I’m looking to replace/upgrade my steering gearbox. I have read many of the threads related to this and I am still confused on which type of upgrade is best for me.

I see some listed as 10 to 1 ratio and some listed as 12.7 to 1 ratio. Is 10 to 1 ration too tight? And it seems that no one really knows what the original steering box ratios were. I have a 1968 Cutlass by the way. I was set on buying the Lares 972 box which is a 10 to 1 box. I liked it because it was a direct replacement no monkeying around with power hoses adaptors or anything like that. I don’t want to use any kind of adaptors. But wondering if I would rather have the 12.7 ratio box but if so which one to go with that I don’t have to use any adapters.

Long story short is that I need to make a decision soon and any opinions or suggestions related to this I would appreciate.

 

i can tell you i put a lares 974 10:1 ratio on my 80 cutlass and love the feel its 2.5 turns lock to lock .the only difference between the 972 and 974 are the size and spline count of the output shaft .i would recommend a new rag joint if you haven't already replaced it ,you will notice a big difference. lares customer service was good and answered several questions i had about the swap i was doing.

 

I have experience with a couple - the CPP 500 series is an all-new Saginaw unit reportedly with 14:1 ratio and 3.25 turns lock to lock. Generally great press on the internet about it, runs about $379. I had one on my '72 cutlass ragtop for about 3,000 miles (actually getting ready to post it for sale) and it really did tighten the steering precision - for me it was a little too firm though (I'm running 8" rims up front. So I replaced it a Lares (rebuilt) 970, also a 3.25 turn box - through Rock Auto - under $100 without core charge. Pretty much a stock feel but with a little more firmness most likely due again to my wider wheels - but less precision (i.e. a little more side to side play than the CPP, which essentially had none).

The Lares has just come off this weekend in favor of a Lee 800 Saginaw box, which from everything I've heard/read is beyond excellent - they essentially re-engineer the inner workings with a 12:1 ratio which results in a 3-turn (or possibly just under) lock and essentially newer car firmness (i.e. not over-firm). Pricey at $620 to start and more if you additionally upgrade to the 3-bearing shaft, but this a forever car so to me hopefully worth it.

Agree as to replacing rag joint anytime you change boxes - just good insurance. Would also take the opportunity to replace your steering hoses as well at that point.

I opted for the 13/16 input shaft upgrade on my Lee box so currently waiting on the correct rag joint to finish my install

 

X2 on jedis comments I have the 974 and I am happy w it a new rag joint comes w it.

 

Tjohn:
You can have your stock gear box rebuilt with a faster, fixed ratio. I chose this option for my car so I didn't have to mess around with hose adaptors and rag-joint fitment and I like the look of the old gear. I'm in Houston, TX and found a local rebuilder who converted my stock gear from a 16:1 variable ratio to a 12.7:1 fixed ratio. I did this on one of my previous cars ('71 Cutlass Supreme) and loved the firmness and quicker steering response. The cost to rebuild & convert the gear was about $260. They did my pump too for about $50. If you want to contact the Houston shop, call Adco Power Steering Products 713-681-1446 ask for Neil.

Rodney

 

Thanks to all that replied. I ended up getting a Lares 972 10 to 1 ratio unit. Won’t know how it works out until next spring.

 

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