E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: mopar1 on February 27, 2023, 08:19:20 AM

Title: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: mopar1 on February 27, 2023, 08:19:20 AM
Do any of you run these on your cars?  I have a 24:1 manual box now and am contemplating this as a cheaper option to upgrading to a power steering setup.  Wanted to get some real world feedback from people that have them.  I have a 215/60/15 tire on the front of my car and plan to stick with that size. 
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: Mr Cuda on February 27, 2023, 09:11:33 AM
I have these in several cars. It really helps with the drivability on the road.
I have also added the firm feel sector support to reduce the low movement slop.
It is amazing how much the sector shaft deflects before any movement goes through the pitman.

Now in town,  steering effort is up. I have 245/60/15 on 8" rims.
My wife drives these cars, although she hates parking with it. She has no problem otherwise,  like maneuvering in parking lots.
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: mopar1 on February 27, 2023, 11:50:14 AM
Quote from: Mr Cuda on February 27, 2023, 09:11:33 AM
I have these in several cars. It really helps with the drivability on the road.
I have also added the firm feel sector support to reduce the low movement slop.
It is amazing how much the sector shaft deflects before any movement goes through the pitman.

Now in town,  steering effort is up. I have 245/60/15 on 8" rims.
My wife drives these cars, although she hates parking with it. She has no problem otherwise,  like maneuvering in parking lots.

Thank you for the feedback.  When you added the sector support, was it a direct bolt in?  I've read of some people on the A-Body forums having fitment issues, but really haven't seen anything on E-Bodys about it.  I understand the benefit and principle of supporting the sector shaft, I just wanted to verify that it didn't take a lot of extra fab work or trying to get a hodge podge mix of spacers to make it bolt in correctly.  For the price, I think it should fit well from the start.

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/someone-have-experience-with-firm-feel-steering-sector-support.513701/

https://firmfeel.com/products/sector-support-kit?_pos=1&_sid=ed14e375d&_ss=r


.



Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: b5cuda on February 27, 2023, 02:17:22 PM
We put one on my daughter's '68 Dart. As noted, nice feel on the road, not so fun with parking. And that was a slant six car. We swapped to a 20:1 (Nascar ratio) and were much happier.
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: usraptor on February 27, 2023, 11:55:37 PM
I installed one during the restoration of my '70 'Cuda.  I agree with Mr Cuda about the drivability being improved.  But as mentioned it's a pain to steer at under 5 MPH or trying to park. 
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: mopar1 on February 28, 2023, 06:35:46 AM
Quote from: usraptor on February 27, 2023, 11:55:37 PM
I installed one during the restoration of my '70 'Cuda.  I agree with Mr Cuda about the drivability being improved.  But as mentioned it's a pain to steer at under 5 MPH or trying to park.

Thank you for the feedback! My steering box has a ton of slop in it and I'm used to the effort with trying to park it now.  This is likely the path I will go.
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: mopar1 on March 01, 2023, 10:42:16 AM
I ordered a 16:1 box and a 1- 1/8" front sway bar today from PST.  I'll provide feedback once I install it.
Title: Re: 16:1 manual steering box
Post by: usraptor on April 17, 2023, 04:31:15 PM
I also installed the 1 1/8 sway bar.  It was a PIA getting it threaded through the K frame as mine has a skid plate welded onto it.  It got scratched up but we eventually got it through.  I also ordered the upgraded/larger torsion bars. Between all this and all new suspension parts, shocks and BF Goodrich radials, it handles really good for a 50 year old+ car.  :cooldance: