Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)

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Offline inviolet

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Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« on: August 28, 2008 - 01:29:43 PM »
Just Suspension sells a 12:5:1 short ratio power steering box that comes in different stages of firmness. I believe its 2 ½ turns, lock to lock using a stock size pitman arm. Also according to their tech support it will clear big blocks with TTI headers. It sounds to good to be true and I was wondering if anyone has ever tried this power steering box.  Personal I’m a Firm Feel type of guy.  :2thumbs:  It’s a proven power steering box and all my friends have it. Unfortunately the Firm Feel is 16:1 and the only way to make it a quick ratio box is to change the pitman arm to the AAR one. This arm will not clear my TTI headers. I believe 16:1 is 3 ½ turns lock to lock. Do I have my info right?




Offline FJ5_440

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2008 - 01:51:12 PM »
 :popcorn:
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Offline inviolet

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2008 - 03:13:21 PM »
Here's some interesting Steering Box info I found:

Mopar gearboxes from 1966-'74 only came in two ratios: The manual steering gearbox was a 24.0:1 ratio with a radius of five and a third turns of the wheel, while the power steering boxes came in 15.7:1 and three and a half turns of the wheel. Manual gearboxes can be adapted to a quicker 20.0:1 ratio with the purchase of an aftermarket worm gear and shaft assembly from Mopar Performance parts (part number 4007612). Gearbox rebuilders can also install this unit for you.

The only Mopars with a quicker ratio gearbox were the 1970-'71 AAR and T/A models, but your chances of finding a unit in a salvage yard for these cars is almost zero. Using the conventional 15.7:1 ratio power steering box with an extended Pitman arm and idler arm can provide a similar effect in the handling. Although the T/A or AAR Pitman will not fit the common gearboxes, you can get extended length components from aftermarket supplier Firm Feel Suspension. These are available for all popular A-, B-, C-, E- and F-bodies. The added length, effectively adds to the response of the steering system, serving roughly the same purpose as modifying your existing gearbox or browsing through the salvage yard for the quicker steering unit. Dart and Valiant A-bodies from 1964-'72 would require changing to a later 1973-'76 A-body center link, as well as the longer Pitman and idler arms to maintain the proper steering geometry.

Offline autoxcuda

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2008 - 04:26:55 AM »
Here's some interesting Steering Box info I found:

Mopar gearboxes from 1966-'74 only came in two ratios: The manual steering gearbox was a 24.0:1 ratio with a radius of five and a third turns of the wheel, while the power steering boxes came in 15.7:1 and three and a half turns of the wheel. Manual gearboxes can be adapted to a quicker 20.0:1 ratio with the purchase of an aftermarket worm gear and shaft assembly from Mopar Performance parts (part number 4007612). Gearbox rebuilders can also install this unit for you.

The only Mopars with a quicker ratio gearbox were the 1970-'71 AAR and T/A models, but your chances of finding a unit in a salvage yard for these cars is almost zero. Using the conventional 15.7:1 ratio power steering box with an extended Pitman arm and idler arm can provide a similar effect in the handling. Although the T/A or AAR Pitman will not fit the common gearboxes, you can get extended length components from aftermarket supplier Firm Feel Suspension. These are available for all popular A-, B-, C-, E- and F-bodies. The added length, effectively adds to the response of the steering system, serving roughly the same purpose as modifying your existing gearbox or browsing through the salvage yard for the quicker steering unit...

This is correct mostly. The just suspension "box" will also include the longer pitman arm. No one has made a quicker gearset for a mopar power steering box. So the just suspension "box" will hit you TTI headers also. Still call Just Suspension to confirm.


Quote
Dart and Valiant A-bodies from 1964-'72 would require changing to a later 1973-'76 A-body center link, as well as the longer Pitman and idler arms to maintain the proper steering geometry.

This is sort of incorrect. The 64-67 A-body k-member use a stud mounted idler. They do not make a stud mounted idler that will fit a 1973-'76 A-body center link. Also the 64-66 A-body cannot exchange centerlinks with the 67-76 A-bodies. So that's not going to happen at all. On a 67 A-body K-member I have run a thru bolt 73-76 idler with corresponding centerlink. You just put washer and clamp everything to the k-member stud hole (not a great setup but I put lots of miles on it)



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Offline inviolet

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2008 - 11:19:32 AM »
This is correct mostly. The just suspension "box" will also include the longer pitman arm. No one has made a quicker gearset for a mopar power steering box. So the just suspension "box" will hit you TTI headers also. Still call Just Suspension to confirm.


I spoke with Just Suspension and they said that their 12:5:1 power steering box uses the stock size pitman arm. They also said that their power box is modified internally. When I ask them for references of people who have order the power box they told me that they wont give out customer phone numbers. Has anyone on this forum every purchased their 12:5:1 power steering box?  ???

Offline 70RT/SE

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2008 - 11:20:43 PM »
The 2" TTIs will clear the Firm Feel long pitman and idler arms.

Offline autoxcuda

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2008 - 01:16:31 AM »
The 2" TTIs will clear the Firm Feel long pitman and idler arms.

What motor size?
Spring Fling XXX
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Offline inviolet

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2008 - 11:20:12 AM »
Its a 383 with 1-7/8” Big Block Headers with primary tubes with 3" collectors.


http://www.ttiexhaust.com/Header-178%20Big%20Block/178BigBlock.htm


Offline 70RT/SE

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2008 - 10:27:57 PM »
What motor size?

440....If look at the pics on the TTIs website there is quite a bit a clearence.
The 1 7/8 won't clear. The tube routing is different than the 2".
« Last Edit: September 09, 2008 - 10:29:56 PM by 70RT/SE »

Offline inviolet

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2008 - 11:41:53 AM »
The 1 7/8 are the biggest headers TTI has that fits the Edelbrock Performer Heads on a 383. If I went with the Indy Heads than I would have been able to go with the bigger 2' headers.

However this is straying from the topic. My real concern; is the short ratio power steering box from Just Suspension proven, and has anyone ever tested it ?   I know the Firm Feel power box is tested and proven.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2008 - 09:17:13 AM by inviolet »

Offline WildJones

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2015 - 03:49:40 PM »
440....If look at the pics on the TTIs website there is quite a bit a clearence.
The 1 7/8 won't clear. The tube routing is different than the 2".

I hate to dredge this up, but for any other members who search before posting, this should help.

I just got off the phone with TTI, and they confirmed that the 2" header tube headers are routed differently than the 1 7/8" headers. Sam (i think that was his name) confirmed that there is plenty of clearance for a fast ratio pitman arm with the 2" headers.

I'll be going down this route. Hope this helps someone else in the future.
Mike
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1970 Cuda

Offline Priesty

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Re: Power Streeing Boxes (Just Supension Vs. Firm Feel)
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2015 - 04:09:41 PM »
What about the Borgeson box ? I think it's 14:1 with standard arms, it's smaller, lighter & with the Bergman coupling it bolts straight up. I love mine, nice direct feel & closer ratio. Just another option to consider. :2cents:
Steve - 72  BS23  FY1  'Cuda.
Melbourne, Australia.
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