Author Topic: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???  (Read 3542 times)

Offline AU6pack

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Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« on: January 29, 2016 - 06:37:18 PM »
Hi Guys,

I am installing a new Borgeson power steering box with a 14:1 ratio.

I am also considering installing a Hotchkis 12:1 pitman arm to compliment my Hotchkis TVS suspension. I am using a QA1 K member too.

Will this combo work?  :clueless:

Neither supplier could answer this question... 

Anyone had any experience with this set up?

Thanks for any help on this

I want to go all new with my front suspension and sell the entire old front suspension complete with K Member.
Craig
Melbourne, Australia
1970 Challenger 416 6 pak
Resto thread - http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=114787.0




Offline dfrazz

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2016 - 06:57:23 PM »
A quick ratio box and a quicker ratio arm? How fast do you need to turn?   :clueless: :dunno:

Offline AU6pack

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2016 - 07:24:02 PM »
A quick ratio box and a quicker ratio arm? How fast do you need to turn?   :clueless: :dunno:

Not that quick... I just wonder if the 2 are compatible  - or will it be un-drivable?
Craig
Melbourne, Australia
1970 Challenger 416 6 pak
Resto thread - http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=114787.0

Offline HP2

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2016 - 06:02:22 PM »
Will that arm bolt to the Borgeson unit?

It will be great fun  in the cones, parking lot at the grocery store, or any other tight place. It will be  twitchy  at speed over 55 and may be too fast to drive on the interstate at 75+ if you have a very tight front end and wide front tires.

Super speedway race carsslow down their steering ratio to better facilitate the higher speed moves.

Offline AU6pack

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2016 - 04:54:07 PM »
Will that arm bolt to the Borgeson unit?

It will be great fun  in the cones, parking lot at the grocery store, or any other tight place. It will be  twitchy  at speed over 55 and may be too fast to drive on the interstate at 75+ if you have a very tight front end and wide front tires.

Super speedway race carsslow down their steering ratio to better facilitate the higher speed moves.

They will fit. But I think you are right about being too risky  :22yikes:
Craig
Melbourne, Australia
1970 Challenger 416 6 pak
Resto thread - http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=114787.0

Offline drewcrane

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2016 - 08:02:47 PM »
 :iagree:
They will fit. But I think you are right about being too risky  :22yikes:

 :iagree:

Offline Alain426

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2016 - 06:49:37 PM »
im now with this problem,  i just order a new borgeson steering box,  and my older steering box and pitman arm are welded togheter


so did you put back a original pitman arm,  and so how does it feel with the 14:1 borgeson steering box?

Offline AU6pack

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2016 - 03:31:13 AM »
I haven't installed it yet but I kept the original pitman arm so I can't help.
Craig
Melbourne, Australia
1970 Challenger 416 6 pak
Resto thread - http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=114787.0

Offline Mopar Mitch

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2016 - 02:30:12 PM »
I'm personally very interested in the proposed combo of Borgenson fast-ratio box (because its claimed to be ~15-20 pounds lighter than a Mopar ps box).. mated with the longer Mopar "Fast Ratio" pitman arm.... any possible mechanical interference issues (with headers.. small block)???

On the Mopar ps gear boxes, all that is really done to make it "fast ratio" is the longer "fast ratio" pitman arm.... which can be attached to any Mopar ps box... simply the shaft size is the determining factor (small 1972 and earlier, large 1973 and later; all "T/A" boxes have the larger size shaft).  The internal worm gears are the same between a T/A box and non-T/A box, but the T/A box has internal stoppers to limit the radius turn with the longer pitman arm.    In fact, if you want a tighter turning radius, then use a non-T/A ps box with the longer pitman arm... BUT.. you'll have more inside tire rubbing interference with the frame rails at the rear of the turned tires.

I've just had my T/A box rebuilt by FF.. Stage-3... but... I'm still interested in the LIGHTER WEIGHT BENEFIT of the Borgenson ps box.. and the potential to quicken the steering even faster than the T/A fast ratio box.

WITH the longer fast-ratio pitman arm, be certain to also install the longer C-Body idler arm... that is what is commonly being referred to as "fast ratio idler arm"... again, simply a C-body idler arm (Chrysler was aware of the matter of not including that longer idler arm with the fast-ratio ps box/fast ratio pitman arm... but, they ended production (even into early 1971 models) without ever including the longer idler arm... result is one side turns tighter radius than the other side.

IMO... fast steering ratios are great and fun... the quicker the better.. for all reactions ... AX pylons and high-speed track runs.... I've quickened my steering even faster by using a smaller diameter steering wheel... 11.5" diameter... helps get through the pylons very quickly.. as well as on hi-speed road course manuevers... highway driving is also safe and more fun!

IF you do install the Borgenson ps box WITH the longer fast ratio pitman arm (and don't forget the longer required idler arm for proper turning radius lh/rh), please keep us informed ....  T/Anks ahead and good luck!
Autocross/road racers go in deeper... and come out harder!

See  MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2006 ISSUE for featured article and details on my autocross T/A.

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2016 - 03:46:28 PM »
I've just had my T/A box rebuilt by FF.. Stage-3... but... I'm still interested in the LIGHTER WEIGHT BENEFIT of the Borgenson ps box.. and the potential to quicken the steering even faster than the T/A fast ratio box.

I'll buy you FF box.   :bigsmile:

Offline Alain426

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Re: Quick ratio steering box and quick pitman arm - too fast???
« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2016 - 09:40:34 PM »
i just install the borgeson power steering unit with the stock pitman arm and im really satisfied with it, its a way smaller and the feel is good  with the tuff steering wheel :)
« Last Edit: July 10, 2016 - 09:20:31 AM by Alain426 »