I was wondering what kinda of benefit i would have putting a Quick Ratio steering box in my firebird from a trans am. Is there really not that much of a difference? Or, is there even a difference in a V6 box compared to a V8 box? This may be the wrong board, maybe not, it is V6 related. How big of an improvement would this be for me?

 

Typically there are two boxes... the difference were 16" wheels vs everything else. Supposedly berlinettas and Firebird SE's had a variable ratio steering box. But I've never driven either of the above and have no idea if its fact or fiction.

The 16" wheel boxes lockup quicker left-right and have a little more positive feel to them.

 

Technically, it's a Suspension/Chassis/Brakes forum question, but if you can get the quick ratio box, go for it! The T/A boxes are 2.25 turns lock-to-lock, while the regular boxes (v8's included) are 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.

It's "thought" (not verified!) that f-bodies with 16" wheels and the performance suspension code (WS6, or Y99, or F41) have internal stops that limit the box to 2 turns lock-to-lock, so the larger wheel/tire combo wouldn't rub the inner fender on a sharp turn. This isn't a cause for that much worry, if you do get such a box, that means you'll need more room for K-turns, and backing out of a tight parking space might need an extra "maneuver".

On the box I have, out of an '86 IROC Z, has a "26000525" and a "Z" cast into the side. This is supposedly the box for an f-body with 16" wheels.

Another casting # I have heard about is "7826692". This is supposed to be the quick ratio box for a 15" wheel'd f-body.

But either way, if you can score such a box, go for it! Mine is in the basement; I've had it for, oh, I guess 3 or 4 years already! I'm going to finally put the sucker on this summer, at the same time I rebuild the front suspension with poly parts.

If you're at a junkyard, try to avoid the boxes with their hoses cut open. Who knows what kind of crap (including rain = rust) got into them, and you don't want your box to freeze up while you're driving. You might also want to look into replacing the "rag joint" on your steering shaft. I'm going to check into that soon for my car. Supposedly you can't buy the ragjoint itself for our f-bodies anymore, but other cars' ragjoints are supposed to fit.

The ragjoint is a bit of a "flex" adapter. When it deteriorates, steering becomes sloppy. If you're in that area anyway, it'd be easy to change.