CVPI Question

jenrick · 08-06-2012, 17:10

I'm currently working on writing a lesson plan for our in-service driving course. I need a piece of info that I'm not able to find at the moment, so if anyone could help me out I'd appreciate it. The question: What year did the CVPI change it's steering ratio? What did it used to be, and what is it now?

Thanks!

-Jenrick

blueiron · 08-06-2012, 17:21

Wow. That's a bit of Ford trivia.

I have no clue, but perhaps a call to the local Ford service manager might be helpful.

jenrick · 08-06-2012, 17:25

Yeah I know it's out there. I'm going to swing by the garage tomorrow and see if they can help me out. Figured I'd see if any gear heads here could help me out though.

-Jenrick

NEOH212 · 08-06-2012, 18:03

While I'm not sure on the ration change over, Ford did switch to rack and pinion steering in 2003 on the CVPI (A major improvement by the way.)

I'M Glockamolie · 08-06-2012, 18:38

I'm not sure of the ratio change numerically, but the change is going to be from 2002 with recirc ball steering boxes to rack and pinion in 2003, as noted. The whole geometry changed, which is also when the wheels went from zero offset to a high positive offset, and are not interchangeable with the previous years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offset_(wheel)

lawman800 · 08-07-2012, 01:16

PM either Cochese or DaBigBR, if they don't know it, it didn't happen.

DaBigBR · 08-07-2012, 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawman800

PM either Cochese or DaBigBR, if they don't know it, it didn't happen.

I don't know it, but 2003 was going to be my guess because of all of the steering and related changes that year. That year also got new seats and door panels.

***Cochese*** · 08-08-2012, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawman800

PM either Cochese or DaBigBR, if they don't know it, it didn't happen.

I wasn't working for Ford anymore by 2003 so I never screwed with the 03+ PIs. I know they changed over to a variable ratio R&P with power assistance. So you are looking at a range for the new ones and a static value for the old RB style pre 03s.

I sure as hell don't know it by heart.

lawman800 · 08-08-2012, 07:30

Okay... must come up with alternative plan here.

I'M Glockamolie · 08-08-2012, 08:12

I've asked the question on CrownVic.net. If those guys don't know either by heart or a link to some official publications, then no one does!

***Cochese*** · 08-08-2012, 12:07

I would agree.

txleapd · 08-08-2012, 16:02

Just make something up. It's not like any cop is gonna know the difference.

jenrick · 08-08-2012, 20:21

Well called our garage and they had no clue. Called the local Ford dealer service shop, they had no clue. Called Ford's fleet service division, they had no clue. I'm beginning to think that steering ratio's are a myth. I've got one person I can call that might have an answer, we'll find out tomorrow.

I'll try crownvic.net, I did some searching and didn't pull up an answer directly.

-Jenrick

I'M Glockamolie · 08-09-2012, 06:50

Here's where I asked the question...

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/u...Number=2574027

OLY-M4gery · 08-09-2012, 14:34

What difference does it make?

Kadetklapp · 08-09-2012, 14:52

I believe it may have been after 1998 into the 1999 model year.

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lawman800 · 08-09-2012, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLY-M4gery

What difference does it make?

Same difference with everything else that makes no difference to anyone but the avid enthusiast.

It's like how I really don't give a crap about the Gen I-IV Glocks. I like the rails on Gen III but other than that, who cares?

I'M Glockamolie · 08-10-2012, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kadetklapp

I believe it may have been after 1998 into the 1999 model year.

I know they changed the variable assist over the years, but I don't think they changed the steering ratio for the entire time it had the recirc ball steering box (1992-2002). The only significant mechanical change came with rack and pinion in 2003.

jenrick · 08-11-2012, 08:29

Well the folks over at Crownvic.net and I came to the same answer at the same time. Old ratio was 18.5, new is 16.4. That means you need 21% less steering input to achieve the same result. In a panic situation that can mean the difference between correctly controlling the car, and over controlling it and loosing it.

-Jenrick

lawman800 · 08-11-2012, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenrick

Well the folks over at Crownvic.net and I came to the same answer at the same time. Old ratio was 18.5, new is 16.4. That means you need 21% less steering input to achieve the same result. In a panic situation that can mean the difference between correctly controlling the car, and over controlling it and loosing it.

-Jenrick

That could have meant the difference between hitting the iceberg or missing it for the Titanic.