Working on a 66 small block. Who has converted to rack and pinion steering using the Steeroid kit. Was it easy to install, how does the steering feel now, would you recommend?

Thanks for all comments.

 

I also have a '66 small block and I installed the Steeroids rack and pinion steering 7-8 years ago. I did the install by myself in my garage with the car on jack stands over a weekend. Very good instructions were provided and was a pretty straightforward install. Steering is greatly improved and I would highly recommend it. It also allowed me to go to a smaller steering wheel.

 

I have it on my 66 and I consider it a must upgrade. The only downside is the larger turning radius which you quickly get use to. I can cruise at 70 mph with the car going straight. It took about 5 hours to install. If you get binding, follow their their directions on the solution. You may also want to get the lower steering column bearing before you start. You will love it.

 

I also have a 66 small block and installed a steeroids system that I bought on craigslist 18 months ago. I believe my package is an older package that included the "double upper" u-joints (I believe the newer application now includes a single upper u-joint). While I generally find the steering to be way better than my original non power system, I'm going to investigate switching to the single upper u-joint to eliminate a small amount of "play" that is inherent in the double u-joint. Overall, this is a very good upgrade.

Tom

 

Tom, I wasn't aware of a change to a single upper u-joint as mine is also the double. If you make the change, please open a thread and let us know how it goes.

 

Warren . . . two of my "Forum" friends also have the steeroids system and they have both converted to a single upper u-joint. One is Kimmo (owner of the world's fastest C2) from Finland - the other is Tom Selby (Sky65). Kimmo had his car at my house 2 years ago on his 1st visit to the US and I got a close look at his car then. He's the one who suggested I swap the double u-joint to a single to eliminate the play that's inherent in the double joint. His single joint is at the very top of the column where the column exits the firewall. I have yet to see Tom's application as he just got his car back this week from being in the body shop for the past year,

 

I have it in my 67 and love it. I do have a little play in that upper double joint. I will have to look into changing that.

 

I went to Steeroids website and could only find pics of the double u-joint. Can someone post a pic of their single? Does the steering shaft need to be shortened?

I got mine working smoothly after lots of trial and error. The geometry of the old design isn't ideal. Overall very happy with the feel of the rack.

 

There is a CF member, Mickey, who has a longer shaft with a single u joint on each end. He cut his steering shaft so the shaft going to the rack is longer. I like the idea but I think you have to cut the steering shaft. The angle is much better.

 

My 65 (L79) is stock with manual steering. Nice driver...not a show car. Corners a little sloppy but typical for mid 60s technology. Would love to have a more responsive steering. Any problem after applying steeroids rack to returning the car to original at some point. Not intending to do any radical road racing. Is there a less expensive alternative? Thanks -- Bill

 

It was a straightforward install that required absolutely no cutting, drilling or welding, except for about cutting 1/2 inch off the bottom of the steering column.

Not sure of a less expensive alternative rack and pinion. I know several forum members have gone the Borgusen route, which many seem to like, but it isn't a rack and pinion setup. I'm sure someone will chime in on that conversion.

 

Here ya go:

 

Thanks, but actually that's the same as mine.

FYI there's a page on Steeroids website with a list of headers, says which ones need to be dimpled. I have some antique Appliance headers, they aren't on the list. I doubt that anyone else is still running these but I didn't have to dent my headers.

 

Edit: With some reading I have more or less answered my own questions.
The Borgeson drives as well as the Steeroids but is simpler and cheaper. So I think I'm going to choose that.

Still interested to hear opinions though...

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Great timing on this post!

I also have a '66 small block with manual steering and I need to choose between:
Factory power steering
Borgeson power steering
Steeroids rack & pinion power steering

The car is in the US getting ready to be shipped to me in Europe so I can't drive it to see how it feels now and I have to make a decision soon soon to get the work done before the car ships.

The car has stock suspension (but with gas shocks). It is just a fun driver for weekend trips and winding back roads. No racing or really hard driving.

The shop that is doing the work is discouraging me from doing the Steeroids rack & pinion thing. Thay say that after the install the steering is too sharp and it oversteers.

Is that really the case or they've just had some not accurate bad experiences?

For a regular street driver, will I really notice the difference in switching to Steeroids rack & pinion vs a standard power steering install?

If I don't do the rack & pinion, what is the advantage of Borgeson power steering over the factory setup?

I definitely want to switch to power steering of some sort, it's just a question of which option.

Thanks for any wisdom!

 

Just to be clear, the Borgeson is simpler and cheaper than the Steeroids because it is not a rack and pinion setup. Not to say it is a bad option, but it's comparing apples to oranges. The Borgeson is a replacement for the stock steering box whereas Steeroids is a complete rack and pinion steering setup.