[Fot] Quick ratio steering box for a TR6

[Bill Babcock]

First, these guys are talking about TR4/6 which have a rack and pinion  
steering system, and second, you have to be pretty forgiving to  
consider a worm and peg system to be predictable and quick. Vague and  
touchy is more like it. The worm gear gets worn and notchy, the ratio  
is not great at the center and goes the wrong way as the wheel is  
turned, it's miserable to try to eliminate bump steer, and there's a  
lot of slop in the system. That's why no one used them after 1962  
(that I can remember--not even golf carts).

Your Triumph feels good to you because it's lashed down like a go- 
cart. Honestly, if you drove a modern race car you'd be amazed that  
you can get around a track safely with a TR3. All the same, lots of  
folks in this very organization do it, and do it well. A triumph of  
effort over engineering. But don't mistake that for an adequate  
steering system. It would be okay for an oxcart, but that's about it.
On Sep 2, 2008, at 11:43 AM, Robert Lang wrote:

> On Tue, 2 Sep 2008, Steven Preiss wrote:
>
>> I am somewhat puzzled. My TR3 with worm and pivot box responds  
>> quickly and
>> predictably to minimal inputs from the standard 16+ inch wheel in  
>> fast-
>> road/ track like turns. This using 165R15 radials, slightly lowered  
>> springs,
>> modern gas shocks and a vintage TR4 front anti sway bar. It also  
>> tracks just
>> fine in a stright line. (Though I do experience cowl shake between  
>> 55 and 65
>> mph, it disappears at 70.) Its hard for me to imagine how a much  
>> quicker
>> steering response would improve handling, as cornering does require  
>> a firm,
>> mindful grip. However I am finding  that throttle input has as much  
>> if not
>> more effect on turn in and grip as steering.
>
> Hmm, different strokes for different folks.
>
> I run a TR6 with a quick rack and a 13" grant wheel. My car turns  
> _really
> quick_. I also run 10" slicks and the car is lowered with sway bars  
> and
> all that.