Is there any way to tell externaly whether or not a steering box is of the VR type or not? I have one that is supposed to be but I would like to verify it is before restoring it and installing it just to find out it's not. Thanks in advance.
I have a 72 GS 455 with the variable box, only difference was the code on the yellow sticker (if you still have it). Housing p/n is the same, etc. Hope that helps. later Tim
Please share your thoughts. Is it worth the money and effort to upgrade the steering box to variable or close ratio box. I have a 69 skylark. It would be nice to have two cars to drive and feel the difference and how they respond but I will have to rely on your imput and advice. Thanks Michael
If you put a quick ratio box in your car, the difference will be like night and day. Instead of flailing away at the steering wheel to make turns, you can just flick back and forth. A quick ratio box is about 2.2 turns, lock to lock, versus 3 turns or more for the standard. John C
Well Tim there is no sticker on the box anymore so it's anybodys guess if it's a VR box or not. Thanks
I agree with the above guys, get a newer fast ratio box. The variable box was cool at the time, but still slow. newer will also have less slop. I have not driven mine yet as its on the ragtop. later Tim
Thanks for the responses. Now I need a little help as to where to find a newer fast ratio steering box for my 69 skylark. What would be considered the best unit and where to purchase it. Is there a buget model to be found. Can the one I have be rebuilt and changed to a fast ratio. Thanks again Michael
you can have yours redone and the ratio changed by someone like Chip Woyner--who owns Power Steering Services. He charges approx $170 for a basic rebuild and adding the quick 12 or 13:1 ratio to the package adds another $80-90 (as he explained to me the parts alone for the quick ratio conversion pretty much account for all of the upcharge). He is excellent to work with and very reliable. None of this stuff is cheap but he replaces A LOT of parts in the box with NEW USA made stuff. He knows what he is doing. Patton Link: http://www.powersteering.com/
95-98 jeeps have a fast ratio box (option) as well, it too bolts right up and also has same internal stops as needed for our cars so you don't lose your turn radius...plus it will be pretty new to boot. later tim
That's the Grand Cherokee box you're talking about. I'm looking for one for my Caprice wagon right now. I wasn't aware that it would fit the older cars though. John C
Yeah well I'm looking as well, if you find a bunch let me know!! Metric of course but not a big deal, just pull the fitting out of the pump so both ends are metric and good to go. Bolt right in...worked great on friends 67 chevelle... later Tim
Tim; Where in Alberta are you? I'm going for a drive today towards Viking to have a look at the coker that is on it's way to Fort McMurray. I do have a quick ratio steering box that I think is from either a 70 W-31 I had, or a 69 Z/28. I can't remember. I did all this stuff years ago to a 67 Malibu at a time when there were no aftermarket parts to be had. So it was built by shopping the GM parts bin. I actually competed in autocross events in the Vancouver area in 1979 and 1980 and was lumped into the same class as Camaros and Mustangs. Did very well with it too, winning many events. I'll see if I can find a photo of it. I guess I need to scan some of my older photos. These are the only two I could find. The first one is a pretty blurry one taken by someone else at an autocross at the old Boundary Bay airport south of Vancouver. I kept it because it shows the car has very little body roll. The second one shows my aunt, a fairly short person, standing next to my car. I had lowered it.
Thats cool. Always liked the 67 body style...68 and 69 not so much and then of course 70-72 is pretty decent as well. Autocross is neat too, have some friends that do it but need too many mods for the old cars to be competitive. I'm looking for one of those Cherokee boxes as figure being only 8-10 years old probably less slop than the real old stuff (which might be worth more to the right guy anyway). I'm in Calgary.... later Tim
