69 Camaro Fast Ratio Manual Steering Box

[302Z]

Hello,
Looking for an original Saginaw fast ratio manual steering box for a 1969 Camaro. This is the manual box that is 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 turns lock to lock. Thank you... Bob

[Edgemontvillage]

Originally Posted by 302Z

Hello,
Looking for an original Saginaw fast ratio manual steering box for a 1969 Camaro. This is the manual box that is 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 turns lock to lock. Thank you... Bob

Any particular date code or range?

[Lynn]

Bob, I really don't think there is such a beast. My 28k mile Z has what I believe to be the original box, pitman arm and steering knuckles. I will check it out next time I have it on the lift.

I am fine if someone wants to correct me.

"fast ratio" was a relative term in 1969. May have been quicker than the standard manual steering car. It is a far cry from the 90's IROC box or WS6 box.

[302Z]

Edgemontvillage, Date code not important. Just want an original box in useable condition, if I can find one. Thank you... Bob

Lynn, I was just going to reply to Edgemontvillage when your message posted. I've done some checking around and it seems there may have been a manual box with a faster gear ratio. We'll see if anything turns up! Thanks

[Lynn]

Apparently there is such a beast. Extremely rare.

Best explanation I found is here:

There are two measures for steering ratio; gear and overall. Power steering was variable ratio, new for ’69.

#1. The standard [exc Z/28] manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 28.3:1 [overall]. 4.8 turns L-L. Standard production steering gear, 5.25” pitman arm, long steering arms.

#2. The standard Z/28 manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 21.4:1 [overall]. 3.5 turns L-L. Standard production steering gear, 5.75” pitman arm, short steering arms.

#3. The standard [exc Camaro SS and Z/28] power steering ratio was 16.0:1-12.4:1 [gear] 15.5:1-12.8:1 [overall]. 2.16 turns L-L. Standard production power steering gear, 5.25” pitman arm, long steering arms.

#4. The standard Camaro SS and Z/28 power steering ratio was 16.0:1-12.4:1 [gear] 14.5:1-10.8:1 [overall]. 2.06 turns L-L. Standard production power steering gear, 5.75” pitman arm, short steering arms.

2,161 Camaros were built with N44 special steering equipment. What that means is an overall steering ratio faster than standard equipment for the application, not a specific ratio. N44 as a discrete option is rare, only 2,161 orders.

N44 ordered on a manual steering Camaro, exc Z/28: same as #2.

N44 ordered [incl Z/28 & SS] on a power steering Camaro: same as #4.

N44 ordered on a manual steering Z/28: 20:1 [gear] 17.9:1 [overall]. 2.9 turns L-L. Optional steering gear, 5.75” pitman arm, short steering arms.

There were 101,478 Camaros built with manual steering, 141,607 built with power steering. Production numbers indicate 83% of N44 optioned cars were not Z/28s: 1,796.

That means 99.85% of 1969 Camaros were built with standard production steering gears.

Many thanks to William for putting that info together.

It is post #16 in this thread: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=18375.15

Also explained here (but without production numbers):

http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#steer

[Lynn]

I just knew my car wasn't 2.5 turns lock to lock.

Even at that, I will probably install the PS set up I have, as my age and two total shoulder joint replacements are making my manual steering cars less fun.

[Edgemontvillage]

PM Sent

[302Z]

Edgemontvillage, PM received and replied to. Thank you!

Lynn, that is a good read with lots of good information. Thank you for posting the links!

[302Z]

Had a good lead, but not the correct box. Still looking... Thanks

[302Z]

Still looking, Thank You!!