[55LSTruck]

I've got a 1955 Chevy Pick-up that has been "Clipped" with a 1978 Z-28 front end. I am looking at upgrading the steering, but there are a number of options out there and I really don't know if its worth the trouble. Does someone have info on converting to Rack and Pinion? Or possibly the new Flaming River steering box that bolts into the stock location but has an internal "Rack and Pinion" valve that improves smoothness and control? Does this thing really work...to the point that its worth $600. Does the Flaming River "Bolt-in" Rack and Pinion set really just bolt-in, and is it as much of an improvement over stock as they claim? Any feedback is appreciated...THANKS!

[powerrodsmike]

If you want better steering you'd be better off rebuilding the front end with some good bushings, replace the rubber a arm bushings with urethane, replace any worn steering linkage parts with new stuff, put some good shocks and then a rebuilt steering box. The 78 z28 should have a 12.7:1 ratio steering box in it already, if it doesn't then find one..that will make a big difference in steering response..

Found this thread with a bunch of good info about the 800 series steering box...the good ones are found in a ton of cars.
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f178/z...ng-box-416559/

Putting a rack on that truck would be a waste, IMO..The 78 z28 steering was not bad. Typically installing a rack conversion will reduce your turning radius, also, if it's not designed properly you will get bumpsteer where you had none before. Fitting a rack into a F.E. designed for a steering box is sometimes tough, as getting the pivot points in the right place is sometimes not possible.

There are companies that sell 'conversions", but if you do do a little digging around, you may find that many folks are not happy with the results after installation.

Later, mikey

[55LSTruck]

Thanks for the reply. I have heard others make the same comment you made about rack n pinion conversions. I am still intrigued by the Flaming River steering box that claims "Rack n Pinion" smoothness out of a conventional steering box design. $600 is a hefty price though. Do you know of anyone with experience with this type of setup? Here is a link to their product page. http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=330/category_id=191/home_id=80/mode=prod/prd330.htm

[mike6187]

Originally posted by: M 55LSTruck
Thanks for the reply. I have heard others make the same comment you made about rack n pinion conversions. I am still intrigued by the Flaming River steering box that claims "Rack n Pinion" smoothness out of a conventional steering box design. $600 is a hefty price though. Do you know of anyone with experience with this type of setup? ...

I read in other thread about this rack and pinion steering. Here was the link he gave ---> http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...inion_steering

Hope this will help you