ok, against my personal choice, I swapped the year-old CPP 500 steering box out of my 72 Cutlass (350) for what should have been a stock assist feel Lares rebuilt box - wife wanted something lighter on the arms for her to drive it.


I ordered the Lares 970 from Rock Auto, installed with fresh Royal Purple fluid and bled it as required, all went well. But it feels almost as tight as the CPP and it doesn't return well to center, especially on lower speed turns - it's not sloppy or exhibiting any choppy assist issues, just feels tighter than it probably should. I checked the casting - 7812145, I'm assuming the box is a correct-era replacement (though the Z on the upper casing makes me wonder if it was sourced from a later GM firm-feel setup) - fittings are SAE as were the originals though. Bolted right up to my column and Pitman arm.


Exactly 3 turns lock to lock, which I am happy with.


So any seasoned opinions as to whether box not internally set up properly? I'm running stock suspension (all rebuilt with heavier front sway bar and 15x8 wheels / 245-60-15 radial t/a's) and fresh alignment. I assumed it would be similar to the original factory assist level (i.e. bordering on over-assist).


I'm still using the CPP p/s pump that came with their box along with the oem 6-5/8" dual pulley, is it possible the pump flow is specially set (i.e. lower flow than an oem pump) to their box and largely holding back on the assist to the Lares)?


Wondering if it makes sense to put a regular OEM pump on for comparison

Tempted just to put the CPP back on

 

When I put my lares 974 on it felt stiff w a poor return to center. I talked to lares who advised just drive it, and it will feel normal after a few hundred miles.

They were right the box felt good and RTC was perfect after ~300 miles or so.

My car has the stock pump, 255-60-15s all around

 

That's what I'm ultimately hoping for - steering boxes are not my most favorite swap project and I'm always looking for an excuse for a road trip


thanks for the input!