i am getting a new power steering gear box tonight...they asked me if i had standard or soft ride and i have no idea...i thought maybe you guys could help me out. I have a 1991 Trans Am 305 TPI 700r4. thanks a lot.

 

nobody help? i need to buy the part in like 30 minutes...sorry for the double post

 

Not quite sure your shop is using the right terminology, but here goes.....

The "standard" suspension (softer) on base Firebirds and some Trans Ams was called the F-41 sport suspension. This was typically matched with either 15" wheels or 16" wheels that used less aggressive 235/55R-16 tires. It was set up with softer everything- springs, shocks, sway bars, etc. This suspension also used a slightly SLOWER ratio on the steering box and a SOFTER valving, allowing the wheel to turn more easily with less road feel.

The "performance" suspension (harder) on anything that had 16" wheels and the larger/more aggressive 245/50R-16 tires (Goodyear "Gatorbacks" originally) was the WS-6 performance suspension. Striffer springs, shocks, sway bars AND a steering box with a faster ratio and firmer valving.

I beleive the 2 boxes are physically interchangable so it's up to you which way you prefer your steering.

 

thank you so much. both of the gear boxes are bolt in replacements. i had oreilly's pull both to be sure just to see if any differences. they were both the same. i just went with the soft ride.....the more expensive one. Hopefully this will tighten things up. do you know if these gear boxes are pre-adjusted or if i should do some adjusting? thanks a lot