I'm jsut wondering what steering mods can be done to increase feed back(resistance) and the handling..from the steering system per se.. the suspension is all upgraded..pst bushings..lakewood no hops..... stock sway bars(ss so rear) new tie rods...pitman arm adn center link. Do they make a rack and pinion system of a chevelle? or is there a better gear box..and can you add a stabilizer to the system to make it so you cant turn it w/ your pinky? any help would be great
pat

This paper and several charts may be of value:

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/A-CarFastRatioGear10JN2002.doc

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/1964-74ChevelleStrgGearBoxes.xls

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/1985-96Caprice,MonteCarlo,BuickFastRatioGears.xls

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/1992-98GrandCherokeeFastRatioStrgGearBoxes.xls

thanx alot... by doing this will it still be easy to turn the wheel( i know the reponsiveness willl increase) but will it help w/ the feed back too? pat

bump

Get a quick ratio box if you don't already have one, make sure rag joint in steering column is in good shape, and make sure your steering box is adjusted correctly. Often they will have a lot of play, and a simple adjustment will fix that. As far as "feel" goes, it may take shocks, bushings, tires, springs, any combination of the above to get where you want to be. I rebuilt the suspension using rubber bushings and stock springs, added gas shocks, and it feels pretty nice. There is always room for improvement though.
Maybe poly bushings are what you are looking for, and don't forget body mounts!

The best thing going right now is the 600 series late-model fast ratio boxes. Detroit Speed and Engineering sell them, don't know who else does. Better feeling than the older 800-style boxes and about 6 lbs lighter.

http://www.detroitspeed.com/600SteeringGear10.html

I'll probably sell my late 80's 800-series 12:1 fast ratio IROC box and upgrade. My box feels/works great, but the 600-style boxes have even better feel.

There are several donor vehicles available if you want to snag a fast-ratio 800 series box from a junkyard, but you may run into input shaft spline/diameter differences as well as metric o-ringed hose fittings and different internal travel limiters. For example, my IROC box has the metric hose fittings, a smaller input shaft, and had reduced travel. I made my own hoses, changed my steering shaft to a flaming river setup with needle bearing u-joints (huge improvement in road feel and precision), and I took the box apart and removed the internal stops which were needed for the Camaro application.

Troy

Thx i'm gonna look into the box... are there any Rack and Pis out there for A-bodys? would that be better than PS?
pat