idler arms, polygraphite PST rebuild kit, and Addco sway bar.

*1965 Dodge Dart with 1973 front disk brake suspension upgrade*

Moparmonster said
Okay, apologies for the delay in my reply. I work a lot and don't have a ton of downtime.

I finally spoke to Frank at Firm Feel yesterday and he confirmed everything you said. I was having some doubts but you were correct on every count so thank you for your help.

I know that I can always sell what I can't use so I won't be losing too much of my investment. That all said, I see two choices:

--In order to use the Firm Feel fast ratio pitman and idler arms, I have to use the '73+ style center link, but I'd have to purchase it ($350 plus shipping). If I go that route, the 16:1 steering box ratio is out because the car will be terrible to drive at low speeds.

--The rebuild kit I have is the PST polygraphite kit and if I go with the included pitman and idler arms, I can use the stock '65 V8 centerlink that I already have. If I go this route, I can go with the 16:1 steering ratio.

In either case, though, I'm probably going with the 20:1 steering box ratio just for driveability.

I've already gotten the pitman powder coated so I can't return it.

I honestly don't know the tire size off the top of my head, as they're buried in a corner of the garage. I'll post that when I'm able to get to them again.

People can do their best to help steer others away from trouble but some people are still driven to do whatever they want.
It has been mentioned that the early A steering components are unique to themselves, that the 1967-72 and 1973-76 A body steering components are different and do not fit the early A chassis. Some individual parts can be used but certainly not all of them. The Fast Ratio Idler and Pitman arms are only made to fit the 1973 and later design so they don't work. They have a tapered mounting stud that points DOWN, not UP. ALL 63-66 and 67-72 models use a design where the idler and pitman studs point UP meaning the center link attaches from above. The center link has a taper where the tie rod ends and idler/pitman attach. That taper in the center link prevents a direct swap to the later parts. One could...in theory, modify the center link to allow the use of non stock parts but in some states, steering modifications like this are not legal for street use.
AutoXcuda was clear on that. He has no reason to lie, mislead or post incorrect information. He is someone that you can trust.