'72 Adjustable Steering Ratio

[Wendell Allen]

Hi All..........

According to page 9-5 of the factory service manual for my '72 with power steering:

"The Corvette steering ratio may be changed as follows: CAUTION: Do not use the rearward hole in the steering arm with power steering equipment or interference may result." Etc, etc, etc.

It goes on to say that by moving the tie rod end to a different hole on the steering arm, I can have either a 17.6:1, or 20.2:1 ratio.

This whole scenario poses a couple of questions.

First, are any of you aware of this and do you have experience with it? If so, how'd it turn out?

Secondly, my car has power steering. The fact that there are only two options, and the manual cautions against using the rearward hole for P/S equipped cars, makes me believe that I can not adjust this aspect of my car. Am I reading this right?

As Always, Wendell

[Jeff M.]

Re: '72 Adjustable Steering Ratio

you are correct in your assumption. With power steering, you already have the quick ratio steering.

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 Adjustable Steering Ratio

Wendell-----

You're reading it right; with power steering you cannot use the alternate tie rod end holes in the steering arms. For all power steering cars, the setting is already at the "fast" ratio and you cannot opt for the lower ratio without the risk of steering linkage interference. In fact, some C2s and, possibly, some early C3s with power steering had an aluminum rivet installed in the "standard" ratio holes in the steering arms in an effort to prevent the use of that position. Some later C3s, after power steering became standard equipment in 1977, do not have the alternate tie rod position on the steering arms, at all.

On manual steering cars if the tie rod ends are switched to the "fast" steering ratio position, the steering ratio will be increased but at the expense of increased steering effort. For manual steering Corvettes, increased steering effort is usually not a desirable thing.

[Patrick H.]

Re: '72 Adjustable Steering Ratio

Joe,

My power steering equipped 1971, number 19518, has the aluminum rivets in the other holes as you describe.

Patrick

[Gary S.]

Re: '72 Adjustable Steering Ratio

I just took some digital photos of my outer tie rods to show to another NCRS member and the aluminum rivet is clearly shown on a couple of them. Gary 21316