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Firm Feel steering box questions...
#976507
04/19/11 07:00 PM
04/19/11 07:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog
OP
Striving for excellence
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OP
Striving for excellence
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
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I have read from several members about how happy many are with their rebuilt steering gear chucks. I had one rebuilt back in, oh.. 2003 or so. I opted for the Stage 3 rebuild. I used to own a Camaro that was set up for handling. It had HD springs, shocks, anti sway bars and an IROC 12.7 to 1 steering gear. I loved the steering feel and response of that car and wanted to duplicate it with my Charger. The Stage 3 was purported as being nearly as stiff. It was not. While it gave more effort than the usually overboosted Chrysler power steering, it was still not to the point that I wanted. I later added the Fast Ratio idler and pitman arms, and THEN it felt right. Lately it seems that the gearbox has loosened up to the point where it has a sloppy "dead spot" from 11 to 1. (Using a clock as a reference point)I can't imagine that the set screw has backed off, but who knows. The car has TTI headers so adjustments are not an easy thing to do. I am curious if other Firm Feel customers have had this problem. When I first installed the box way back when, it felt as tight as a new car. Now, lane changes or sudden maneuvers take more turning of the wheel and less "feel". NOT good. I'll take the time and try to adjust out the slop, but it seems that in some cases, once wear begins, its all downhill from there.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Skeptic]
#976510
04/19/11 08:53 PM
04/19/11 08:53 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,196
Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,196
Harrisburg, Pa.
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I'm a mopar guy but come on...You won't get that IROC camaro feel out of the firm feel box and old sheetmetal...  At least not without some major mods... Seriously though, as Steve has suggested if the parts were somewhat wore to begin with who knows....And checking the K and box out is right on track also....  ... There was a post where you can put a restrictor inline at the pump which does get you closer to the feel you're after {assuming you address the slop issue}...I think the discussion came out of a Mopar Action article a year or so ago...I remember reading the article....EDIT: I do remember one box I recieved from them where that adjuster nut was loose...It did move on the road test and I felt the slop you're describing but it was leaking out the adjuster so that was a quick give-away on that problem... 
Last edited by screamindriver; 04/19/11 08:56 PM.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Skeptic]
#976511
04/19/11 08:54 PM
04/19/11 08:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
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Quote:
First I'd suggest you check to see where the slop is, i.e. the coupler, box-the mounting bolts can loosen up, and even cause flexing on the K member. I didn't notice any problems with my stage 2 box , but have replaced 3 idler arms after installation. I've got 255/50-17s on the front of my barracuda, with a late K-member IIRC '75.
Agreed, check the steering gearbox to K-member bolts. If you are running sticky tires with the fast ratio pitman arms it will work the box loose if you don't have the K-member reinforced. I run sticky 245/45/17's on my challenger with the FF box and the T/A fast ratio steering and had to tighten it up periodically. Its not a problem though if you aren't running the sticky tires and pushing it hard though.
-Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: blown340]
#976512
04/19/11 09:01 PM
04/19/11 09:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
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Quote:
Quote:
First I'd suggest you check to see where the slop is, i.e. the coupler, box-the mounting bolts can loosen up, and even cause flexing on the K member. I didn't notice any problems with my stage 2 box , but have replaced 3 idler arms after installation. I've got 255/50-17s on the front of my barracuda, with a late K-member IIRC '75.
Agreed, check the steering gearbox to K-member bolts. If you are running sticky tires with the fast ratio pitman arms it will work the box loose if you don't have the K-member reinforced. I run sticky 245/45/17's on my challenger with the FF box and the T/A fast ratio steering and had to tighten it up periodically. Its not a problem though if you aren't running the sticky tires and pushing it hard though.
-Jon
Someone here or on another list had loose steering gear bolts recently. He thought they were fine and he checked them. But he went back and spotted the loose ones.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: screamindriver]
#976513
04/19/11 09:06 PM
04/19/11 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
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Quote:
I'm a mopar guy but come on...You won't get that IROC camaro feel out of the firm feel box and old sheetmetal... ...
But he was just saying it's not like it was when it was newer/new with the fast ratio arm installed. Something seems to have changed.
How many miles are on the steering box?
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: jcc]
#976519
04/20/11 09:48 AM
04/20/11 09:48 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 411
Texas
vynn3
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 411
Texas
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Quote:
Quote:
YES, I have large, sticky tires on the car: 275-40-18 Nitto 555.
Yes you do, and you likely are in a very select group here with that much front end tire on a old mopar. 
Yeah, and I bet it looks GREAT! 
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Kern Dog]
#976521
04/20/11 03:09 PM
04/20/11 03:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,236
san diego
JonsGottaDusta
master
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master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,236
san diego
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Quote:
Wow. whats this? POSITIVE responses instead of calling my car a DONK? Is this REALLY Moparts ?
