Need to tighten up the steering. Suggestions?

After running the SORC this year, I've come to the conclusion that I need to tighten up the steering before stepping up the speed.

As you can see in the video link below, I'm moving the steering wheel nearly 45 degrees back and forth to keep the car going straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHr59VAGYns&feature=plcp

Thoughts have been to do a rack and pinion conversion, or find some sort of steering box that doesn't have all that play in it.  I could care less about steering ratio, turns lock to lock, etc.  For what I'm doing, a higher ratio might actually be better...to reduce steering input or over correcting.  Manual steering might also be preferred to reduce weight, clutter, and complexity.

I plan to call these guys, as they seem to know something about full frame - rear steer Ford conversions.  http://www.wurthitdesigns.com

I might even consider a complete weld-in subframe with steering suspension and brakes...if it upgrades the steering and braking in one shot.

Budget is a concern, but I'm not looking to scrounge parts out of the junkyard or do this as cheaply as possible.  Just need something reasonably priced, that's dead nuts reliable.  Don't want to have something fail at 160+mph.


Edited by Carl - 18-August-2012 at 5:52AM

Your box is bad. The guy who bought my old 77 did a 3.5:1 turn box. This thing has less steering play in it than my BMW. Very tight and responsive. 

OK, I have the solution for you:

Disclaimer: I used Mark as a guinea pig. It worked out.

  The "Red Head" steering box I suggested is a stock box externally, bolts right up. But with a quick ratio and precison needle bearings installed, it feels better than it ever could have before...I strongly suggest it.

Kit Sullivan wrote:   The "Red Head" steering box I suggested is a stock box externally, bolts right up. But with a quick ratio and precison needle bearings installed, it feels better than it ever could have before...I strongly suggest it.   It is probably no more expensive that a stock reman unit.

Too late.  The 841 is on it's way from Rockauto.  If it doesn't perform as desired, I'll look into the Redhead deal.   It's kind of a gamble.  I'll save $160 if it works and lose $100 if it doesn't. 




Edited by Carl - 20-August-2012 at 7:05AM

Carl wrote: After running the SORC this year, I've come to the conclusion that I need to tighten up the steering before stepping up the speed. As you can see in the video link below, I'm moving the steering wheel nearly 45 degrees back and forth to keep the car going straight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHr59VAGYns&feature=plcp Thoughts have been to do a rack and pinion conversion, or find some sort of steering box that doesn't have all that play in it.  I could care less about steering ratio, turns lock to lock, etc.  For what I'm doing, a higher ratio might actually be better...to reduce steering input or over correcting.  Manual steering might also be preferred to reduce weight, clutter, and complexity. I plan to call these guys, as they seem to know something about full frame - rear steer Ford conversions.  http://www.wurthitdesigns.com I might even consider a complete weld-in subframe with steering suspension and brakes...if it upgrades the steering and braking in one shot. Budget is a concern, but I'm not looking to scrounge parts out of the junkyard or do this as cheaply as possible.  Just need something reasonably priced, that's dead nuts reliable.  Don't want to have something fail at 160+mph.

Hahahaha, mine's worse than that! Gaaaa. I'm looking into that red head gear thing at the moment. He quoted me about $266 without shipping. Think I'm going to do it.

Carl wrote: I can only guess the GT's came with a quicker ratio or something.  It's definitely a Ford box, that much I know. Advance is only two or three miles away, but it's easily 45 minutes round trip when you factor in traffic, standing in line, dealing with the guy at the counter, etc.

I believe the 4:1 Ford box was the ONLY one available even for GT's in 1972 and 1973.

Edited by 72FordGTS - 20-August-2012 at 9:19AM

I think they use 'cast iron' paint from either duplicolor or rustoleum. 

Yes, please do let us know, since I used my last Saginaw box on the wagon, and I have a '72 Sportroof waiting on one.

Haha, thanks. Also, could anyone tell me what pump to buy. I reckon Saginaw is the one? Please give a link!