Posted By: Kern Dog
Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/19/11 11:00 PM
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.
Posted By: autoxcuda
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/19/11 11:04 PM
I think the problem is that the boxes are just rebuilt. The old gears are used again. And the gears wear in certain spots, rather than evenly. Maybe you could tightly the lash again. Try giving Dick Ross a call at Firm Feel for suggestion.
Maybe if they started making new P.S. boxes like they do you manual boxes, we'd have a better solution.
Posted By: Skeptic
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/19/11 11:15 PM
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.
Posted By: screamindriver
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 12:53 AM
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...
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 05:40 AM
I've put less that 2000 miles on the car since I first put the FF box in. Yeah, I know... REAL car guy, right? Okay, okay, I should get out and drive the car more.
YES, I have large, sticky tires on the car: 275-40-18 Nitto 555. I have thought that I probably should gusset the steering box mount on the K member. I'll check things out and report back. Thanks for the suggestions.
Posted By: Ramrod39
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 06:14 AM
Not to Hijack but, wasn't there another outfit competing with Firm Feel a few years back? I want to say they might have been called "Steer and Gear" ?
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 07:31 AM
The center link pops loose with a pickle fork in less than a minute. Good idea.....
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 06:20 PM
Wow. whats this? POSITIVE responses instead of calling my car a DONK? Is this REALLY Moparts ?
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/20/11 11:23 PM
I haven't overheated this car ever. I HAVE vapor locked a few times SEVERAL years ago though.....
Posted By: screamindriver
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/21/11 03:26 AM
Great looking ride !!
...That wheel/tire combo looks right at home on there...Hard to believe they're actually as big as they are and not look out of place...
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/24/11 07:16 AM
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.
Posted By: runinonmt
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/24/11 11:36 AM
Quote:
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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
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/24/11 06:36 PM
Yesterday was the first time that I had ever touched the adjustment nut and screw. The nut was VERY tight and the access was limited. I had to use a ratchet with a cheater bar since I had no leverage when using a stubby wrench. I was able to tighten the screw by almost a 1/4 of a turn!
Posted By: PAINT IT BLACK
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/25/11 04:53 PM
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.
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Firm Feel steering box questions... - 04/25/11 11:55 PM
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.
