Colt

So I finally had enough of my worn out stock box and decided to give Sweet Mfg a try. I know a lot of people have gone with Lee in the past, but i have heard they have had issues so I decided to try someone else.

I got Sweet's 700 series box part number 206-12220. Which you can see here: https://sweetmfg.biz/product.php?pro...&cat=18&page=1

I know the delphi 600 series steering box is all the rage, but usually these are around $650 bucks and that was just more than I wanted to spend.

It seemed that no one knew the torsion bar size in the stock ws6 box, but after doing a lot of searching i found a post on this forum that said it was .210, i was never able to verify this but I think its correct. I felt that the stock steering weight was a little light, so i went up to .220 and it turns out its a touch heavier than my stock box, i think this confirms that the stock box is .210 and I think weight is perfect now. I called a few places and they all recommend a smaller t-bar because they thought the factory box was a .190 or something. I'm glad I went with my gut and got the .220.

I don't have a lot of miles on the box and because my car is set up for road racing, I really dont put many miles on the car in general. But so far, the box is a massive improvement over what I had before. Its no rack and pinion, but the steering is now very good. I'm totally happy with the box and I hope it maintains this precision for a long time... time will tell.

tvc 15

Keep us posted.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Let us know how it works out.

lavamadness

Colt: I'm considering the same box as well. How has it held up over the last couple of years? Any slop creeping back in?

Colt

I still don't have tons of miles on it. But it's been great so far. I recommend it.

lavamadness

Good stuff. Thanks!

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Fat chance, but is it just painted or is that an aluminum casting?

Colt

Its some sort of plating, probably nickel. Its held up really well so far, though, my car doesn't see a ton of miles. My car had some valve train issues last summer (2016) so I put even less on it. I have tuned my car for road racing, and the .220 torsion-bar (valve) is great for me. If your car is going to be just a street car, get the .210 bar - the smaller the bar, the lighter the steering.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Is that a direct drop-in or did you have to buy other parts and/or modify for compatibility?
I just began noticing how sloppy my steering is now that I installed an Astro steering shaft.

lavamadness

How much different is the 210 vs the 220? I don't remember my stock box (which I think is supposed to be 210) being too hard, so I was thinking of opting for the 220.

TORN

iTrader: (17)

Thanks for the post, I ordered mine today.

JJ63

iTrader: (1)

When I do a "206-12220" sweet search, I get this page:http://www.pscmotorsports.com/psc-mo...220-valve.html at the top. I wonder if it's the same unit as Sweet.

TORN

iTrader: (17)

Sweet boxes are brand new, that box is refurbished.

88FormulaKiller

iTrader: (8)

I would also like to know this. Direct swap?

TORN

iTrader: (17)

It was in my 88 IROC Z

Colt

It is not. PSC is putting the sweet part numbers in their webpage to influence web traffic. Totally shady.

Also, the box is a direct replacement for the factory box. No special hardware needed.

JJ63

iTrader: (1)

Does anyone have an opinion on this new box or having Sweet rebuild an old ws6 box. Sweet has said that the end result should be similar. The rebuild is roughly half the cost.

JJ63

iTrader: (1)

Colt, the Sweet unit I received is 3 turns lock to lock and should be the same as yours. Has this caused any problems for you? My original box is only 2.25 turns.

Colt

I still have the box and its been great. Doesn't feel any different than the day I put it in.
I dont have any issue with the box being 3 turns. Our cars have limiters built into the steering knuckles.

JJ63

iTrader: (1)

I ended up getting the same box as you. It was stiff at first for low speed turning, but now I don't even notice the extra effort.

Colt

Is the box actually sticky? Or does it just require more effort?

JJ63

iTrader: (1)

Just more effort at very low (parking) speeds. I barely notice it anymore. For the 1st couple weeks it made me wish I had gotten the 2.10 torsion bar, though.

1985blktransam

iTrader: (1)

Hi:

I am in the market for a New Steering Gear Box for a 1985 Trans Am. My current OEM PS Gear Box is leaking after some 30 Years of ownership and 180K on it, so looking for a good Replacement.
A lot of the Gear Boxes out there are Remanufactured, including the AC Delco Steering Gear BoxPart Number: 36G0104 at Rock Auto price: $162.79. I like the fact that the Sweet Gear Box is Brand New.
Will Sweet Gear Box Part #: 206-12220 - 12:1 700 SERIES SPORTSMAN STRG BOX w / .220 VALVE fit a 80s car at all ? I do not see any application guides on Sweet website
Also is this considered an OEM or Quick Ratio Steering Box. It is the most expensive I have seen in my research, but it is that good and a direct replacement in my 1985 Trans Am I will consider buying it .

I would appreciate any guidance here.

Thanks

blacksunshine'91

iTrader: (10)

Another option, if you wanted to, is to send your box to www.powersteering.com and get it rebuilt. When you get it back, you basically have a brand new box, but one that has the correct stops in it. You won't have to worry about quality of rebuild or any fitment issues. I just sent my gearbox and pump off my GTA to them this week because the box was leaking. Figured I might as well get the pump freshened up as well since they are both original 28 year old parts.

Colt

A 700 series box is a 700 series box and thats what 3rd gens use. The cool thing about the sweet box is that you can choose your torsion bar size and ratio. You might want to get the .210 valve (torsion bar) box if its just a street car. The smaller the t-bar, the more boost you get.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

AGR has some nice steering boxes as well...

1985blktransam

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the Info, will look into Sweet MFG and AGR Steering Boxes. Just looking for a Better Stock Replacement & Retain the Stock look. The AC Delco Remanufactured would work, but have to see what is available and cost options. I just may have the Old Steering Box Re-Built from the other suggestion at www.powersteering.com, you never know when you may need one.

Thanks for the Tips, very much Appreciated !!

1985blktransam

iTrader: (1)

Hi:

So I checked out the website for www.powersteering.com and are you just getting them rebuilt or are your going the Fast Ratio Gearbox Conversion ? My mechanic recommends go with the faster Ratio Box for better handling. I would prefer to Rebuild the OEM Steering Box that came with the car to keep the original appearance.
Let me know

Thanks

Aviator857

Looks like Sweet has 8:1's and 12:1's -- can't get my brain around that I'm assuming the ratio is Steering input : pitman arm movement ... so the 8:1 would be pretty close to 2 turns lock to lock vs 3 turns on the 12:1?

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I have heard many downright bad things about the AGR boxes. I wouldn't bother with them.

12:1 is ~2.5 turns lock to lock, so I wold think the 8:1 would be considerable less, under 2 turns

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

oRumors abound about parts..most of the time its the guys installing them...unless its a Spohn K member..for stock steering..then it is crap...
note the PO & SO.. in the photo.. never buy off the shelf. when it comes to wanting things done right the first time..and if you do.. know what your doing before install...

scooter

iTrader: (11)

Maybe, but definitely not in this case.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

I Go with first hand knowledge my self.. not Rumors..so we agree. to disagree.