Driving to a doctor’s appointment this morning as I was getting out of my parking space I had to turn the wheel what I thought was excessively. Why and can it be changed?

I know there are other vehicles out there with what they call speed sensitive steering. That changes the ratio of the steering. Is that something that can be used in other vehicles? For example my 94 Burb.

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

It's a function of the steering rack. It's a physical gear ratio that can't be changed. The fewer turns lock to lock, the harder the wheel is to turn. Power steering makes that ok, and the speed sensitive steering you hear about is varying the amount of power assist so at low speed you have more assist to help turn the wheel when parking, but at high speed is has less assist so it doesn't feel twitchy at highway speed. The actual ratio didn't change - just the amount of power assist.

Note, you can have "variable ratio" steering, but that's like variable ratio springs - the ratio is made into the gears. It doesn't mean you can change the ratio.

But I could change the gears in the rack then? Or replace the original rack with something that takes less turns lock to lock.

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

You could if you can find a rack with a different ratio that would fit in your truck. Kinda like using an 88 gt rack in an 84.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: But I could change the gears in the rack then? Or replace the original rack with something that takes less turns lock to lock. Steve

You can replace the rack. If there's an optional one with a "faster" steering ratio, it should be a straight swap.

If you are too feeble to turn the wheel sufficiently, perhaps it is time to stop driving a 5000 lb vehicle on public roads where you can kill someone.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Driving to a doctor’s appointment this morning as I was getting out of my parking space I had to turn the wheel what I thought was excessively. 1. Why and can it be changed? 2. I know there are other vehicles out there with what they call speed sensitive steering. That changes the ratio of the steering.

1. Most uses 3.5 LtL rack. GT and some use 3 LtL.

2. "That changes the ratio of the steering." Most cars w/ that feature uses 1 ratio rack/box but Changes the amount that power steering will assist driver. Lower speed or parking then PS give more assistance. High speed PS give less assistance and more "road feel." To make it work, A valve/regulator that under PCM/BCM control sets PS pressure.

Are ways to make a true variable ratio but most Bean Counters at Car Co's will barf on that.
Drive by Wire is coming to Steering but not here yet. For 1, NHTSA have to put blessing on that. (Means rewrite FMVSS rules)
Many think can be bad news too... Think Toyota Gas Pedal problems... Their pedal uses Drive by Wire tech. Their PR and sales are still recovering from recalls.

Depending on the setup, you could install a steering quickener.

http://www.summitracing.com...s/hre-5225/overview/

Great, encourage the senile old coot who can't turn the wheel of his Canyoñero to disassemble the steering to install off road parts. I'm glad I live well out of range.

quote Originally posted by WhiteDevil88: If you are too feeble to turn the wheel sufficiently, perhaps it is time to stop driving a 5000 lb vehicle on public roads where you can kill someone.

Has nothing to do with my ability to turn the wheel I can turn it just fine. Just annoyed by the amount of turns it takes to get the tank from lock to lock. And by the way it weighs 5700 LBS. EMPTY

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.