Gearbox Choices - Quick vs. Regular on a '68 F100

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires

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vallen
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Gearbox Choices - Quick vs. Regular on a '68 F100

Post by vallen »

I'm going through the steering on my '68 (Ford box, power) and I have replaced the tie rods, center, drag and connecting sleeve.
I replaced the rag joint, and I kinda killed the seals on the Steering Box (which was way past its Senior wellcheck), and now I have a slow leak.
I have decided to replace the steering box with a reman steering box, and while I'm at it- I'll replace the steering pump.
There is a choice for the "Quick Ratio" version and wondered if any user had experience- both in use and actual install..
I'm curious how different the steering ratios are in actual day-to-day use. I'm trying to improve the steering, but not trying to kill the feel of a 50-year-old truck. BUT, I'm in Texas, so highways are often unavoidable to get anywhere further than 4 miles from my house.

On the Install- Any differences? Should I go ahead and get a new Pitman arm? Mine looks ok, but I'm trying to rule out any potential future issues.

Any experience or recommendations on steering box choices? There are several brands, reman and new. Lares, Cardone, AC Delco, noname, Redhead (but only '72 and up)..
My goal is to get the mechanicals reliable as a daily driver. I have front and rear sway bars ordered. I'll take it to get an alignment once I have all the suspension items in place. If anyone has other suggestions, especially before I get an alignment that would be awesome!
Any advice on this endeavor is greatly appreciated.
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Ranchero50
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Re: Gearbox Choices - Quick vs. Regular on a '68 F100

Post by Ranchero50 »

The pitman arms are different between manual and PS, PS are longer for a "quicker" steering response. I run a stock box out of a wrecked '74 in my '70 F-350 dually cruising are 75+ on the interstate without issue. No sway bars and it handles pretty well. Of course the twisties suck at speed but then it's not a sports car either.
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vallen
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Re: Gearbox Choices - Quick vs. Regular on a '68 F100

Post by vallen »

Since I'm already with the PS pitman arm, and a new gearbox will have less 'play' than my current leaky wobbler, would the "quick" ratio be overkill?
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Re: Gearbox Choices - Quick vs. Regular on a '68 F100

Post by Ranchero50 »

IDK, I think the limit will be the pumps ability to drive the higher ratio piston at low RPM's with big tires.

If I were chasing a tight steering system I'd look into retrofitting a rack and pinion setup as there's less lash in one of those and they play with the ratio at the ends to make it turn faster while still being stable close to the steering center line.
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Contact me for CNC Dome Lamp Bezels and Ash Tray pulls.
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