[Chuck_Key]

After reading up on the recent R&P steering posts, I think I'll be removing my useless, vague steering box altogether and replacing it with a manual unit.

Dave, (thanks for the fuel gauge by the way, it did work!) you mentioned you have a quicker-ratio manual box and it's the dogs'. Is that the Flaming River unit? I've seen a few ads in the back of Mopar Action, etc for this and it might be the cheapest way to get a car I actually feel safe in

Any other recommendations from other people?

Steve

[dave-r]

My understanding is that the "Flaming River" box is cast iron unlike the Mopar units that are a light cast aluminium.

My steering box is actually a "Firm Feel" unit. These are rebuilt from original MoPar boxes.

Stock power steering has a ratio of 16:1 (3.5 turns lock to lock)

The stock manual steering ratio is 24:1 (5.5 turns lock to lock) so as to make the steering lighter.

However MoPar did make some 16:1 ratio manual boxes for racing. But these are rare and hard to find.

Firm Feel take stock manual boxes and convert them to 16:1 as well as a half way 20:1 ratio (4.5 turns). The latter is the one I use.

I supplied a core for them in order to keep the price down. Their own cores cost $200 but you can find them for half that or less. Much less if you are lucky.

Firm Feel are at http://www.firmfeel.com/manualst.htm

[dave-r]

I do like THIS Flaming River product.

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm?p ... &mode=prod

[Chuck_Key]

Thanks for all that info Dave. the Flaming River box is 16:1 which with the ol' 235's on the front I fear will be too much for my weedy, stick insect arms to operate

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/p ... prd215.htm

cost is $459 versus $575 (or less) but probably worth it. If I could trouble you for a further question: is that snazzy looking coupler/UJ actually required to make the conversion? Might bump up the cost somewhat, but better than having a car I hate driving

[fbernard]

is that snazzy looking coupler/UJ actually required to make the conversion? Might bump up the cost somewhat, but better than having a car I hate driving

Something is required, since the shaft size and/or spline count differs between power and manual. Firm Feel also has an adapter (which retains the original Mopar coupler) : http://www.firmfeel.com/column_adapt.htm .


I believe Dave prefers the Flaming River version because it also replaces the Mopar coupler ( a.k.a. 'the ugly melting grease can with the burnt-up rubber boot that won't hold and the seal holder with the broken tabs')

Besides, if I understand this correctly, the Firm Feel coupler will make the steering column lose part of its travel length in case of an accident (since it's installed between steering box and coupler, the column already travels up the length of the adapter).

[dave-r]

You are correct on all points my French friend.

[Chuck_Key]

Thank you gentlemen