Has anyone had the experience of replacing OEM Steering box with a quick ratio steering box? I was thinking about replacing the one on my 1968 Olds 442. Just wanted to know if it’s worth switching to quick ratio.

 

Made the switch recently on my 71 442 and was glad I did. The car feels tighter and drives really well, like turning the clock back about 40 years in regards to steering and road feel.
Dont forget the rag joint should be replaced as well, and the ground strap for the horn needs to be replaced.

Prior to my swap, I searched CO for comments and the only negatives found were some said the quick ratio box felt jittery and almost too responsive - but mine feels right on. Good luck with your decision.

 

I put a Jeep ZJ (Grand Cherokee) box in my '69 and the quicker ratio makes a huge difference. I'd recommend it.

 

IMO in a car with a sound front end the close ratio box is a great addition. I would put that and a large diameter front sway bar as the 2 best things you can do for steering and handling manners.

 

Which ratio is thought to be a quick ratio one?

 

The Jeep is 12.6 to 1 constant ratio box. I just put a Lares 973 on my '67 CS. It is a nice upgrade.

 

I also put the Lares 973 on my 1965 Cutlass. It replaced a manual box. Well worth it Bassinguy

 

STROPEA1, few more ideas. This is on my 64 F-85...Don't know if Lee Engineering is still around but they had a great following for their steering gear boxes..

 

I completely agree. A week ago I drove my Cutlass on a winding road that is no issue taking at speed in a newer car, just turn the steering wheel maybe 50-60* to take the S curves, but in the Cutlass I had to almost do a hand-over-hand turn, which was a little unsettling. Right then I thought a quick ratio steering box is in my future.

 

Lee is still in business - I put one of their boxes in my '72 last year. Not cheap by any means, especially if you upgrade the bearings and shaft size.

But a great product for sure

https://leepowersteering.com/

 

Along with the B-spindle upgrade, the F-85 steers like a Go-Kart...Glad to hear Lee is still around-not cheap but high quality builds...