Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Re: [GMCnet] Variable Ratio Steering Gear
| Re: [GMCnet] Variable Ratio Steering Gear [message #305691] |
Sat, 20 August 2016 22:12  |
Tom Whitton
Messages: 235
Registered: February 2004
Location: Paducah, KY
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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This past May marked the 15th year we have owned our GMC Motorhome. I love the machine but, I'm sorry to admit, it never has steered very well. For several years it has met Dave Lenzi's alignment specs, Alex Farrara's top dead center specs, along with the correct front and rear ride height specs. It has new Sully bags in the rear and all Lenzi steering gear in the front (with the exception of the steering box). In 15-years, it has had 3-different steering boxes but steering wheel play and road wondering has continued. I got used to it but, again, it never steered very well. I began to think questionable steering was just the way it was with the GMC.
Bob Stone has driven from his place, about 50-miles away, more than a few times to try to help me get it right. He has perfected string alignment. Using his setup, he checks the alignment that was done at a professional shop, giving particular attention to the toe-in specs. A while back in an effort to get it right once and for all, he loaned me one of his steering boxes to see if that would make a difference. Using his box, it drove better than before. Obviously, the test proved that I definitely needed still another steering box. But, Bob needed his box back. So, I looked around for another box (my 4th). I talked with Alex Farrara, Dave Lenzi, Manny and others. I made up my mind to go for a variable ratio box because I learned that they do not require as much turning of the steering wheel to keep the coach going straight on the highway. For me, that's where excess steering play typically reared its ugly head.
I'm sure Manny's new but pricey variable ratio box is excellent. Dave Lenzi's rebuilt variable ratio box, I'm sure is also excellent but, unfortunately, Dave can't get the necessary parts these days to build a box to his liking. Jim K from Applied sells a rebuilt variable ratio box for a reasonable price ($398 plus core and freight). I decided to buy his box. This past week Bob Stone came back to my place. We once again checked the alignment and toe-in using his system. It was good. Then, we removed his loaned box, set top dead center, and installed the rebuilt Box from Jim K and again checked the alignment and toe. We weren't taking any chances. Yesterday, I took the coach out on a 4-lane limited access highway for a 20-mile check. The difference was dramatic! It steers better that it ever has since I have owned it - probably not as good as a new Mercedes Benz but pretty darned good. I would say maybe as good as a new full sized van. The play in the steering wheel is gone and the coach holds a straight line at highway speed. I highly recommend Jim's Variable Ratio Steering Gear. Results may vary but it worked for me!
I told Jim on the phone this afternoon that I was so satisfied with his steering gear that I was going to sing his praises on the GMC Net, so there it is, Jim, and every word is true.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it,
Tom Whitton
26 foot updated GMC
Paducah, KY
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