ok, i hope this is the right forum for this. can anyone tell me the steering ratio of the 1LE F-Body steering box? and/or if there is a faster ratio than the 1LE box? any info or ideas would be appreciated.

 

Ratio is 2.25 turns lock to lock and you simply can't tell my looking at it (as far as I know). I know this because the usual tell tale Z thats stamped on it was also stamped on my non-1LE box that I took out. You simply have to count the revolutions.

I heard about an aftermarket steering box but forget the name of it. There was also one (may have been the same and only aftermarket unit that I'm thinking about) that I've heard problems where it leaked or had dead zones. Do a search on it.

 

thanks for the info. Usually I just check the RPO tags on the cars and looks for one with the 1LE option. Im just trying to do a little research as to what cars came with what gears. I know ZQ8 S-Series trucks have a 12.7 : 1 ratio, but I heard the 1LE F-bodies had a 12.0 : 1, not that its a big deal, but every little bit helps.
thanks again for the help.

 

If I remember straight, the IROC/1LE steering box has a part number stamped on the box that begins with something like 26000xxx. Part numbers for the other boxes are considerably different. The 'Z' stamped on the box has nothing to do with the equation, as far as I know.

 

All IROCs, Z28's, Trans Ams and Formulas have 12.0:1 boxes.

If the IROC, Z28, T/A, Formula came with 15" wheels, the box has 2.5 turns lock to lock. Many other GM cars came with 2.5 turns and were not 12.0:1 boxes.

Cars originally equipped with 16" wheels have larger internal stops (to limit wheel to wheelwell contact) which limits the box to 2.25 turns lock to lock. I can think of no other car with a 2.25 turn box.

If you find a 2.25 turn box, chances are excellent that it is a 12:1 box.

If you find a 2.5 turn unit, there is no guarantee that it is 12:1.

Hope this helps.

 

I think AGR makes a steering box with a 12:1 ratio. A little pricy though; around $350 or so if I remember correctly. www.agrperformance.com

 

Don't quote me on this, but it is my understanding that the quick ratio steering box for the 3rd gen. F-body was 12.7:1. That's what is supposed to be on my GTA. I haven't heard of a 12:1 box from the factory.

 

I got led down this "1LE steering box" trail..... Turns out, I can't find any data that supports it's existence. Let alone the fact my '91 1LE has the same quick ratio box that other 16" wheel f-bodies and even Grand Nationals have.

 

Come to think of it, I think you're right