I want pics
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Kern Dog]
#976522
04/20/11 05:51 PM
04/20/11 05:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,087
Elk Grove, Calif.
bigblock340power
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,087
Elk Grove, Calif.
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Quote:
Wow. whats this? POSITIVE responses instead of calling my car a DONK? Is this REALLY Moparts ?
Ok, if you miss it. Your cars a over heating DONK (what ever that is?)!
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Kern Dog]
#976527
04/24/11 03:27 AM
04/24/11 03:27 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,146
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,146
Mesa, Arizona
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Quote:
I got a chance to look closer today. The stub that the steering column shaft slides onto... Moves in and out by at least 1/8" as it rotates within the freeplay range. I tightened up the adjustment screw, but the slop remains. Zero leaks though. The mounting bolts are tight. No slop in any of the tie rods or center link. I have at least 6 or 7 spare power steering gearboxes here to swap in, but I am pissed that THIS "rebuilt" box cost me around $300 including shipping. (Only 2 states away) Why would it develop so much slop within only 2000 miles? I can't expect any sort of warranty since I put it in in 2003. Still, if factory units held up for 80-100 thousand miles, why should a rebuilt one from a reputable company wear out so quickly?
I think that Steve made a good point. These units may be getting nothing more than a good cleaning and new seals. What a shame.
Like Steve said, give Dick a call.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Kern Dog]
#976528
04/24/11 05:42 AM
04/24/11 05:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
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Quote:
I got a chance to look closer today. The stub that the steering column shaft slides onto... Moves in and out by at least 1/8" as it rotates within the freeplay range. I tightened up the adjustment screw, but the slop remains. Zero leaks though. The mounting bolts are tight. No slop in any of the tie rods or center link. I have at least 6 or 7 spare power steering gearboxes here to swap in, but I am pissed that THIS "rebuilt" box cost me around $300 including shipping. (Only 2 states away) Why would it develop so much slop within only 2000 miles? I can't expect any sort of warranty since I put it in in 2003. Still, if factory units held up for 80-100 thousand miles, why should a rebuilt one from a reputable company wear out so quickly?
I think that Steve made a good point. These units may be getting nothing more than a good cleaning and new seals. What a shame.
I didn't realize you only had 2000 miles on the box. Thats like new. Should be wearing very noticable that soon. Somethings loose or not right.
I'm pretty sure the good rebuilds like Firm Feel get new bearings and bushings too. It's only the gear itself no one makes. I think all other wear items are available. Still, shouldn't be a 2000 mile issue.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: autoxcuda]
#976529
04/24/11 07:36 AM
04/24/11 07:36 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 416
Franklin Co. Illinois
runinonmt
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 416
Franklin Co. Illinois
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Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I got a chance to look closer today. The stub that the steering column shaft slides onto... Moves in and out by at least 1/8" as it rotates within the freeplay range. I tightened up the adjustment screw, but the slop remains.
If I understand you correctly it seems your worm bearings are out of adjustment,probably because the adjusting nut lock was loose or missing. That would also explain why it was originally tight. For the adjustment check the FSM or a service manual
Hope this helps,
Ron
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Jackson Browne-Running On Empty
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: Kern Dog]
#976533
04/25/11 09:18 PM
04/25/11 09:18 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,091
Delray beach, Florida
Performance Only
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,091
Delray beach, Florida
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Quote:
The problem that I have with calling them is that I dont want to be grouped in with the idiots that expect something for nothing. I have seen and read about too many jerks that try to return something 10 years later without a reciept, cussing and yelling about bad service. I can't expect them to fix the box for free, and I can't afford to spend the money for another rebuild, at least not until I sell some parts or a car.
are you really that afraid to make a simple phone call and ask for some help? your asking for help here, what's the difference other than sitting quietly and safely behind a computer.
for pete's sake, tell them the problem your having and see what they say. i promise they won't bite. heck, they might even tell you what's wrong or head you in the right direction.
machine shop owner and engine builder
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: PAINT IT BLACK]
#976534
04/27/11 06:53 PM
04/27/11 06:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 338
Montreal Quebec
STROKIE
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 338
Montreal Quebec
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Quote:
I trust Firm Feel's rebuilds. They're not going to use a worn gear when replacing bushings, bearings and seals. Call them. They've always been a HUGE help when I've needed it.
I use Firm Feel's box stage one...
Try-it you won't regret it.
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Re: Firm Feel steering box questions...
[Re: STROKIE]
#976535
04/27/11 07:02 PM
04/27/11 07:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog
OP
Striving for excellence
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OP
Striving for excellence
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
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Quote:
I use Firm Feel's box stage one...
Try-it you won't regret it.
Did you read the original post? I HAVE a rebuilt steering box already. It is a stage three because the standard overboosted Mopar settings are far too mild for me. Mine worked fine for the first few hundred miles, now it is sloppy. A stage one is only a fractio firmer than a Police or taxi unit. Thanks anyway.
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