68 barracuda manual steering box ???

[Gossy159]

Howdy
Can someone please tell me the factory ratio
Is it 16:1 or 20:1

Has anyone tried the flaming river 16:1 box
Any suggestions fot sppeding up/ firming up the feel

All my front end is new bar the box and ther is about 1/6 of the wheel freeplay ( not slop ) just not positive feel

Please help??

 

[Gossy159]

Rack and pinion?
Flaming river box??
Hotchkis 12:1 pitman/ idler arm?? with a standard box
Hotchkis heavy duty Pivot shaft??

 

[mvh]

Factory manual steering ratio was 24:1 for 67-69.

16:1 was the "fast ratio" option. Later, this was changed to 20:1, as 16:1 was pretty damn macho for most folks.

Even 24:1 is a handful at low speeds (parking, mountain hairpins) with wide tires. Though I have considered changing to 20:1 (I'm just waiting for one to fall into my lap).

But the ratio is not why you feel free play -- that's completely different. You probably need to adjust the lash in the box. I know I do. It's a 2-step process, and step 1 requires a special tool.

Howdy
Can someone please tell me the factory ratio
Is it 16:1 or 20:1

Has anyone tried the flaming river 16:1 box
Any suggestions fot sppeding up/ firming up the feel

All my front end is new bar the box and ther is about 1/6 of the wheel freeplay ( not slop ) just not positive feel

Please help??

 

[mopardude318]

I have the 16:1 Flaming River manual steering box in my 68 barracuda with an all iron small block. 17x8 rims with 245/45/17 tires. It's not as bad or tough to steer as you think. Ya kinda get used to it...really, its not that bad. tight parking lots are your only grief...if your a girlie man...

 

[Gossy159]

Thanks for the help
We adjsuted the box, its in pretty good condition as is
I just keep forgetting its a 40 year old car

The rest of the streeing is all in great shape as its been replaced to pass vehicle inspection here in OZ

There is a little clunk in the top of the column when its under a lot of load
?? cant really figure that one out??

The 16:1 might be perfect as its just got a 205 tyre

mopardude318, what else was required to fit the Flaming river box??
different idler/pitman?? or was it a simple swap?