Hello. I am looking for some advice on how to improve the steering of my '89 Formula:

I recently had the entire suspension redone as the parts were all old, so new:
moog front end rebuild
proline springs
kyb shocks/struts
Spohn: wonderbar, sway bars, lower control arms, panhard bar
alignment

The car is noticeably more solid and feels tighter around turns now, though it feels skiddish at the far ends of the steering wheel travel. However, the steering wheel still has some play in it, and steering is still heavy. It does not feel as smooth that of a new car, such as my parents Nissan Maxima. So what do I need to do to greatly improve the feel of the steering? Do I go rebuilt or new ARG steering box, rebuild my own steering box, or is a rack and pinion steering setup the way to proceed? Thanks for your advice.

 

When you say "skiddish", do you mean the wheels is kinda skidding on the asphalt when your maneuvering with steeringwheel at full lock? If so, mine too does that. I'm guessing thats a natural part of the suspension/steering geometry that makes it so. Dont really matter all that much, as one tend to go slow at full lock anyways. But it skids, sure.

The upgrade for these cars in general is to get the quick ratio steeringbox from a WS6 equipped firebird, not sure which camaro's had them, but they do. And then just look over the joints for wear and slack.

I'm no expert on steering, but I always assumed that rack and pinion was mostly for weight purposes, ie for drag cars where they often change to non powersteering. I wouldnt in a streetcar though, as there's issues with the too long steering arms on the spindles, wich results in a HUGE turning radius. Not so much a problem on a drag only car, but a PITA on the street. THere is custom spindles with shortened steering armes to get for this though, but their costly, around $5-600. And then in the end, whats the benefit for a streetcar? I dont see it. Maybe some could enlighten me.

Just noticed, you have a formula. Those should have the quick ratio steering already, unless it's been swapped.
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I'd get new steering endlinks, and perhaps ask a garage to look over the front end for wear and slack to swap whats needed.

 

I had the front end rebuilt already. I just don't like that there is still play in the steering wheel and turning feels "heavy" compared to a more modern car. Does anyone know the difference between rebuilding the stock gear box (which as it is a Formula should be the quick ratio) and getting the new ARG units?

 

I was wondering this too, cuz there are the 12:1 ratio AGR ones and there are flaming river 20:1 ones... although those are manual boxes....

 

theres a post somewhere on third gen about adjusting your steering box.i did mine and its much better.

 

According to google the WS6 steering box is 12.7:1 while the AGR is only 12:1

 

You have to remember that these cars are over 20 years old. So there is no comparison to the way new cars steering is. My bet is on the steering box needs to either be adjusted or replaced.

 

All "12:1" steering boxes are actually 12.7:1

 

Well then... :P