Pitman Arm And Knuckle Ratio - Too Fast

It seems that my steering ratio is too fast. At speed, the slightest steering input feels like too much and is almost scary to drive. If I replace my 5” center to center pitman arm with a 4”, would that get me to a more comfortable ratio? Does anyone have any experience with this? If so, what was your solution?

Background: I have a new Borgeson 525 style Saginaw manual steer box in my ECJ5. The box ratio is 24 or 25:1. Pitman arm currently is 5” center to center. The axle has a single hole Dana 27 knuckle. Where I have my tie rods cut to size for single hole knuckle, I would prefer to not move to a two hole knuckle (but not totally opposed to the idea). Thank you in advance.

-blalp!

 

How many turns lock to lock is the steering box?

 

yes that certainly will help. Once I extended an arm because it was too slow. It worked great. It was a saganaw manula box from a 69 nova.

 

I am a little surprised that the ratio is too fast, If I am correct I believe the factory manual steer boxes worked great at 24:1 ratio. unless like you say the pitman arm is longer/or too long on your new box.

 

It looks like you have the standard steering mods. How is your alignment and castor? How many turns of the wheel to get to your stops?

 

Agree other things should be checked. Almost sounds like it doesn't have enough toe-in and more caster is good.

 

5” center to center is a relatively short pitman arm, I don’t think that is your problem. As many others have suggested, I think you’ll find your issue is with you alignment. Good luck,

Tim

 

I've been using a 16:1 Saginaw box in my 3B for 45 years and still love it. That is about 3.5 turns lock to lock. The two hole knuckle is definitely the way to go with this if you need more reduction but as others, make sure the rest of it is tight and adjusted properly.

 

Thank you all for the thought provoking and helpful responses.

I will confirm tonight, but the box I intended to order should have been the “standard” ratio that according to website says should be 6 turns lock to lock, but I will confirm.

When I set the toe (in), I was looking for about 1/8”.

The caster is probably the next easiest thing to change by way of shims. I’ll pick up an inexpensive angle finder and check the caster. From searching this site, it seems like the axles don’t have enough caster for today’s driving. It would make sense that this could be a cause of my situation.

Again, thank you all for the replies.

-blalp!

 

This is very similar to the digital angle tool that I have....very handy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092R4919...&pd_rd_r=8c4bdad3-37b3-4513-8799-aa83c9348792

 

Smart phone app.