90' Fbody Steering box - is it worth it?

autonaut

Greasemonkey

Feb 22, 2014

209

31

18

• Oct 14, 2014

• #1

Hi Guys.

I've been reading up on the fbody steering box replacement today.

I have one in good condition in the shop, so do you think it is worth replacing?

My 87 El Camino has the stock steering box with about 3 turns from one end to the other.

The Fbody steering box is 2 3/4 turns from one end to the other.

I know bump steer could be an issue.
And i know the fbody steering box has internal stops and will limit my turning radius. I could swap the stock end cover from the stock steering box to the fbody one and then be able to turn left without decreased turning radius.

But still. 3 full turns vs. 2 3/4 turns. Is it worth it?

What do you think?

 

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Oct 14, 2008

12,302

10,132

113

Gainesville, Fl

• Oct 14, 2014

• #2

If you currently have a worn and/or leaky steering box, I say, go for it. It's a nice upgrade, you will feel a noticeable difference in the steering.
Do you plan to remove the stops in the F-body box? I have the Monte SS box in my car, which does not have the stops that decrease turning radius, in which the F-body close ratio box has.
There also is a modification to re-valve the PS pump for increased steering assist. However, I've never done it to mine.

 

autonaut

Greasemonkey

Feb 22, 2014

209

31

18

• Oct 14, 2014

• #3

The stock one is neither leaking nor worn. But going from 3 turns to 2 3/4 turns and as a minimum decrease turning radius when doing a right turn seems kindda foolish.

Unless that the steering feel is that much better in a Fbody box compared to the stock box.

What ratio steering box did you use for your swap?

And can one remove the internal stops? I did not know that.

 

mebe007

Royal Smart Person

Feb 7, 2007

1,808

4

36

newport news, viginia

• Oct 14, 2014

• #4

My box is out of a ws6 trans am and is 2.25 turns lock to lock with tighter valving. Huge improvement over the granny pinkie turn box I had

 

ssbrewskyaz

Master Mechanic

Dec 29, 2010

472

103

43

New River, Arizona

• Oct 14, 2014

• #5

Normally I wouldn't comment on this because steering feel is personal preference in my opinion. However, since I already went through this; if you order, lets say a steering gear for a Monte SS and you order a gear for an IROC Camaro, guess what? When they show up, if you ordered AC Delco, they'll be the same part number. ...

:arrow: :arrow: :shock: :arrow: :wink: :arrow:

 

pontiacgp

blank

Mar 31, 2006

29,270

20,425

113

Kitchener, Ontario

• Oct 14, 2014

• #6

I think the box that is in the car now has the same ratio as the f body box. The f body box turns 35º while the G body box is 39º. that is the reason for the difference in lock to lock. Jack, I think your thinking of the Z steering box.

 

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Oct 14, 2008

12,302

10,132

113

Gainesville, Fl

• Oct 14, 2014

• #7

Steve,
You're absolutely right. I was thinking about the IROC or GTA box. 😳 The standard F-body box is no different than a standard G-body 800 series box.

 

4

442Classic

Not-quite-so-new-guy

Sep 3, 2008

13

1

3

Colorado Springs, CO

• Oct 14, 2014

• #8

Why not use a box from a Grand Cherokee 98+. I have it on both my 71 442 and the 87 Turbo. They are easy to find and install.

 

G

G-Body_Vet

Comic Book Super Hero

Oct 15, 2010

2,937

81

48

• Oct 15, 2014

• #9

mebe007 said:

My box is out of a ws6 trans am and is 2.25 turns lock to lock with tighter valving. Huge improvement over the granny pinkie turn box I had

Click to expand...

That's the same one I'm using. My car has yet to see the road, but I also have a 34mm f-body sway bar. It's been awhile since I've looked into any of this, but I think part of the reason I went with this box is to avoid tire rub on the sway bar. Once I mount my tires I can confirm that.

 

mebe007

Royal Smart Person

Feb 7, 2007

1,808

4

36

newport news, viginia

• Oct 15, 2014

• #10

G-Body_Vet said:

mebe007 said:

My box is out of a ws6 trans am and is 2.25 turns lock to lock with tighter valving. Huge improvement over the granny pinkie turn box I had

Click to expand...

That's the same one I'm using. My car has yet to see the road, but I also have a 34mm f-body sway bar. It's been awhile since I've looked into any of this, but I think part of the reason I went with this box is to avoid tire rub on the sway bar. Once I mount my tires I can confirm that.

Click to expand...

thats one reason i did to to avoid hitting my 36mm sway bar lol. i havent noticed any issues or noticed the little less turning radius at all honestly buit the extra tight valving is awesome but it was twitchy until i got used to it.