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Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: Suntuned on March 20, 2023, 02:29:54 PM

Title: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: Suntuned on March 20, 2023, 02:29:54 PM
Hello everyone , I'm new to the forum   I'm having my power steering Sector rebuilt on my 64 Fleetwood and was going to have them change the Ratio from 20-1 to 16-1 (3 1/4" box) or 14-1 ,14-1 ratio requires a 3" box . Has anyone done this to your Cadillac and did it improve the handling ?  How did you like it? Thanks
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: 6262 on March 21, 2023, 02:52:33 AM
Chris, may I ask who is 'Sector'?
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: Suntuned on March 21, 2023, 10:02:34 AM
Its the power steering box located on the frame that the steering column is attached to it.
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: klinebau on March 21, 2023, 12:34:27 PM
It's the sector gear inside the steering box.  This is the part that actually moves the pitman arm. 

GM used a variety of ratios in the Saginaw steering gear and different vehicles had different ratios.  Moving to another ratio will allow less steering input at the expense of more effort to move the steering wheel.  This will make it handle a bit more like a modern vehicle.  Whether this is good is a matter of personal preference.
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: Poncholover on March 21, 2023, 06:13:12 PM
You may find that 14 is a tad quick for a car this large but you certainly will not regret a 16:1.
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: 6262 on March 22, 2023, 02:41:18 AM


Thank you. Who rebuilds your steering box?
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: V63 on March 22, 2023, 03:18:06 AM
You might investigate a 'variable ratio' steering Box which was pioneered and offered in 1965 Cadillacs
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: Poncholover on March 22, 2023, 07:14:24 PM
V63, that is fascinating. Pontiac did not get until 1969!
Title: Re: 1964 steering Sector ratio
Post by: V63 on March 22, 2023, 11:23:26 PM
Quote from: Poncholover on March 22, 2023, 07:14:24 PMV63, that is fascinating. Pontiac did not get until 1969!

LINCOLN did not get it until 1980!