14:1 box

[Ishmael]

I'm looking for 14:1 box that I can pick up at the local parts store and bolt into my 68 Firebird. If I could get an Iroc box with that ratio I would go that way. Is that possible or is there another late model gm box I can bolt in? I've read up on the Grand Cherokee box but it isn't what I mean by bolt in. Any suggestions?

[BirdsThaWord]

Ishmael, not to hijack your thread, but I'm taking my 68 'Bird apart now and was wondering what the best way to improve on steering would be. What would a 14:1 box do or acheive compared to stock?

[Ishmael]

Its not the ratio that matters really as most guys go for the 12:1 iroc box. There's a lot of info on that swap. Its the amount of input required from the driver that most are after. I've read some guys accidently get a 14:1 ratio when they order the Iroc box and that some feel the 12;1 is a bit twitchy. I would like to get the increased input with 14:1 ratio if it is possible. I know there are lots of guys who love the 12:1. I'm wondering what makes it twitchy to some.

[monteboy84]

I'm not 100% sure I'm interpreting "twitchy" right, but I'm guessing that increased caster would help this by improving straight-line stability and increasing steering feedback.

-matt

ETA: You can also get a 12.7:1 box from a 1992-95 Grand Cherokee, might be easier to find from a salvage yard than the IROC box.

[BirdsThaWord]

And these IROC or Grand Cherokee boxes would bolt right into the stock location? What about the steering shaft coupling? Any difference there? If not, what mods would we be looking at doing to make one of these work? Is there anyone who sells these units new? Again, sorry Ishmael, but maybe these are some questions you'd like to know too?

[Vicinity]

I don't know about the Jeep box, but the IROC is a direct bolt in thing. You need the pitman arm from a first gen with Power steering, though.

I've been digging around junkyards trying to find me an IROC box, everyone makes it look easy.

[BirdsThaWord]

I don't know about the Jeep box, but the IROC is a direct bolt in thing. You need the pitman arm from a first gen with Power steering, though.

I've been digging around junkyards trying to find me an IROC box, everyone makes it look easy.

Should I assume then that since I have a first gen, then my pitman arm should be good to go?

[Ishmael]

No worries. Here's the link for the swap: http://69camaro.nextmill.net/steering.html. Its got part numbers from your local parts store. Its got metric hose fittings - call Lee's for those.
I know the iroc box is easy. By twitchy I meant some people think the 12:1 is too tight so any input from you makes it move and if you look in the other lane you are going in it. I'll keep looking into it and see if there's another third gen box with a different ratio.

[BirdsThaWord]

Thanks! I'm saving this to my favorites.