Hi gang. New to me 70 Dart 340. Great car, but steering was very heavy- very! Car has 225/60-14 fronts, which were low on air. Increased to 34 lbs, but still a bear. Checked ratio using lock to lock and found she has a 16:1 box. That certainly would add to the effort. Looking to obtain a new 24:1 and wondering what the best source might be. Also, looks like the steering shaft can stay in the car when I r+r the box. True? Appreciate the help.
Replacement manual steering box
- Thread starter Racngrn
- Start date
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jimjimjimmy
lobsterman
i recommend a 20 to 1 and PST sells them . i will see if i can find a link .
Mancini Racing also sells the 20 to one box (probably get it from PST - price is the same either way).
MRE - Manual Steering Box 20:1
MRE - Manual Steering Box 20:1
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jimjimjimmy
lobsterman
You'll have to unbolt the column from the firewall and dash and move it back to remove and replace the box. Won't have to remove it completely. Can't remember exactly what a 70 Dart has, but likely will have to remove a roll pin where the end of the steering column shaft goes over the gear box. And of course remove the pitman arm. Puller and BFH can get that off.
I'm 74 and I have a 20:1 box in my 65 Barracuda, and am about to put one in my 67 Barracuda. Trick is NOT to try to turn the steering wheel unless you are moving. I.e., don't back up and stop with the wheels full lock in the opposite direction you want to go. Learn to straighten up before stopping, then moving forward before turning the wheels again.
Parallel parking can be a beach, though.
Parallel parking can be a beach, though.
Super-Cuda
MOPAR .. Move Over, Plymouth Approaching Rapidly!
Firm Feel is fine, but is a lot more expensive. I used their kit to rebuild the box in my 65. Just gonna put a new PST box in my 67.
Very helpful info. Is there a downside to the 24:1 that I should know? Vague steering down the road? Something else? I’ve seen the PST box and they are well regarded. I do like that I can get a 24:1 that is stock appearing ( original casting). Kinda into stock appearance. Thanks
jimjimjimmy
lobsterman
all the pst boxes are stock appearing
remytherat
Well-Known Member
I like the 16:1. Every day I get a little closer to looking like popeye.
remytherat
Well-Known Member
Get a load of this guy (he’ll giggle at that too)
cudamark
Well-Known Member
Steering column has to come back far enough for the coupler to slide off the input shaft of the steering gear. I like the 16:1 box myself....for the open road. Not so great for slow turns or parking. The 24:1 box is just too much understeer for my taste. You could always convert to P/S of course. That keeps your steering ratio about the same.
PST 20:1 box (from Mancini Racing) bolted to the K frame that's going into my 67 Barracuda.
Scody21
Just send it
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Another vote for the 20:1 box.
evidently we got a buncha pirates around here with peg legs and hook hands the way everybody wants power brakes and noodle arm steering.
chopper read says: harden the **** up, ya buncha nans!
chopper read says: harden the **** up, ya buncha nans!
2legit2quit
Member
My dad drives a 68 dart. qa1 K-member with sway bar. Qa1 uca and lca, pst thicker torsion bars, kyb nitrogen shocks, 15inch wheels, 24:1 steering box. Drives like a dream, handles amazing and little effort. On the other hand I drive a 69 dart same front setup but with a 20:1 steering box. More effort especially in a parking lot lol
I've got the QA1 front suspension stuff with sway bar and their shocks, with a 16:1 PST box on my slant six 65 Valiant and now that I've got torn rotator cuffs and other old guy ailments I'm seriously considering a Borgeson power steering setup. Maybe I could ghet by with the 20:1 box though.
Do the pirate...Do the pirate!
arrr matey! i be waitin' on me first mate and his dinghy with one paddle in the water!Do the pirate...Do the pirate!
Like said, manual steer is great in an old Mopar going down the road! their PS has NO feel. Like said, Yes parking is a bear and car needs to be moving to handle manual steer. I have had many 68-70 Roadrunners with a BB and manual, I prefer it.
Yes old steering boxes can wear, and they can al;so require grease an service! and if you have never driven one, it is different! like carbs vs f.i.!!!
Yes old steering boxes can wear, and they can al;so require grease an service! and if you have never driven one, it is different! like carbs vs f.i.!!!
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