Does anyone know why the p/s on a 1970 Pontiac (I've had several Lemans/GTO's) seems faster than the 1970 Buick? Is it because of the p/s pump or the steering box, and is there a faster-ratio steering box/pump available? Would a faster 70 Pontiac box/pump fit on a 1970 skylark?
I am sure someone will respond with a better answer but from what i have read and looked at it seems pretty much all GM cars ran the same steering box as far as bolt pattern. But they all varied by steering ratio, input shaft diameter/spline count and some had metric lines.
there are two different power steering ratios available for A-bodies. A common way to retrofit this into a Buick is to find a fast ratio out of a 80's G-body (regal, Monte, etc...also need metric to standard adaptors for the fittings) or buy a fast ratio from your local parts store for a chevelle/GTO should fit right in. if my memory serves me correct one is 17:1 and one is 13:1. :TU: I haven't done this myself, as I find the one finger effort on my Buick to be perfect.
If you want to keep your original PS box but want it to be quick ratio, send it here. http://www.powersteering.com/
Pricing (plus shipping & handling): $339 12.7:1 Fast Ratio w/standard detailing Power steering rebuild gear boxes only starting at $225 w/standard detailing $40 Extreme detailing - gearboxes Power steering pumps starting $129 w/standard detailing $10 Extreme detailing - power steering pumps Keep in mind, you get your original back box back and detailed. That's important to some folks.
F body steering boxes will limit your turn radius. Get a 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee box (cheap) Will need a truck rag joint. Or go to Howe, Lee or Turn One and get a really good box(expensive.)
Urbancowboy0307, when you say find a fast ratio you're talking about the box, not the pump, correct? H
The steering ratio is determined by the box, not the pump. If I remember correctly, the F41 suspension option automatically provided the faster 12.7-1 steering box.
Is there a way to tell which box I have in the car, perhaps by part number? Don't want to get another one only to find that it is the same ou:
You will need to be able to measure the angle that input produces on output. I found these articles helpful when I was doing the swap and opted for an '87 GN F41 box. I got 2.5 turns lock to lock. This is a discussion referencing Lee's parts: http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0901_gm_steering_box_upgrade/viewall.html This is Pozzi, scroll down to the part about "How to measure steering box ratio" http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_steering.htm
I sell gear boxes all the time. most sell to rebuilders and what i have learned is 64-69 is 3 3/4 turn to 4 turn stop to stop it has a number 6 cast into it. 70-76 has a 3 to 3 1/4 turn stop to stop it has a 6/7 cast in to it. The 67 box is the one most of my core buyers want. I think that is the one the Pontiac and the gsx might have used. I have never given it much thought but the 3 turn could be 71 and up and the 3 and 1/4 could be a 70. any who if i can help you out let me know I sell used cores for 100 each or 50 with exchange and i can have them rebuilt for 50 so if yo send me your old box and 100 bucks i can get you a rebuilt quick ratio box. plus shipping cost. Hector 626 488 5472 or e mail at carhex73@yahoo.com Hector
yea the box has the different ratio from what I've found. I couldn't tell you what numbers to look for.
I looked at the box where the S logo is (saginaw) and there is a code stamped into it that says 569167634, part of that may be on a second line, can't remember though. Does anyone know what box that might be?
X2 did this swap for the 71 Protouring. Get a 96-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee box. It has a 12.7 ratio and the correct internal stops for an A body. " Help" Parts also sells the correct ragjoint. Tom
You guys are working pretty hard on this deal... http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/P-S-Gear-Box-Remfd/_/R-PNB391073_0333891916 Call up your local Napa and bring your old box for a core. My local warehouse carries this box in stock, I can get it to a store the same day. Direct fit, no fooling around, should take you an afternoon to upgrade. Application is '69 SS396. JW
