What is a manual steering box? I know it saves weight, but what is the difference? I have only really heard the name, I want to know the difference. Does it have anything to do with rack and pinion (for that matter, what is a power rack and pinion?)? Thanks

 

Majority of cars have power steering. It uses hydraulic pressure to assist steering. A manual steering box doesn't use any hydraulic pressure. It's strictly mechanical leverage.

The downside is that the manual boxes require more turns stop to stop to steer because of the mechanical ratio required to turn the steering with the same effort. Not exactly what you want with wide front tires and a small custom steering wheel in a parking lot. Once you're driving, there's very little difference in steering.

The gains are a lighter steering box. No hydraulic fluid. No power steering pump hanging off the engine. Total weight saving isn't just from the steering box swap but also from all the other components required for power steering.