I know these questions soudn dumb but I have always wondered

Why did GM use the ball type steering if rack and pinion is supposed to be so much better.
Also my z28 handles better than any mustang I have driven and the stangs had rack and pinion steering, why is this?

 

im guessing one factor could be that the fbody's have a longer wheelbase....

 

yeah but it is even more responsive, wheelbase wouldn't effect responsivness.

 

When GM was developing the 3rd gen cars rack/pinion steering was not as common as it is today. Also to install it then was more expensive for GM's bean counters (aka ..accountants) then engineering concept.

 

I think it's a combination of a lot of factors, especially that it was back in 82'. The advantage of rack and pinion IMO, is it doesn't take up much room. The third-gen type steering requires clearance for the center link to swing and pivot on the idler arm and pitman arm, plus less parts. It's a proven system, look at the older camaros, regals, cutlass, monte carlo, 1/2 pickups, s-pickups/s-blazers, etc...

 

82 Camaro
Read previous Post. I din't say that the rack/pinion steering wasn't a good system.

 

I personaly hate the feel of MY 3rd gen steering. It's to touchy IMO.
I'm in the mist of building up my '82 as a race only road car.
I hope bigger tires up front, lots of positive caster, & maybe a different ratio steering box will help out.
However, in it's defense the front suspension is up for an over haul soon. So well see, if it's just mine.

Again this is my opinion. My Vette has a very heavy feel that is very predictable & easy to read. If I not mistaken, it uses a rack system?

BTW: My '81 has a little heavier feel, but not much...

Ron

 

It takes more engineering(money) to put rack-and-pinion in a RWD vehicle, and with the big corps, it's always the money. If they engineered the best stuff in, they'd have to move the car to a different market(like the 'vette). The f-body was always the "poor man's 'vette". rack-and-pinion is better, so, if you wanted to do a little after-market-engineering, you could sell your work to those of us who like like to start with a cheaper car and make it better.

 

What are you talking about--I read all the posts, including yours.

The bottom line is that both systems do the same thing, they turn the wheels. How they do it is the difference. If turning is to quick, or too loose, get a different ratio steering box, or rack--or other suspension adjustments.

 

I have noticed more feedback through the steering wheel on rack cars. The feel is always good but more harshness back through the wheel. My 3rd gen is quick and tight because the ratio is quick and the components aren't worn out.

I too would prefer the factory assist to have been less, but remember it's rare but some middle aged women drive these things. I'd like to think most of them aren't half as strong as I am. Anyhow, my guess is all the material mass and joints between the wheel and the wheels on a recirc system takes out feedback of the unwanted variety.