Need to replace my oem manual gear box. What ratio makes the most since in a drag car ? I don't want it to be too sensitive, but also don't want to have to turn it 2 full turns when something crazy happens. I see boxes available in 24:1 and 16:1. Also wondering the change in ratio if you put a fast ratio T/A pitman to the 24:1 box ?

I wood leave it stock. increasing ratio would make it too sensitive. One of the biggest problems with crashes is over correcting so faster ratio would only compound the problem.

Have a manual OEM aluminum box?? How much lighter could it be?

I like the standard ratio in the original A and B body cars, reducing the steering wheel diameter does affect how hard they are to turn and how quick the car starts to turn.
My current S/P car has a early rack and pinion that is probably around a 12 to 1 ratio with a very small diameter steering wheel in it and it is a bear to turn when sitting still or barely moving, not so bad after 20+ MPH.

Would the second biggest problem be under correcting, and a faster ratio would then reduce the problem? :

To me its still the driver, over-correcting is caused by limited driver skill set and onset of driver panic with their steering inputs

Everyone is different, choose your ratio wisely..

3 turns lock to lock is normal.

I agree with this... I have a short wheel base car and needed to
slow the ratio twice to get what I wanted.. a rack and pinion set up

thanks for the responses. I have an ebody with the 24:1 box, and for me it's too slow of a ratio. I am going to look around and see what is available.

For me it was easy to change ratios.. I changed the length of the
steering arms.. on a strut its simple just make new arms

we went from 24:1 to 16:1 (manual) in the stock car & it was a night & day improvement, before it was hand over hand in the corners to turn it. In a 1/4 mile drag car I would think there'd be minimal turning in that pretty much strait line 1/4 mile stretch but I ain't a drag racer so I am just thinking out loud (FWIW). As said I would set in/test drive one that had the 16:1 & see what you think before you invest your time/$$$.

Isnt there a 20:1 ratio also?

I had mine rebuilt and had a 20:1 put in.

Somebody on here did it, not sure who, been a long time ago. Maybe Resto by Rick?

I have mustangII rack in my dart, and the steering arms are shotened up a lot, to 2 1/4 turns lock to lock and about 45 degrees turn on the inside wheel. What this deal has done for me is allow me to make a snap correction at speed, and come out of a big slide ok. So as you can guess, I like fast ratios! Putting extra caster in really helps keep the car on track. Just don't overdo it. If you lose your grip on the wheel in a turn, it can do serious damage to some fingers.

Standard Pinto rack and spindles on mine were 20:1. Was satisfactory, but I wouldn't have wanted it any slower and wouldn't have minded it being a bit quicker.

I don't want to wait to have mine re-built as the racing season in va. is starting now. I had the car at the track for the first time this past weekend and it's clear I need a new box. The one I have in it I bought used and re-built it using the stock gears, as I couldn't find any new gears. I'll see if I can find a 20:1 at good price. Rockauto has 24:1 for $317 and 16:1 for $270. They are called new, but the fine print I see says new gears. I think it's just a re-built box. A new box at $500-600 doesn't excite me as I'm tired of spending. maybe new gears are now available.....

I would try contacting Firm Feel to see what they offer as far as ratio, gears and rebuilding or exchanging yours
I have two stock boxes that will be used on both my future projects, I'm going to need the couplers for the stock standard steering shafts though, maybe I should call firm feel now

Currently the best deal going on a 20:1 aluminum manual steering boxes is on ebay for around $150.

The best deal going on a 16:1 manual box is around $300 from PST.

For fast ratio power steering you have similar, more expensive options.

Now why would you use a stock solid steering shaft instead of CM tube?

There both street cars, KISS

Totally agree with Gregsdart.
I also favor fast ratios. Great advice on caster also.

Pulled the trigger on a PST 16:1 box. USA made, lifetime warranty. $299 shipped. I'll update when it's on the car. thanks all

Brian

The standard ratio on a drag car is plenty quick. Getting crooked early in the run is one thing. Being out past the 660 is another.Trust me, being sideways at 100 plus on the right 2 tires takes minimal input to come out without touching anything. Been there.
Doug

I agree. Been there

The best ratio will vary slightly with your upper body strength, steering wheel diameter, the car's wheelbase, caster angle, weight on the front wheels, top speed, suspension stiffness overall, etc.
Something I was told long ago: if you ever had to move your hand position on the wheel during a run it's too slow.

Noted!