watsonpoint
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Just finished rebuilding a 67 b body with a firm feel 20:1 manual box. steers hard like a Mack truck. I talked to Firm Feel and they say its normal. Just wondering if anyone has had the same issue.
20:1 manual steering box steers hard. Normal?
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Does it feel firmer and tighter than before?
The real test is at speed - 60-70 mph was my gauge for good steering.
watsonpoint
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R/T Boy 67
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Wide tires and a bit of positive caster can make parking a nightmare, but it shoud work well at all other times.
watsonpoint
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I bought the car in pieces. It steers great once the car is moving. Nice and tight. Don't have intentions of parallel parking but just wanted to know if this is normal. Thanks for the response.
I had firm feel type work done on my GTX steering box locally by the most expensive outfit here, and it did feel tighter and firmer...although I would not describe it like driving a truck. The biggest problem I had was worn out balls in the box. Had my balls resized and it was great after that. It cost plenty but was worth doing. Also have to check that the valve is centered on top otherwise you get steering wander.
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If you are getting your worn out balls into the box, it sounds to me that it's the box that needs to be resized, but I'm glad that spending a small fortune on your balls worked out for you.
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What valve on top? Are you referring to a power steering unit?I had firm feel type work done on my GTX steering box locally by the most expensive outfit here, and it did feel tighter and firmer...although I would not describe it like driving a truck. The biggest problem I had was worn out balls in the box. Had my balls resized and it was great after that. It cost plenty but was worth doing. Also have to check that the valve is centered on top otherwise you get steering wander.
The power steering was removed form my car by the previous owner for drag racing. Now that it's back on the street, I almost dislocate my shoulders to maneuver or park, it sucks! I have a rebuilt power steering for it and would put it in but the headers pose a potential problem. I will wait and sell a kidney so I can get the smaller Borgeson unit as I ain't racin it!
I'm just sending my gearbox to Firm Feel, and was looking for some feedback on the 20:1. I may just go with the stock 24:1, and save the $225 the change-over costs. Thanks for posting the info !
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I ran the stock manual steering on my 66 Belvedere. It was a /6 car with factory AC and even with max caster and a good deal of camber, it wasn't hard at all to steer even to park it. Tires were 235/75 15's on 7" cop car wheels.
I've been debating trying one of the 20:1's. Let me know if you can't get used to it and want to sell.
Yup...my bad. Thinking too much about my re-sized balls.
daytona kid
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Radial tires (with highest recommended psi) may help, they have made a big difference for me on manual steer cars I've had.
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PST, a FBBO sponsor, did advertise 16 to 1 manual boxes NEW for under $300.
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