Did the 442/Hurst Olds (FE2 suspension) use a different steering gear box than the Cutlass (non-FE2) such as a close ratio? I thought my friend's '70 GSX parts car had a closer ratio box than his '70 GS455 and it was one of the many things he took off it. We're contemplating rebuilding the original box vs. a reman unit in my friend's H/O but will probably go the reman route is there wasn't a difference.

 

I think, it could be, I got a replacement quick ratio gearbox , It was advertised for higher speeds, and the slower ratio was more for parking (sounds stupid , but ). the gear box I got was adjusted overly tight ( ''we'' detemended) to compensate for using 'older' used parts,(cause they don't make NEW parts for them ) so this quicker ,ratio gears was used in other applications, some thing about for 'faster' cars and/or smaller body cars

 

You could contact Chip
http://powersteering.com/
I'll bet he would know the answers.
I had my box and pump rebuilt there and am completely satisfied. The box ratio was, maybe, 24-1, and he made it 12-1, I think I am telling the truth but am not sure (getting forgetful and that was a few years ago I had it done). No matter the details the car steers waaaayyyyy quicker, maybe not as fast as rack and pinion, but very quick.

 

I'm pretty sure what was offered as a factory upgrade/option to the stock box during this era was a VARIABLE RATIO box. Different from the quicker constant ratio boxes you see people using now.

 

for some reason, 1970 and only 1970 has a slightly better ratio than the earlier and then post 71 cars.

I can't remember the exact specs to quote them, but I had a 70 elcamino that had this box, and know a couple other people with 70 chevelles that also had boxes that were closer ratio that the earlier & later cars.

Still not as good as the modern boxes (steering feel is still the overboosted pinky steer style of the day) but better than the other boxes from the era.

 

I just installed one of Chip's quick-ratio reman units in my Delmont 88. Two thumbs waaay up on it!
Between the new steering gear, a complete front end rebuild, new springs, gas shocks, an added rear sway bar and radial tires, this old barge now drives and handles just as nice as a much newer car

 

I don't think so... well for '72 anyway, the Olds CSM shows that Olds A-body with 455 got a 15:1-13:1 variable ratio box.

 

Thanks everybody. The general consensus and parts books say there's nothing special about the box.