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Steering ratios??? Don´t get it!

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by Jerry_Moss, Jun 12, 2007.

  1. Jun 12, 2007 #1
    Jerry_Moss

    Jerry_Moss Well-Known Member

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    Hi Folks

    Some of you heard those to me funny steering ratios like
    21:1 or 19:1. But what type of ratio is used where???
    What ratio is in a 65 Shelby GT350?? And where can i find
    the same ratio in a standard Mustang?
    Because i really want to install the right steering box in my
    R Model. I allready got the 1" longer pitarm or Idlerarm?:wacko:

    Any expert here on steering ratios?

    Thanks alot
    Bye Jerry
     
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 12, 2007
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 12, 2007
    #1
  2. Jun 12, 2007 #2
    eljimb0

    eljimb0 Well-Known Member

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    Hi Jerry,
    the 19 to 1 box was the standard ratio. The 16 to 1 box was available on GT optioned cars (handling package) ..and on cars with power assist steering. They all have different ID tags on them. The GT box and the power assist box have the same parts inside but the gear lash/pre-load stuff is different.

    The 16:1 box with the longer pittman/idler arm and wide tires are part of the "Shelby experience"
    most peoples response is something like
    "holy-crap" "are you kidding me" Or from the ladies "I ain't driving that thing"
    jimbo:)
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2007
    eljimb0, Jun 12, 2007
    eljimb0, Jun 12, 2007
    #2
  3. Jun 12, 2007 #3
    Jerry_Moss

    Jerry_Moss Well-Known Member

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    Hi Jimbo

    Thanks alot but still all unclear. You say the 19 to 1 box was the standard ratio. But on what? Shelbys or Mustangs? What ratio is in Mustangs with
    power steering? The 21 to 1???
    Somehow i just don´t get this ratio stuff with steering. Feel like an idiot :mad:
    I had a PS in my Mustang and removed it but not the steeringbox.
    Steering is now very hard. Is this the Steering box i should put in my R Model
    together with the longer pitarm? Then i also would say holy crap! :p
    My girlfriend has a 66 Mustang 200 with manual steering and it is as easy
    to steer as it had a power steering.
    Again,...out of what car steering box i need?

    Thank you very much for your patience
     
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 12, 2007
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 12, 2007
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  4. Jun 12, 2007 #4
    Snakepit

    Snakepit Well-Known Member

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    Just use the PS box with the longer steering arm and idler arm.
     
    Snakepit, Jun 12, 2007
    Snakepit, Jun 12, 2007
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  5. Jun 12, 2007 #5
    eljimb0

    eljimb0 Well-Known Member

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    I think the ratios are 19 to 1 and "16" to 1..
    jimbo

    .....just do what snakepit says... and wear driving gloves it helps a lot.

    the ratio is the mechanical advantage... the steering wheel (with the standard pittman arm) would have to complete 16 or 19 rotations to hypothetically rotate the front wheel one turn (360 degrees).
    hope this helps.
     
    eljimb0, Jun 12, 2007
    eljimb0, Jun 12, 2007
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  6. Jun 12, 2007 #6
    Texas Swede

    Texas Swede Well-Known Member

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    Hi Jerry,
    Many people mix up the steering box ratio and the
    overall steering ratio.
    This is what I believe for 65-66 cars:
    -Power steering and HiPo:
    Box, 16:1 ratio and overall steering ratio 22:1. Box tag marked
    -AW and -AX respectively.
    -Shelby:
    Box, 16:1 ratio and overall steering ratio 19:1 due to longer pitman
    and idler arms. Box marked -AX.
    -Standard, Non-HiPo Mustangs:
    Box, 19:1 ratio and overall steering ratio 27:1.
    Texas Swede
     
    Texas Swede, Jun 12, 2007
    Texas Swede, Jun 12, 2007
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  7. Jun 13, 2007 #7
    Jerry_Moss

    Jerry_Moss Well-Known Member

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    Hi guys

    Thank you all very much for your replys! You are brilliant!!! :thumbsup:
    To make it short is what Snakepit wrote true? Bo i´ll will also check
    the number thank you.
    How is steering in your cars? With the PS box and longer arms
    that must be real hard. Oh la la!
    How many turns do you have from lock to lock in your 65 GT350´s?
    Would you say it is getting on your nerves driving the car in city traffic?


    Bye Jerry
     
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 13, 2007
    Jerry_Moss, Jun 13, 2007
    #7

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