Close ratio steering gear

[tobyp]

I didnt realize how much of a difference a close ratio steering box makes to the whole operation and handling of the car!!! What an easy great upgrade to do. I am regretting that I didnt put the box in sooner!!!

 

[V8Coupe]

Hi there. Today was the first time that I got to drive my 81 LeMans, for any distance. Its spooky to drive. I adjusted the slack out of the steering box, so thats not the problem. When I steer right, it wants to dive to the right. Same thing when I steer left. I have 15" on there now, with 4.5 backspacing. It came from the factory with 14's. I wonder would that be the problem? It looks like the stock steering box. It feels like the ratio is too quick. Any suggestions. What was yours like, before you changed it?

 

[tobyp]

Hi there. Today was the first time that I got to drive my 81 LeMans, for any distance. Its spooky to drive. I adjusted the slack out of the steering box, so thats not the problem. When I steer right, it wants to dive to the right. Same thing when I steer left. I have 15" on there now, with 4.5 backspacing. It came from the factory with 14's. I wonder would that be the problem? It looks like the stock steering box. It feels like the ratio is too quick. Any suggestions. What was yours like, before you changed it?

Take your steering shaft out and turn to the left. As for the drivablitly be a little more specific. It sounds by your description everything is operating like it should

 

[Gbarrie]

How do you know if your car has one :?: Is their a code :?:
Thanks Gbarrie.

 

[tobyp]

How do you know if your car has one :?: Is their a code :?:
Thanks Gbarrie.

First indication is the 4 bolts on top of the box

 

[Gbarrie]

I will be sure to look in the morning.If not can I get one from auto parts store :?:
How much will it cost :?:
Gbarrrie.

 

[V8Coupe]

Hi. What I'm saying is that, when I steer in either direction, the car oversteers, and wants to launch in that direction, instead of a gradual turn. Also, when going around a turn, like an on-ramp, I can let go the wheel, and the car will stay in the turn. Normaly a car would want to go straight, if you let go of the steering wheel in a turn. Maybe it is the steering box. I have another, heres a pic of the replacement that I have.

 

[boatshoes]

I will be sure to look in the morning.If not can I get one from auto parts store :?:
How much will it cost :?:
Gbarrrie.

Part#6561 from autozone. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 10632_0_0_

$120

 

[Gbarrie]

Thank you V8coupe and you too Boatshoes. 😀
Gbarrie.

 

[tobyp]

Hi. What I'm saying is that, when I steer in either direction, the car oversteers, and wants to launch in that direction, instead of a gradual turn. Also, when going around a turn, like an on-ramp, I can let go the wheel, and the car will stay in the turn. Normaly a car would want to go straight, if you let go of the steering wheel in a turn. Maybe it is the steering box. I have another, heres a pic of the replacement that I have.

That is a close ratio for sure. If your car wants to stay in the turn that is a Caster alignment angle issue. Or, when you preloaded and adjusted your steering gear you put too much umph on the worm gear and now it stays in the same place. Adjusting gear boxes is something you only do with a FACTORY service manual that tells you the exact procedures.