fast ratio steering opinion

[Belchfire]

Actually had a call out for opinions on 2 items I'm contemplating installing, just wanted any feedback first. Anyone ever install poly bushings in their rear leaf springs(how's the road feel affected?) and anyone ever intall a fast ratio pitman arm on their car? I have a '75 Duster. Thanks.

 

[fourspeed]

I had the poly rear spring eye bushings. They were a screamin' b!@#$ to install, and they got all deformed in the process. I'm using sliders now with aluminum bushings. Neither was ever "on the road" though...

A fast-ratio pitman and idler will not fit with most headers. Beware.

 

[C130 Chief]

Ive used poly rear spring bushings. Took me about an hour to install (maybe I got lucky) and worked well for what they were. That is, they were better than the dried up, pounded out originals. They did not however create an "instant race car". Road noise was not much louder if at all. I'll be installing the same on the 65.

As for the fast ratio, if you have manual steering, you can change the box to a 20:1 or 16:1 (24:1 stock). If power, you'll need a longer pittman arm which will probably not clear headers, pan, etc... The stock power steering was pretty quick to begin with.

 

[2 Darts]

C130 Chief has it right. MP has a 20:1 kit for the manual box. Stock power steering is supposedly 16:1.

When you speed up the steering box, especially manual, steering effort increases. If you swap out the stock steering wheel for one that is smaller in diameter, steering effort increases. Suggest you look at all plans in this area as it is possible to wind up with a car that has razor sharp steering but must be going over 10 mph to be able to use it.