Steering Theory question:
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Steering Theory question:
Is there an upgrade or different steering box or mechanism that will increase the amount of wheel distance traveled per movement of the steering wheel?
If that didn't make too much sense, my current stock wheel travels X distance when I move the steering wheel Y inches. Is there something that will move the wheels 2X distance for Y inches steering wheel travel?
Thank you,
-dk9
If that didn't make too much sense, my current stock wheel travels X distance when I move the steering wheel Y inches. Is there something that will move the wheels 2X distance for Y inches steering wheel travel?
Thank you,
-dk9
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,457
Likes: 2,938
From: Reed Point, MT
Ford was kind of 'set in their ways' on steering boxes. Although there were a few made, there was never any "Heavy Duty" or quick ratio boxes for Ford pickup trucks. There are a few ways of doing what you want to do....neither easy or cheap.
First, a longer pitman arm will help. Where to get one, I don't know. But if the center to center distance is longer, the outer hole on the pitman will travel a further distance for a given angle change at the sector shaft.
Another way is to fashion up some kind of gear or chain drive unit into your steering shaft (from the steering wheel to the steering gear box) with a large gear turning a smaller one. I have seen these offered somewhere...I think it was either Jegs or Summit; however, the shaft size/shape/diameter is most likely different than what you have on your truck. A chain drive style one could be made relatively easily...just so long as it's done with safety in mind. (NOT A HACKJOB)
Just keep in mind that the less you have to turn the wheel for any given amount of tire angle change, the harder it's going to be to turn the steering wheel (probably negligible amount if you have power steering).
Cody
First, a longer pitman arm will help. Where to get one, I don't know. But if the center to center distance is longer, the outer hole on the pitman will travel a further distance for a given angle change at the sector shaft.
Another way is to fashion up some kind of gear or chain drive unit into your steering shaft (from the steering wheel to the steering gear box) with a large gear turning a smaller one. I have seen these offered somewhere...I think it was either Jegs or Summit; however, the shaft size/shape/diameter is most likely different than what you have on your truck. A chain drive style one could be made relatively easily...just so long as it's done with safety in mind. (NOT A HACKJOB)
Just keep in mind that the less you have to turn the wheel for any given amount of tire angle change, the harder it's going to be to turn the steering wheel (probably negligible amount if you have power steering).
Cody
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
The only thing to keep in mind with the longer pitman arm is that you also have a harder time turning the wheels when that much leverage is out there on the pitman arm. The longer it gets the tougher it is to turn. That being said you can use an arm off a Scout or a number of other trucks.
