66 Dodge Coronet 440 Steering Problems - where to start?

Ok, so I have this 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 with a 1969 340 engine and 727 auto.

Just started to get things straightened out on it, and I'd like to race it in the Spring.

However, I'm scared of the stock power steering and I know that it is gonna take some work before doing any serious driving with car.

I've been doing some tuning to the engine and carb (670 Street Avenger), and when my speed gets above 65 mph, I get the dreaded "numbness" in the Steering Wheel.

The steering is completely stock, and only recently I had the Power Steering pump rebuilt.

Looking for suggestions on where to start.

Thanks!

If your having problems with the steering at speed please tell us what it is beside "numbness" in the steering wheel
Have you had or drove any other Mopar brand car built after 1956 that had the Mopar type and brand full power steering ?
If not they are a lot different steering, way easier, than the power assist like Ford and GM uses
Have you thought about having the steering box rebuilt and maybe have the ratio changed so it is quicker turning, that usually provides a little harder turning, especially at very slow speeds, which some people like
My first Mopar was a 1959 Dodge Coronet with Mopar power steering I bought to go to work in 1964, it was really easy to over steer in traffic in SO CA even back then
I now swap out the power steering for stock manual steering to make them drive better and loose a bunch of weight on my race or and street and hot street cars, around 60 Lbs. I think, off of the front end
Good luck on your deal

I sent my steering box to Firm Feel. They did a great job of tightening it up. They have a few levels to choose from and can get it the way you want it.

Firm feel has 3 stages. Stage3 is the most firm. You can also adjust the pressure in the power steering pump by adding shims to the pressure valve. I did this mod to my Challenger but didn't notice any difference in "feel" with the stock box. Your results may vary.

I added the shims per the Mopar Action article and it was a definite improvement in my 70 Challenger.

Mopars have always had over-assisted power steering. However, this is typically noticeable at all speeds, not just over 65. So by "numbness" do you mean the typical over-assist, play in the steering wheel/lack of response in steering input, or wandering? Each has a slightly different fix. Do you know what your alignment specs are and what type and size of tires do you have?

I shimmed our 70 per the article, good improvement for 10 cents in parts and an hours time.

Not a difficult chore....

Joe

If it's aligned to factory specs, it's going to drive awful. But, first thing first, are all the parts good? No rotten bushings, loose joints etc?

I have power steering on my 69 and it's plenty comfortable into triple digits.

Update....

Ok, I finally touched base with Firm Feel and I'm going that route.

They have my Steering Gear and Matt (at Firm Feel) says they are going to fix me up.

He also suggested changing my upper control arms to tubular, to give me the extra caster that I need.

Finally, I found a guy that will stiffen my lower control arms.

I'm hoping that these changes will give me the confidence that I need (in my front end).

Thanks guys!