'71 Buick GS Steering Upgrades

I tried that one 3 or 4 years ago. The one I received I set up on my bench with protractors and pointers. I measured sweep, ratio, and turns lock to lock. I ended up taking it back because the one I got was not what as advertised.

 

Greg,

Did you swap pitman arms when you changed boxes? I ended up ordering a new box for an ‘87 GN, and swapped arms from my old box

 

So, if we double it, we still only get the 71 factory box moving 11:52:46 to 12:07:14.

The GN box doubled gets to 11:53:28 to 12:06:32.

The difference of 4.25° is the difference between Noon and 12:00:42 on the clock face per side. I'm guessing the tolerances on these old cars isn't that close that it matters in anything but a theoretical sense.

People have been saying you lose turning radius but I've not seen it. With the SS Chevelle box on my 71 and the GN box on my 70, there is no difference I can tell.

If I get bored, I may pop the center link loose from the pitman arm and see if A) the spindles will move farther or B) the steering wheel will turn more.

Did you make sure you got the F41 gearbox that is quick ratio? That's the key.

Everything original to my 70 bolted up with the exception of the hoses and the rag joint. The hoses required either hybrid versions or inserts from someone like Lees. I used the Lees inserts on mine. The rag joint was bought as a replacement for a later model pickup truck. I can look up exactly which one but I think it was like an 82 model 1500 that has the same splines on the steering shaft but the GN splines on the gearbox side.

No, I don't think they are even connectable, let alone compatible. I only swapped the gearbox with inserts for the hoses and the rag joint to mate the two together.

 

Yes, almost 1.25" longer. I think it would hit the frame at dead straight. If there was one 1/2" longer or if someone made steering knuckle arms 1/2" shorter, it would quicken the steering even more.

 

Nope, I’m using the stock a body pitman arm. I’m no psycho!! Lol.

I went back and read my post. What I meant to say is: I ordered a new box through my dad’s part supplier. When it came, it did not come with a pitman arm. I reused my pitman arm from my stock 1970 skylark box.

 

I used an f41 box, Lee’s hose inserts, and a new rag joint. I can’t remember the rag part number off hand but I remember having to buy 2 and send one back. My steering wheel is roughly 3 turns lock to lock. I did have to significantly modify my bump stops because of the aftermarket ride tech control arms.