What is meant by N44 versus Quick ratio

[KurtS]

I thought this was directly answered here:
http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#steer

No way to ID any gearbox externally - it's just a case that different innards could be installed.

[william]

So far I'm starting to think my original thought is correct (so far  ), N44 is based on the gearing within the box giving a fast(er) turn ratio when coupled with the 227 pitman and shorter steering arms but not a part of the RPO Z28 package.  But that is what makes this hobby fun and interesting, even 50 years on there are riddles that need answers. 

No.

There are two measures for steering ratio; gear and overall. Power steering was variable ratio, new for '69.

#1. The standard [exc Z/28] manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 28.3:1 [overall]. 4.8 turns L-L. Standard production steering gear, 5.25" pitman arm, long steering arms.

#2. The standard Z/28 manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 21.4:1 [overall]. 3.5 turns L-L. Standard production steering gear, 5.75" pitman arm, short steering arms.

#3. The standard [exc Camaro SS and Z/28] power steering ratio was 16.0:1-12.4:1 [gear] 15.5:1-12.8:1 [overall]. 2.16 turns L-L. Standard production power steering gear, 5.25" pitman arm, long steering arms.

#4. The standard Camaro SS and Z/28 power steering ratio was 16.0:1-12.4:1 [gear] 14.5:1-10.8:1 [overall]. 2.06 turns L-L. Standard production power steering gear, 5.75" pitman arm, short steering arms.

2,161 Camaros were built with N44 special steering equipment. What that means is an overall steering ratio faster than standard equipment for the application, not a specific ratio. N44 as a discrete option is rare, only 2,161 orders.

N44 ordered on a manual steering Camaro, exc Z/28: same as #2.

N44 ordered [incl Z/28 & SS] on a power steering Camaro: same as #4.

N44 ordered on a manual steering Z/28: 20:1 [gear] 17.9:1 [overall]. 2.9 turns L-L. Optional steering gear, 5.75" pitman arm, short steering arms.

There were 101,478 Camaros built with manual steering, 141,607 built with power steering. Production numbers indicate 83% of N44 optioned cars were not Z/28s: 1,796.

That means 99.85% of 1969 Camaros were built with standard production steering gears.

[camaronut]

William... great explanation...  now for another zinger...

Were the idler arms all the same???  I would assume it's different according to the pitman man being used?

Geez... this is giving me a headache.....

[william]

The 1971 P & A manual only lists one part number: 3989447.

[jk1969z28]

#2. The standard Z/28 manual steering ratio was 24.8:1 [gear] 21.4:1 [overall]. 3.5 turns L-L. Standard production steering gear, 5.75” pitman arm, short steering arms.
[/quote]

Nice info William!!!

Just so I'm clear -

1. My car, 1969 Z/28 with the manual box and steering gear as shown (standard production) in earlier posts, with the 227 (5.75 inch) pitman arm, and short steering arms did not come ordered or would be considered having RPO N44?

2. If my car HAD come with the other steering gear (part 5678504) and 227 pitman arm and short steering arms then the original buyer ordered it with RPO N44?

If both of the answers above are true, then I believe I am good 

Thanks all,
Jerry

[rszmjt]

So how can you tell a N44 box out of car?

Thanks
Mike

[jk1969z28]

Hi Mike, I believe you have to take it apart and compare the worm gear it to the picture I posted, if I'm correct in my assumption, if the gear looks like the top one then it would be an N44, but again it would not be an "N44 box" all the manual boxes are the same.

[rszmjt]

Jerry, So no difference on the bench if you count the number of turns of the input to the output?

[adjudimo]

Hi Mike, I believe you have to take it apart and compare the worm gear it to the picture I posted, if I'm correct in my assumption, if the gear looks like the top one then it would be an N44, but again it would not be an "N44 box" all the manual boxes are the same.

From everything I have read and the info posted thus far, I am thinking that you are correct. That top worm gear shaft sure appears that it would definitely make the steering super quick lock to lock. As mentioned, probably a little too quick for everyday street use for sure.

[jk1969z28]

Mike, You might be able to deduce that from William's post, I would either get it wrong or just confuse the situation :-)

[rszmjt]

Thanks for the reply's ! Maybe William can clarify his post if the lock to lock was in the car or just the steering box?

William I have Canada docs on a 68 RS/SS 396/375 hp, M22 car with N40 and N44 on GM sheet .

[william]

I interpret L-L to mean at the steering wheel.

[rich69rs]

My '69 RS is nothing special, just a lowly plane jane, 210 hp base V8 Coupe with Powerglide and a 2.73:1 open rear end.  Great car to cruise around in and get the heads turning but not a performance ride to say the least. 

From Mr. Pozzi's website and other postings on this site:

1969 Variable Ratio Power Steering; RPO N40 with Quick Ratio Steering RPO N44:
•   2.06 turns lock to lock
•   Utilized short outer steering arms and long pitman arm
•   16.1:1 on center
•   12.4:1 off center
•   14.3:1 overall over all ratio

OUTER STEERING ARM
Short Arm (Approximate 5.25" length between center of spindle to center of tie rod hole)
•   Left Hand part and casting number 3954875
•   Right Hand part and casting number 3954876

PITMAN ARM:
The pitman arm used for the fast ratio (RPO N44) steering option is approximately 5.8" long.

IDLER ARM
The 1968-69 models used an idler arm which is approximately 5.25" long.

Back in Feb 2004 when I was restoring the front suspension, I came across a surprise.  Previously, on multiple occasions while out driving the car, I had noticed / verified that there is just a little over 2 turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock. 

During front suspension disassembly and restoration I verified that the pitman arm is approximately 5.8" long and that I had the SHORT OUTER STEERING ARMS.  Refer to the pictures.  The first two are the left hand side, the last two are the right hand side.

Previously William posted:  "2,161 [1969]Camaros were built with N44 special steering equipment....Perhaps half of N44 cars (1,080) were not Z-28." 

Well, my poor ol' ride, for whatever reason, appears to be one of the approximately 1,080 non-Z28 1969 Camaros produced with the N40/N44 combination.

Stay Safe,

Richard

[william]

1. My car, 1969 Z/28 with the manual box and steering gear as shown (standard production) in earlier posts, with the 227 (5.75 inch) pitman arm, and short steering arms did not come ordered or would be considered having RPO N44?

No. It has standard equipment Z/28 steering. Chevrolet was careful not to state N44 was included with Z/28 equipment-just 'quick-ratio' steering. Ordering info for N44 does not state 'exc. Z/28'.

2. If my car HAD come with the other steering gear (part 5678504) and 227 pitman arm and short steering arms then the original buyer ordered it with RPO N44?

Yes. Would have had to be ordered with N44.

[jk1969z28]

Almost there I think, TRUE or FALSE - my car as built has "quick-ratio" but is not an N44 car?  And that question when we get right down to it, was the main reason for starting this thread :-)