'55 F100, 305 and a Camaro front clip....Essentially a stock Camaro with an F100 body and the power steering is waaayyy to fast without any road feel....Did GM make different pumps?....Different size pulleys on their pumps?....Inquirering minds want to know how to slow it down
I know this is completely unhelpful and probably rude... but I feel it must be said. I feel sorry for that old F-100. You could try using a pump from near same year chevy truck. But being as it is virtually a stock camaro. I don't see how it could have gotten so far off.
pump won't change how fast it turns. You need another gear box. and they made several in in different turn ratios. first find out what gear box you have. look for casting numbers. also turn the steering wheel completely to one side and then back to the other counting how many turns it takes. if it is a first gen camaro, 4.5 turns is a stock base model. 2.3 turns is '69 variable ratio. The gear box will also affect the "feel" and how much assist the box gives. Unfortunately usually more feel goes it quicker turning for the performance cars.
Eddie, It ought to feel just like it did in the Camaro. Are you using the factory hoses too? Or did you get custom ones made? Maybe they had a restrictor in there somewhere? I can't see the box being the issue, but what is it's ratio? Compare that with others and see if yours is, for some reason, too fast. Does it turn real easy sitting still too? maybe getting full assist all the time? I'd be more likely to believe that It's getting full pressure when it shouldn't be. Maybe the pressure valve in the pump is stuck? I am assuming that the pitman arm and all are from the Camaro, right? Changing something like that would change basic geometry. Even if you had a large steering wheel I would think it would be close to the same. If you are totally stumped reach out to someplace to Borgesen's to see if they can help.
The size of the steering wheel may also help. If it's small it will turn faster than a larger one. I know this may be a minimal difference but still a difference. BloodyKnuckles
As far as i know. it's all stock Camaro, including the hoses...{Sorry Stick. i didn't build it...It is what it is}....The wheel is a '56 Chevy so it's a big wheel....The feel of this thing reminds me of 60's-70's Chrysler which i remember feeling way over assisted
I'm also thinking of stepping up in tire width...Would this be a noticeable difference, say i went from a 195 to a 225?
So is the problem too much assist or too fast of steering - they are two different things with different solutions.
I wish I'd put an adjustable valve in mine like this: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/displ...eBase&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleBase
Hope you don't have your front clip installed way to straight up an down, check your camber & caster ..............................
You can add a plate to the back of the pump at the pressure end. It is orfice plate I got one for car at the local speed shop it was less than 20 bucks!
different companies make adjustable valves to "firm" up the feel, but unless you went with something like the magnasteer in newer gm trucks and some cars, you will just have to deal with you super assited steering.
That's what I'm thinking... Do the wheels center themselves when you come out of a corner? Do you have to hold the wheel in a straight line while going down the road? http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html
Put an angle finder on the top of the top "A" arm, tell us what it says..................................
I'm a little surprised by this problem since you moved the entire front clip form the Camaro over to the pickup. I would have thought the steering would feel about the same. Usually this is a problem when someone uses a GM pump with a Mustang II power rack. In any case, you can try one of the adjustable valves from any number of dealers such as Speedway or Heidt's. I've also been told that a power steering pump rebuilder can rebuild your pump for what ever steering ratio you want. IF that's the case you check your yellow pages for a rebuilder. Short of that you can just learn to steer fast and keep alert. That's what I did.
Easy way to fix would be some restriction as stated. That Speedway valve looks like an inexpensive thing to try. Cheaper than tires for sure. That is assuming all the alignment stuff was ok.
Adjustable valve that will let you dial in the pressure http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Adjustable-Power-Steering-Valve,14895.html originally designed for using Ford racks with GM pumps, this will also slow down the assit on a GM stet up. http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BSP%2DRP1300&N=700+%2D207571+115&autoview=sku
Like said before, this is usually a problem with GM pump to MII rack if it's a geometery/setup problem the restriction/valve thingy will only be a bandade ............ JMO
I agree that I would look at caster setting in particular before adding one of the valves I listed, but by the same token I always thought those Camaro's were way over assited stock!
"I know this is completely unhelpful and probably rude... but I feel it must be said". I often wonder how many new members have questions that could be answered by all the knowledgable people on this forum, but never ask because they are affraid someone will post a comment reflecting their own feelings and opinions. Unless someone seeks opinions about their vehicle or project, don't give yours...
OK been there done that--Easy FIX and here is the way--Remove the pressure regulator-Thats the big nut where the pressure line screws in--It will have a tube on the back attached to the nut--Take a hack saw and about 3/16 from the end cut a straight cut (like your going to shorten it)--- Cut a little less that 1/2 way through--Remove hack saw and go back about 1/8 inch and angle cut it to the first cut--It will look like a whistle--thats it-We did this on circle track cars with PS to reduce the pressure and get wheel feel again
is the problem when you are on the highway 60-70+ mph? i have driven cars with toooo fast of steering on the highways. i hate it! my 34 ford truck drove AWESOME & straight as an arrow on any highway or 2 lane 65 mph & under one thumb on the wheel & i was very relaxed but once over that 65 mph i was 'ALERT' drove good but i had a grip on the wheel. i had a short pitman arm ------ i changed to a different steer box now with a longer pitman arm ill know in a month when i get it back out & ill fuk with that front end everyday until im relaxed & very comfy at 100.
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