Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
We all have it this problem, particularly in the 70's C's.
We all know the steering on our cars is pretty easy to turn. Actually too easy. I was wondering if there is a way to put a bit more stability in the steering at high speeds. I know I tend to over compensate sometimes when dealing with high winds, or a truck blowing past me at 60 to 70 MPH. Is there a way to reduce the boost and allow us to use a bit more effort?
I know we talked about this a while back. I was thinking of using an A body Saganaw pump instead of the C. They put out less pressure. Or another thought was to add a steering stabilizer like used in the pick up trucks. Ideas anyone???
So you don't assume anything, the front end on my Fury is completely, I mean everything, is brand new. The steering box and coupler has been rebuilt too. I had it aligned twice, the second one was right on the money. No wander or pull.
How is the cross shaft adjustment? Little bit of slop is not that noticable at low speeds, but can get twitchy at high speeds. How is the caster? Even though everything is in "spec", if you are at the outer limits of the settings you can end up with an instability problem. If these areas have been addressed, I'd suggest contacting one of the vendors that converts steering gears to the "firm feel" settings. Maybe they can suggest a mod to your box to kill some of the assist. The smaller pump might help on the highway, but I'd be careful around town at slow speeds as you may run out of assist at low RPM's and making quick turns of the wheel( parallel parking,etc).
The Firm Feel boxes are harder to turn, if that is what you are after. I like the ease when turning, it is the ratio that gets me. No options for this yet that I have found.
Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
Actually, there is no wander at all. I find myslef over adjusting because the steering is so easy. It does stay straight, over bumps and all that. I just like a firmer feel to the wheel. The ratio is out there too. The B bodys have a closer ratio, I could go that rought. . . That would probably improve the handling for me anyway.
You all know it's hard to get out of a modern car and step into one of these. Totally different. Maybe I'm being to ainel
Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 12:39AM
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 516
Firm Feel is what I'm looking into, especially as my PS box is leaking from top and bottom. I was qouted $ 299.99 plus about $ 20 shipping to have my box upgraded to a firmer feel.
Apparently it's the reaction plates in the box that get switched to gain the "firm feel". The pump has nothing to do with it IIRC. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sat Mar 18 2006, 09:31PM ]</span>
Joined: Fri Oct 07 2005, 12:03PM
Location: Central Ky.
Posts: 1575
Steer N Gear for me, Stage III box. Pretty firm compared to a stock box. Steering input is precise compared to what it used to be.
Gets rid of that "over assisted" feeling. More effort required, kinda like my 96' 1 ton truck as far as effort but more precise.
I'm sure the Firm Feel ones are good too. S&G is in Columbus so it's closer for me.
My friend Larry just changed from a stock worn-out manual to the S&G Stage III power in his car & the ratio difference surprised him when at speed LOL. Sure was easier when parking tho. Big difference in the Manual & power ratios.
As I mentioned, I like the ease of turning, but despise the wander and ratio. Since No one addresses the ratio, and I liked the ease of turning because it makes it easier to deal with the ratio; I decided to use a rebuilt box from the local parts chimps. It really made a difference. Big improvement in stability, wander and control. Since it was only $100 I figured it was worth a shot.
I would really like to see what driving a Firm-Feel or Steer-n-Gear box was like though.
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 08:03AM
Location: utah
Posts: 40
I want to try a FFI box (I am out west). I have gone from a standard box to a cop (factory firm feel) box, and I loved the difference. It took a lot of the wishy wash feel out. I think either the FFI or the Steer & Gear would be a nice upgrade. My Polara had a new factory box put in before I bought it, so I am sticking with that, or I would upgrade now.