Adjustable ratio power steering gear box?

[88GW]

I went through some of the posts in regard to this. Didn't find any conclusive answers. Someone mentioned 77 Wags and Cheros had adjustable ratio. Is this true, and if so how do you adjust? Do the older models have 3 or 4 bolts to mount it to the frame? Also mentioned was different ratios for newer wags like my 88 and said older one would have more response and feel a little less like a boat due to the tighter ratio. Is this true?

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I do not think they are adjustable ratio but are variable ratio. The newer Grand Wags went to a Single Ratio. I would stay with the older box.

[88GW]

So then what do they mean by variable ratio? Does it have the same 4 bolts? And will the PS pump lines work as well?

[joe]

The ratio changes with the amount of wheel travel. It's 16:1 for the first 40 degrees and 13:1 at full lock. Those are 77 specs and I think they changed somewhat through the years but not much.

[Mikel]

IMHO steering is not always constant. When the pitman arm starts turning it drags the wheel a lot more than when it's near full lock because of the geometry.

Pitman displacement = Arm length * Cos angle

I think smile.gif

Do steering boxes compensate for this in any way?

[The Anti-Chrysler]

I used a steering box from a '96 mid-size 4X4 Blazer, and it had a tigher ratio than any Jeep stock box. The only downside was that it has only 3 mounting tabs (used the 3 it had).

I know that box has a tighter (lower) ratio at center, and more assist at the cutoff points. I don't recall the variable ratios for this box, but at the time they were much better than the Jeep. It was cheap, and a direct bolt-in.

Steering boxes are ratio'd from the factory. There is no adjustment for this, only preload adjustment.