steering box upgrade

[81msw79]

I just installed a monte ss reman steering box in my Malibu. I am actually quite unhappy with it. the original box actually had a bit of tightness and feel to it. the monte box turns with almost zero feedback/feel whatsoever.
are they suppose to be like this or is there something I am missing.
I figured the quicker ratio would have been harder to turn then the slower ratio.

 

[Longroof79]

Ed,
Mine seems to have a bit of stiffness to it...I like it that way. However, the cars equipped with the quick ratio boxes usually had re-valved P/S pumps for more assist in the steering.
I don't understand what you mean about "zero feedback".Do you mean more play or looseness in the steering, or the opposite?
My SS box is definitely tighter than my old standard box. I noticed that immediately after I installed it.

 

[81msw79]

The loose feeling I am describing is there is no effort at all to turn the steering wheel. it feels like the tires are not on the ground.i did not swap the power steering pump yet. I still have my original in the car. the old box had a bit of a heavy feeling when you turned the steering wheel. the monte box take next to no effort

 

[L92 OLDS]

Are you sure it is a quick ratio box? How many turns lock to lock?

 

[pontiacgp]

The loose feeling I am describing is there is no effort at all to turn the steering wheel. it feels like the tires are not on the ground.i did not swap the power steering pump yet. I still have my original in the car. the old box had a bit of a heavy feeling when you turned the steering wheel. the monte box take next to no effort

It doesn't sound like your lacking pressure so no need to change the pump. The SS box used the same ps pump as the standard box

 

[81msw79]

lock to lock is little more then 3 turns

 

[grandamman]

I've only had the "Monte SS" box since it's the same as all 78-80 Grand Ams. They do turn with very little effort and may just take some getting used to.
Throw on some Z rated tires and you'll be glad you had this box imo.

On a side note: I installed a Redhead steering box in my pickup. After reading this, I guess it felt like the SS box. It had the same turns lock to lock, but was extremely easy to turn. Fortunately I guess, it leaked badly so I replaced it with a Lares box (today). It feels more like the factory box that had been on the truck the past 300,000 miles.

 

[81msw79]

grandamman ,you gave me pretty much the answer I was hoping not to here. the lack of steering feel is not something I can really live with. I will just clean up my old box and put it back in. the quick ratio box in my blazer xtreme has more feel then the monte box.

 

[pontiacgp]

maybe your old box was getting tired and not working like it should and you mistaken that for tightness and feel...the new box is probably working like it should and you just need to give it time to get use to it.

 

[81msw79]

the old box only has 94,460 miles on it. I don't think it is that worn. like I said even my 02 blazer xtreme has a firmer steering feel with its quick ratio box . even my wifes 08 sentra with the electric assist steering has a firmer steering wheel. i may try one of those after returning this box. I have never driven anything with this much of a lack of feel. not something I am even comfortable with let alone get use to.