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[C2] Manual steering

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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 05:15 PM
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Default Manual steering

I have a 65 coupe with manual steering (tele column) and a 66 roadster with manual steering (standard column). Both columns have been recently rebuilt. I replaced the steering box on both cars with rebuilt steering boxes. Tie rods are in the outer knuckle holes. I rebuilt both relay rods and lubed the linkage on both cars. However, I notice that the convertible is harder to steer (stiffer) than the coupe. Any ideas?

Dave K.
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 05:19 PM
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same kind of tires at the same PSI?
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 05:21 PM
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Were both boxes rebuilt by the same company? Freshly rebuilt boxes, especially those from Lonestar, have been known to be very hard to steer.
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 05:37 PM
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yes. Radals
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 05:37 PM
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Boxes rebuilt by Bair's Corvette
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 06:36 PM
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I would check to make sure the lash is set the same/properly on both boxes.
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 06:51 PM
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Make sure you have the same tires and alignment specs before drawing any conclusions.
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 07:02 PM
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Same tires and alignment specs. Cars were aligned at the same well recognized shop in my area.
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 07:12 PM
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Dave
Steering columns should not make a difference, tires, tire psi, alignment will. However based on what you said it sounds like a box issue. Bairs will stand behind their work so that is not an issue. You can certainly check it if you have access to a 0-30 in/lb dial TW. The box should be snug but not binding on high lash. Are the gears original or replacement? Do you have the box spec it was set up to?
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Old Sep 25, 2019 | 07:17 PM
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If you are sure your tie rod ends, idler arm and front suspension areas are all good/equal both cars then you have to wonder about the steering boxes no matter if/when rebuilt. I had a very similar problem on my car which had a previously rebuilt steering box. I eventually sent my box to Gary Ramadei who redid the rebuild and found many problems. Once reinstalled my steering was totally fixed. You could try switching your steering boxes (3 bolts, coupler and Pitman arm area not a huge job) from car to car. If the problem moves then there's your answer
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