I just purchased a 68' ss 396 with power steering. It came with a newer looking quick ratio steering box. It also came with the original box in a lot of extra parts. The problem is, it steers terrible. It groans and isn't the least bit smooth and easy like it should be. I can't ask the owner that installed it as he is out of contact with anyone. Is the stiffness and hard steering part of a quick ratio box? I have never owned one before, or did soemone maybe mess with the load adjustment and ruin it. or ? Do these quick ratio boxes usually steer just as nice and easy as the stock ones with the amount of turns lock to lock the only difference? Please, if someone has experience with both types, can you tell me what to expect. I would hate to go through all the trouble of re-installing the original box just to find out it is worn out too. If the quick ratio boxes steer just as nice and easy, I will but a new one and do the install just once. By the way, I already replaced the power steering pump because I thought that was the problem. It still steers the same, so it must be the box. Thanks for your help!
Michael.:confused:

They usually take a bit more effort, but give better feedback and feel.

A bit harder would be very acceptable, but this is something else all together. If the car isn't moving, it feels like no power steering at all and it is ratchety instead of smooth and consitent. Should it make my steering pump work so hard that it groans? Thanks and keep the opinions coming, they are appreciated.

Michael.

It sounds as if the "new" box has been misadjusted and may have suffered internal damage. If you are sure that the problem is in the box, I would replace it.
Jim

Who makes a direct bolt on swap unit that is still easy to steer but has the quick ratio?
Michael

It could also be that whoever installed it didnt bleed it properly and you are getting a lot of air in there. Try raising the front end and cycling the wheels left to right several times without the car running. Check the fluid to see if it goes down, add more if necessary. Once it no longer drops, then start the car and cycle it a few times also and check the fluid. Hopefully that will clear up anything. If not then you may have to replace it which is a bummer because I think the benefits of the newer boxes are worth it. My 66 is like steering a boat even though the entire suspension is new. I cant wait toswap the box.

Best of luck!

Who makes a direct bolt on swap unit that is still easy to steer but has the quick ratio?
Michael

NAPA NSP-276509 This is for a 70 I think 68 would be the same. Pete