Steering Update -65-66

I installed the FR box (16:1) in my '65 fastback. The results are wonderful compared to the original worn gearbox which was really scary. I'm not saying its as good as rack and pinion but its not priced way up there either and there are no fitment problems.

Putting one of these in '65/'66 is complicated by the fact that the steering shaft is rigidly attached. Here's my replacement sequence:

a. pull Pitman arm (wheels straight ahead)
b. remove driver's seat (get it out of the way)
c. remove steering wheel and spring (don't need to remove upper part or turn signal switch.
d. disconnect column electrical plugs and pull column sleeve. It comes out easily.

- there's a conical centering bushing in the top of the column, wiggle loose column back and forth to dislodge conical bushing. Remove column by sliding it off the steering shaft.

e. Remove left body strut brace (export brace). You may have to also remove left exhaust manifold or headers and lower them so they will provide extra clearance near the top of the shock tower.

f. with column sleeve off, unbolt gearbox from car frame. Its heavy so suspend it with rope or wire or second set of hands. Leave suspended allowing shaft to drop to interior floor.

g. Lift gearbox vertically upward rotating pitman shaft to clear valve covers, draw out over top front of engine.

Replace gearbox in reverse order of disassembly. Pitman arm is indexed so be sure to get indices in line before bolting it up to the new gear box.

- Before installing Pitman be sure wheels remain straight ahead. Rotate steering wheel fully left then fully right (4 turns lock to lock). Return the steering wheel to center by coming back two complete turns.

- After installing Pitman Arm be sure to repeat (4 turns) lock to lock test. May not go fully to limit as suspension has limiters down on the lower A arms. Should be equal each side of center.

Car may require front end alignment to center the spokes of the steering wheel.

Good luck! You'll really appreciate it after having one of those scary original boxes in your car.

I put in a Flamingriver 16:1 box in my 65....love it...steering is quite precise, no dead spot in the middle and even with the extra weight of my cleveland and 235 tires, efforts its all that bad once I am doing 2 MPH.

To those who have installed the Flaming River Steering Box - How is the steering effort, compared to stock?

Thanks,
Tim