STeering ratio between CJs and FSJs

[gert]

Hey guys I was lookin in my FSM today and it says that the CJs came with a fixed ratio 17.5 steering box at 1100psi and the FSJs got a variable ratio16.5-13 at 1500 psi Has anyone swapped in the faster ratio steering gear?

 

[mylittlecj5]

I put in a PSC power steering box last year. It is a variable ratio box just like the FSJ uses.
I really like the feel of the wheel now! Its easier to turn while moving slow, but not touchy when your out on the highway.
Do I recommend one? yes. Maybe not the pricey PSC box, but I couldn't source a used one locally anywhere at the time.

This is the one I bought. I looked for your '83, but they don't seem to have the variable steering listed, just the OEM unit.
'72-'79 CJ Variable Ratio Steering Gear-SG762S : Gears and Components, Jeep | PSC Motorsports - performance steering components

 

[gert]

Ahh yes PSC I have been drooling over that website the last day or two. They do have two of them...steering assist SG762MR $439 and non assist SG762M $379......MYLITTLECJ5 when I used to drive my CJ it seemed like I was turning a tractor trailer around and then I looked at the service manual yesterday when I was printing it out and now I know why I am just suprised I dont hear about people reccomending grabbing the steering boxes off Waggies when they are grabbing the axles. I personally think it would be a great swap Do you think that there is any drawbacks to having the faster ratio?

 

[mylittlecj5]

My Jeep has been down for a while, but I haven't found a single reason to be dis-satisfied with the variable ratio. Lots of advantages,tho, like its a bolt-in swap for my stock box.
It is a distinct advantage when crawling at low speeds to have the quicker ratio. Much easier to turn the wheels fully side-to-side.
Another thing I changed at the time was the drop pitman arm. I found that most drop pitman arms are just a bent stock, non-drop arm. This makes them shorter then the non-drop ones. I found a drop pitman arm that was a little longer overall length than mine, and installed it. Now I have complete lock-to-lock steering as well as a quicker turn factor.
The combination of the two mods makes for a completely different vehicle. Things that I had to take 2 or 3 shots at, are now an easy turn of the wheel to get around.
HTH!