You hit the nail on the head BoominSVX!!!
One day I'll find the time to dismantle a good 'ol GM Saginaw steering gear box. It's not that hard, just I hv too many toys. What you discovered was the exact difference I'm complaining about on my '95 Sub. As I mentioned in an earlier posting was all GM boxes from '64 on the Malibu and '65 on the full size ARE THE SAME!!! The difference is only in the way they bolt on. GM did have a lighter duty box in the late 70's, it has a large C Clip on top vs 4 bolts. They're interchangeable if the bolt attachment is the same, but otherwise they're basically a disposable unit, much like alot of stuff lightened up to improve fuel mileage.
Anyhow, what makes one box 1 finger friendly, and another virtually identical Trans Am armstrong? The little torsion spring. I guess it controls how much oil is allowed to assist the driver.
When I find some time, I'll call Lares again, and see if I can get some more insite.
And the caster issue mentioned a few post back is correct. My dad bot a 1980 Cadillac Coupe de Ville new, and the caster was at its lowest setting as the front wheels wouldn't even return to center after a turn without help of 1 finger. This is NOT the issue with the '95 Sub, and my '84 K5 Blazer whips the wheel back to center just fine, all with 1 touch PS.