Dead spot steering

[tommi3520]

Hi guys

I notice on my 79 malibu that the steering does not kick in until ive turned the steering wheel a bit.

Its not the steering linkage design? Isint it just a bad/old steering box?

Tommi

p.s. have any of you bought and used a higher gear ratio steering box? how did you like and where did u buy it?

 

[TURNA]

Check the rag joint on the steering center shaft.

If that is good you can adjust your steering box by tightening the center bolt on the steering box cover.

If that does not work time for a different box

 

[79 surfwagon]

support for the above post.

First, check all your tie rod ends; ball joints; control arm bushings. It makes a huge difference in steering response when working with 30 yr old components.

I did switch to a high ratio box. I got mine off a formula firebird (same as IROC Z Camaro) for the '79. The steering is TIGHT and really responsive vs. the stocker. Found the box in a yard... probably your best bet for a reasonable unit... I've seen new 12:1 ratio boxes in the common performance catalogs new for as high as $500... just take your time and find a salvage Formula or IROC.

 

[t5montecarlo]

The F body boxes are configured for different stops. The MCSS box is the correct box.

The remanufactured boxes don't cost anywhere near $500, but are they any good?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I've seen new 12:1 ratio boxes in the common performance catalogs new for as high as $500... just take your time and find a salvage Formula or IROC.

I got a rebuilt "XH" box from my local parts guy for $99.00...

Tommy

 

[LS6 Tommy]

The F body boxes are configured for different stops. The MCSS box is the correct box.

The remanufactured boxes don't cost anywhere near $500, but are they any good?

The Monte SS box & The "XH" box both work, but they drive differently. It depends on your needs. They both have the same 2.5 turn lock-to-lock 12.7:1 ratio, but The Monte SS box is variable. The "XH" box is constant & the stops are indeed set for 16" wheels which is a good thing if you run big tires or 16" or bigger wheels.

A "middle of the road" option would be the G-body F41 "FP" or "DH" box. It's 14.4:1 constant & is a little tighter than the stock G body box.

Tommy

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I would also add to be careful not to "overadjust" the play. The wheel will not recenter itself properly.

Tommy

 

[tommi3520]

Im building a fast 79 malibu.

Ive seen ,,quick ration 12 to 1 box with .75 valving " that costs me $455 a whole lot if you ask me. I´ll replace the orginal steering wheel for a smaller, more race one.

So i understand this, 14:1 is more quick than 12:1 .. i Need to turn the steering wheel less to get full steering than with the 12:1 less ratio box
right?

Whats the ratio on the orginal 1979 malibu box you guys know that?

Tommi

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Im building a fast 79 malibu.

Ive seen ,,quick ration 12 to 1 box with .75 valving " that costs me $455 a whole lot if you ask me. I´ll replace the orginal steering wheel for a smaller, more race one.

So i understand this, 14:1 is more quick than 12:1 .. i Need to turn the steering wheel less to get full steering than with the 12:1 less ratio box
right?

Whats the ratio on the orginal 1979 malibu box you guys know that?

Tommi

You've got it backwards. 14:1 is slower than 12:1. The stock G-body 808 box is 16:1. The F41 box is 14.4:1. The IROC/WS6 Trans AM & the Monte SS boxes are 12.7:1. The IROC/WS6 box has constant assist & the Monte SS has variable assist.

Tommy

 

[tommi3520]

You've got it backwards. 14:1 is slower than 12:1.

ofcourse 8)

How much work is it to put a IROC/WS6 Trans AM box in my 79 ?

What models of the iroc/ws6 trans am have the desired box (12,7:1)

Tommi