Gen1 steering rack ratio

[U_SHO?]

I just replaced my rack with a SLO rack model 22214. On my first SHO I used the same part number and was pretty pleased with it - all I had to do was replace the stoppers from the old rack but it felt as good or better compared to my original rack.

Forward to last week, my rack went bad in my new(er) SHO and I decided to get the same one like I did on the old car (still free under lifetime warranty) but I really don't like the feel of it. It is overly boosted and feels numb in cornering, and is touchy at high speed. It feels completely different than what I was used to. There were a few threads here with contradicting opinions on if the ratio between SLO and SHO rack (part no 22228) but really no one answer. I have two questions hoping to address this:

1) Can someone with stock rack on Gen1 count how many turns are lock to lock on the original rack - or center to lock on one side

2) Is it possible to reduce boost and valving in the rack? Will the rack feel stiffer over time after the initial new fluid messes up a bit

Thanks

 

[the4biddendonut]

Next time I drive my 91, I'll count the the turns. One question I have is if there is another rack with a better ratio.

My car has a wider turning radius than our 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. The Trailblazer has a longer wheel base too.

 

[U_SHO?]

Thanks, I was hoping someone still has original rack on the car

I guess we will find out. I feel with this rack (or the new stoppers) the turning radius is even greater now.

 

[U_SHO?]

SLO rack 22-214 ratio

My new rack turned 2.5 turns exactly lock to lock or one and a quarter turn from center to either side lock

For some reason it seems to have a quicker ratio to me than the original SHO rack. Too much boost makes it feel disconnected. Not sure if that will go away or not...

Can anyone measure the original rack turn ratio pls?

 

[FastAndFurious]

My concerns are:
1.) Rack ratio - Gen 1/2 is 2.52, the Gen 3 is 2.7, therefore a slower steering ratio.

Original thread is here

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?p=1145043#post1145043

 

[U_SHO?]

So is it safe to say that SLO and SHO racks have the same ratio on Gen1? The thread you pointed to was discussing about replacing Gen3 racks

Can I do something about the power assist level that must be making my new rack feel so different?

 

[93rev2sev]

My original SHO rack is 2.5 lock to lock, also. I think that when they're rebuilt, they open up the valvebodies a little.

I agree, new cardone rebuilds are overboosted and numb.

 

[the4biddendonut]

Next time I drive my 91, I'll count the the turns. One question I have is if there is another rack with a better ratio.

My car has a wider turning radius than our 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. The Trailblazer has a longer wheel base too.

After posting this, I realized that the ratio won't affect the turning radius.

Mine was 2.5 turns also.

 

[U_SHO?]

Thanks guys, I think this thread should help folks make decisions which rack part number to get

Maybe over time the rack assist level may drop like it did on the other racks I owned, or should I just put some sugar in the steering fluid reservoir