Eliminating Steering Play

[charlie45]

Hello,

I drove my charger for the first time after having the HOTCHKIS TVS installed and number of other items, including a FIRM FEEL Stage II power steering box.

I was a little disappointed that the car still has quite a bit of play in the steering. I know these old cars will always have some play, but I really want to eliminate this issue to the best extent possible. My mechanic says Mopars generally have more steering play, blah blah blah. I think he just wants to wrap-up the project from his end though... 

What other parts would you address or look into to try solve the problem? Could certain worn out bushings be the issue? I know the Hotchkis TVS setup (http://www.hotchkis.net/6669_mopar_bbody_tvs_system.html) replaced a lot of the old parts that might be related to steering, but which other ones could still be an issue? If you guys could give me a list other parts to check to solve the problem, I would really appreciate it...

Thank,

Charlie   

[JB400]

Did you check/ replace your tie rods, center link, pitman arm, and drag link?


                                             

[1974dodgecharger]

look at the steering box and adjust from there.  There is a hex nut and then the nut that has the column into giong it your gonna have to adjust that too it will make it firmer and less play.

[Cooter]

Steering boxes will NEVER have the same feel as a rack and pinion.
you just have too many moving parts.

[charlie45]

Thanks for the first feedback.

I think its unlikely that its the steering box, since this is a new unit from FIRM FEEL. I cant imagine that it already needs to be adjusted. Here are the following things that I plan to do:

1. I plan on installing the Flaming River Steering Coupler (https://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005/s0006/FR1506P). From what Ive read on this forum that seems to help quite a bit in many cases.

2. New lower control arm bushings, Polyurethan from Energy Suspension (http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/ens-5-3112r/overview/)

3. New Pitman & Idler Arms (http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/pof-116-10026/overview/)

4. New Ball Joints for both sides (http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/mog-k781/overview/)

What do you guys think, this should help address the whole issue. Any feedback on these parts would be appreciated before I go ahead with the order...

Thanks,

Charlie     

[fy469rtse]

Have a look at a recent jeep retro fit to replace our ageing steering boxes,the article was in mopar action or muscle, they even came up with unique solution the steering shaft adapter, so no cutting ,
The results were similar to having a rack , I wished I hadn't had my steering box rebuilt, I would have bought this

[XH29N0G]

Thanks for posting more on your progress.  I will be interested to see what is learned through the process.   

[bull]

A new FF Stage 2 box will help but it won't pick up the slack created by other worn parts. If some of your front end parts are shot you can bet that's where your problem is.

[charlie45]

How about the lower ball joints on each side, can these play a role in loose steering? thx

[polywideblock]

do some research on the poly lower control arm bushing, i'v heard of people having to go back to rubber to stop the really loud and annoying  squeak   

[charlie45]

do some research on the poly lower control arm bushing, i'v heard of people having to go back to rubber to stop the really loud and annoying  squeak   

I'll keep that in mind. Based on what I can see on this forum there's mixed experiences with the polyurethane bushings versus the rubber on the lower control arms...

I just want to do everything to eliminate this issue and make sure that the steering is as tight as possible...

[bill440rt]

If you have play in your steering, then I would start at the steering system before jumping around.
Check your inner/outer tie rod ends, pitman & idler arms. The only way your center link will be "worn" is if the holes are hogged out, which is at most times unlikely.
If those other parts are worn, replace them. This should eliminate slop in your steering system. If you're not concerned about originality, a good upgrade is to the larger C-body tie rod ends. You will also need the larger sleeves as well.
If that doesn't do it, next I would look at lower ball joints, which is where the tie rod ends are attached to. At that point, if your front suspension parts are old or have never been replaced then now is the time to splurge on a rebuild kit.

[375instroke]

Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth with the car running, and not running.  Look for parts moving, but the tires not.  These power boxes require movement on the input shaft before there's any movement on the output shaft.  This input movement on the input shaft moves the valve that directs power steering to one side of the power piston or the other.  This may be what you are feeling, and it is part of the design.  If parts are not worn out, you may try less toe in, or some toe out.

[Dino]

If you have play in your steering, then I would start at the steering system before jumping around.
Check your inner/outer tie rod ends, pitman & idler arms. The only way your center link will be "worn" is if the holes are hogged out, which is at most times unlikely.
If those other parts are worn, replace them. This should eliminate slop in your steering system. If you're not concerned about originality, a good upgrade is to the larger C-body tie rod ends. You will also need the larger sleeves as well.
If that doesn't do it, next I would look at lower ball joints, which is where the tie rod ends are attached to. At that point, if your front suspension parts are old or have never been replaced then now is the time to splurge on a rebuild kit.

Knowing nothing about steering....except that it's usually done with a steering wheel...what does this upgrade do to the car?