I am installing the complete Hotchkis suspension system on an E Body.

I was wondering what to do regarding steering and Im looking at the Firm Feel Hydraulic steering boxes.

How good are they and will they work for what Im doing? Which stage to get? 1, 2 or 3?

They are very carefully rebuilt boxes with reduced assist for more "feel". Careful rebuilding reduces slop and seems to help them last longer.

I run level II and like it. Most folks like level II or level III. A firm feel box would be a great part of a handling package.

Besides the box itself, other factors influencing "feel" are alignment settings, tire size and steering wheel. More caster increases feel and effort as do bigger tires and a smaller wheel.

firm feel box 2 or 3 - most pro touring guys go for 3

e had a 3 in my car for years, and regularly beat the ever living snot out of the thing on the autocross, street, etc. were talking hot lapping, over driving, etc. just hammer it.

before the ffi 3 box, i had a fresh diplomat cop car box in it. the stage 3 was a dramatoc upgrade.
that being said, i feel it os still over assisted, but just by a couple of hairs. thats with a lot of positive caster, and 255/40/17 that are pretty sticky.

only about 10 degrees of on center dead spot at athe wheel, but a lot of that (probably 4-6 degrees)comes from the rebuilt mopar coupler. one of these days,m its getting switched to a u-joint to take that slop out as well.

id say spend the money and enjoy.
michael

I have a level 2 in my 69 Coronet R/T and love it, and would probably try a level 3 next time, takes a ton of the "float" out of the factory power steering system.

Darren

If you're going TVS use stage 3 and the quick ratio arms. At least the pitman, depending on your headder. Mike

I use the 3. like it

I use the stage 2 and like it. I think stage 3 would be too stiff for me with a tough wheel in my challenger. Maybe with a bigger wheel stage 3 would be OK?
Combined with there upper control arms, reinforced lower control arms and welded up K memember, my car is worlds better than any challenger I've ever drove. I welded up the K and the lower control arms, well worth it.


My car is just a driver, but boy does it handle good for 40 year old car thanks to Firm Feel.

I have a TVS on my Challenger with FF stage 3 and the long arms. Had to adjust the steering box since the inner tie rod hit the torsion bar.
The Stage3 box is a little stiff with a small steering wheel. I have a rim blow and don't think I would want any thing smaller.

I have driven several cars with FF Stage III boxes and would be puttng one in any power steering car I own, I wouldn't buy anything else.

I had mine rebuilt stage 1.... It is a huge improvement over the
turn the wheel with your pinky slop of the original...
However, having done that... I wish I had gone to stage 2..

I recommend a minimum of Stage 2.

Domingo- FF Stage 3 here, with Hotchkis tubular upper a arms, 1 1/4" front sway, 1" torsion bars, and clicker shocks- MAJOR inprovment from stock.

So if using a Rim Blow or a Std Wheel would the firm feel stage 3 be the ticket? Or should I just stick with 2?

I have used the StageIII with standard wheels and tough wheels. Neither was a problem for me.

I've been using FFI boxes for years with total satisfaction. The other guys (Ohio) - not so good.

Also, don't forget:

Zero-buck firm feel

Rick

...also...don't forget FFI's new needle-bearing idler and ball bearing lower pitman "bolt-on" setup (takes out K-flex).

Rick

and I have a Fast Ratio arm on it as well-

My dad runs a Stage III in his RR, he and I both love it feels like a modern car. It almost makes me want to give up the flaming river manual box I have in my Dart.