which steering gearbox?

[Stargazer]

When I'm in the States this summer I plan to buy a new steering gear box.
And am thinking about a quick ratio gear box.
What store do you guys advise?
Quality must be good off course!
It's for my 70 Camaro, and for street use only.

[chicane67]

Tom Lee (http://www.leepowersteering.com/) in Sun Valley Ca.

DSE (http://www.detroitspeed.com/) in Mooresvile NC.

Global West (http://www.globalwest.net/Camaro%20and%20Firebird%201967%20through%201981%20 suspension%20parts.htm) in San Bernardino CA.

AGR (http://www.agrperformance.com/) in Fort Worth TX.

[Stargazer]

Ok thanks chicane67,


do you happen to know a store in Florida?
Maybe in Orlando?

[wally8]

Does anyone here use a quick box on their steering? You can get them in 1.5:1 or 2:1. We use 2:1's but 1.5:1's would be good for the street. We use them so we can use the cheap steering boxes. One good hit to a wheel and the steering box is done. The quick boxes last forever though. They make a new mini one for only $110. It's a little extra mounting work but might be a good way to go. The mini's will fit almost anywhere.

Here's a link: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/xq/asp/strBase_List./hilt./source.2191/base_no.91032231/str_base_no.91032213%2C91032215%2C91032231%2C91032 234%2C91032299%2C91032375%2C91032378%2C91032500%2C 91032714%2C91032720%2C91032725%2C91032730%2C910328 00%2C91032851%2C91032853%2C91032875%2C91032876%2C9 1032877%2C91032890%2C91032894%2C/header_title./page_name.prod%5Flist%5Fdisplay.asp/search_type.L1%7E176/search_option./deptsearch./deptSearch_id./dept_id./dept_id_p.2/dept_name./dept_name_p./ShowImages.yes/sq.20/cont.1/intPgNo.2/redirect./qx/product.htm



Wally

[Stargazer]

Wow Wally,

that's really mini!!
Do you have one yourself?
And did you make the mounts yourself,
or can you buy these for every car?
Any pics (on car)?

Aad

[digitalman2112]

Ok thanks chicane67,


do you happen to know a store in Florida?
Maybe in Orlando?

I'm in Orlando, and have the DSE box being installed in my 68 firebird this week by Prodigy Customs - I'll be able to give you some feedback on it, and you can even take a look sometime if you like.

I originally planned to go rack & pinion, but they are a little more trouble with the pontiac block, so we decided to give the DSE box a try. Its a NEW box, not a rebuilt one, and they have custom valving in it, so I'm anxious to try it out.


Ian

[wally8]

Stargazer,

I don't have one yet but that's what I intend to use. I've used the bigger ones in the past with good luck. I was checking out the mini at a swap meet last week and it looks very nice.

You can make your own bracket easy enough or Coleman sells one. Coleman also has a few different models to pick from. They have one that looks like it would work well for a 60's steering column. It's about 170. They're pretty slick little units.

Go here: http://www.colemanracing.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=2_1487




Wally

[Stargazer]

Wally,

these are also very slick looking!
I'm gonna do some research on this before I make my choice.
Thanks for the info and links!

Aad

[Stargazer]

Ian,

ok you went for the DSE (600?).
Looks nice too.
Please tell me what rack and pinion excactly is.
I'm pretty fresh, so I still need to learn alot!

[digitalman2112]

Rack & Pinion Steering is the type of steering setup used in most late model cars - there are several conversions available such as the steeroids kit - take a look here - Steeroids (http://www.steeroids.com/index.aspx?nodeID=41)

[Stargazer]

Ok, it is about the TYPE of steering.
So now I've got the

-steering wheel
-the kinda "shaft" to the gear box
-gearbox ect..

What is different between "rack and pinion", and older types?!

[digitalman2112]

Steering wheel, steering wheel coupler or hub, steering column, then ragjoint or ujoint, then steering box (also called steering gear) or rack and pinion.

Rack and Pinion is just a different way to move the front tires - most consider it better since it provides a more positive steering "feel", but since our cars werent originally intended for that type of steering you must get a "kit" to do it. Not everyone agrees on the benefits / functionality of the kits, but they are quite popular.

In my case, I didnt feel that rack and pinion would fit and work easily due to my pontiac block and some other items, so we went with the "simple" way, a better steering box from DSE.

I hope to have the car this weekend, then I can tell you if its a "hey thats better" feeling or an "OH WOW!" feeling. :)

[Stargazer]

Ok thanks Ian,

that's clear now.

I'm anxious to hear if it's been the right choice for your car!
But I bet it will be.

[PAI Racing]

I have one of the Flaming River aluminum manual boxes on my race car. It is a peice of crap. The steering is floaty and impercise. Flaming River had me send it back so they could "adjust it" and I don't feel any difference. It would be fine for street driving but for track and racing, it doesn't cut it.

[zuess4u]

Ok thanks Ian,

that's clear now.

I'm anxious to hear if it's been the right choice for your car!
But I bet it will be.

Here is another kit to look at. www.unisteer.com I think theses guys might have done it right , due to the fact the re-designed the steering arms to due away with bump steer, (another on-going subject) but feel free to check out the web site, and give one of the techs a call, their very cool people to deal with.

And right now in the Group Purchase section we are having a GP on their Rack and Pinion set up, also they are giving a 20% dicount on all other parts needed to complete your steering system. Take a look and see what you think. I would say ask around to see if anyone has used installed a Unisteer system, but as of now I dont think anyone on this site has done one yet. Anyway more choices and research...lol