4 turn vs 6 turn steering box

[OB Bronco]

This maybe a dumb question but when they say six turn box, is that six from lock to lock? I guess what I'm asking is, if the tires are straight it would be three turns to lock either way? Then six total travel lock to lock? And, a four turn would be two to one side and four total?

 

[suthernboy]

Correct.

 

[Viperwolf1]

That's right. 6 turn is really like a 24:1 ratio. 4 turn is about 17:1.

 

[DirtDonk]

And the 6-turn boxes were found stock on all EB's with manual steering, and power steering up to '76. For '76 and '77 they were the quicker 4-turn type.
As were most other trucks at the time. And numbers are approximate, as both are usually just over that. Like 4 1/4 turns or some such.

Quicker seems better up to a point, but a lot of personal preference comes into the choice too. Now that we actually have choices.

Paul

 

[OB Bronco]

Thanks! I have a 6 turn on the 75' Bronco I'm building. I'm trying to decide whether to go to a 4 turn when I have it rebuilt or stay with the 6. I'll be running 2.5" lift - 2" body lift - 35's BFG's. My modern truck is a 6 turn and seems fine. It seems like a 4 turn on a short wheel base would be really twitchy?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Thanks! I have a 6 turn on the 75' Bronco I'm building. I'm trying to decide whether to go to a 4 turn when I have it rebuilt or stay with the 6. I'll be running 2.5" lift - 2" body lift - 35's BFG's. My modern truck is a 6 turn and seems fine. It seems like a 4 turn on a short wheel base would be really twitchy?

It's not that bad. Takes a few days to get used to the change but drives nice on the highway. If you have any slop in the system it would seem twitchy.

 

[OB Bronco]

Thanks, for the info.

 

[kancox]

i swapped my 6 turn for a 4turn to get some feel of resistance in the steering wheel. to me the 6 turn was too easy and therefore touchy. the 4 turn gave me more of the feel of a modern vehicle

 

[dukeflr]

I sent my 73 PS Box to West Texas Offroad a few months back. They rebuilt it and converted it to a "quick steer" box for $310. I think the ratio is about 3.5-4.0 now. I'm really happy with it. It took a drive or so to get used to it, but I feel it's a good upgrade over the 6 turn ratio. West Texas Offroad was real good to deal with too. Very happy with their work and customer service.

 

[golfobx]

just sent mine in last week to west texas for the same upgrade...the customer service has been top notch

 

[Glass Pony]

Put me on the list of folks that sent their box to WTOR for a rebuild and quick steer upgrade. Did mine a couple months ago and like they said, great folks to deal with and great upgrade.

 

[OB Bronco]

Thanks for the input. West Texas was who I was planning on using. How much was the total for the rebuild and conversion from 6 to 4ish?

 

[Glass Pony]

Like dukeflr said about $310 plus the ride which for me was about $50 each way.
http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/files/RNRREVISED_ORDER_FORM.htm

 

[OB Bronco]

Ok, Thanks!

 

[Pa PITT]

... I didn't read the post above. But I say go to the 4 turn .. When Hunting Buddy & I went hunting in New Mexico.. My Bronco has the 4 turn .. All day of hunting & almost wheeling .. The 4 turn I don't have to steer near as much..
.. With his 6 turn He is all over his and he gets really tired after the full day of twisting the wheel.

 

[Whoaa]

One byproduct of a close-ratio box not to be overlooked is the super sensitive control, some have mentioned "touchy".
This becomes a safety issue because these old bronco's are known for poor handling/driving characteristic's. A little bump in the road, and then a little bump steer upsetting the Bronco can give you the sensation that you got thrown 4 feet sideways..this can become a problem w/ a stock diameter steering wheel because you can over-correct very easily.

I went from a stock 76/77' model year close ratio box, to an aftermarket steering box that one of the popular venders sell, thats even a closer ratio. I'm right at 2 turns from center to lock, w/ my bump-stops on the knuckles set as open as posible, mounted w/ 37" rubber.

Its important to have all of the steering components tight, trac bar bushings tight and @ 100%, if you wanna fly down the hiway at 70 mph w/ one hand gently laying on the steering wheel.

The answer for me was to use an smaller diameter aftermarket steering wheel.

 

[OB Bronco]

I appreciate all the input from everyone, Thanks!

 

[matts460]

Shouldn't forget that ford power steering pumps are variable with speed so the slower you go the more they work and when cruiseing hiway should reduce there action for more steering feel= less twitchy feel. Also less turn box =more feel but quicker response to get job done. Good upgrade on old mustangs when road racing too. Hard to beat less turn box for about anything.

 

[golfobx]

Just heard from west Texas offroad. Took them 2 days to rebuild and convert to 4 turn and get it shipped back out. Can't beat that.

 

[Joe473]

Like dukeflr said about $310 plus the ride which for me was about $50 each way.
http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/files/RNRREVISED_ORDER_FORM.htm

Thanks for the link on the order form. How did you ship it? UPS? Last time I tried shipping something they wouldnt accept it if the item moved around in the box. Could be a pain on a steering box.