Firm Feel Power Steering Box

[CRW-FK5]

Are there more affordable power steering boxes on the market than Firm Feel that provide a decent (tight) feel?  I'm hoping to spend less than the $399 Firm Feel is charging for a box.

[c00nhunterjoe]

The next step in boxes is the high dollar ones. Firm feel is best avg priced upgrade. If your box is in good shape, you can lower the pump line pressure to improve the over assist. Thats about the cheapest option.

[303 Mopar]

  Brass washer will lower the pressure and tighten up the steering. However I do need to say that a Firm Feel Stage III box is a very nice upgrade if you can swing it.

[CRW-FK5]

The next step in boxes is the high dollar ones. Firm feel is best avg priced upgrade. If your box is in good shape, you can lower the pump line pressure to improve the over assist. Thats about the cheapest option.

Thanks.  The only other options I saw were the rebuild boxes on eBay for around $170.  They appear to be rebuilt to standard configuration.  Any experience with those?

The main reason I'm planning on replacing mine is because it leaks pretty bad and though it would be a good opportunity to upgrade to a box that is a little stiffer than the one in there now.  Also, the steering is almost too easy, making it feel a bit more unstable than I'd prefer.

With the Firm Feel is there a particular stage more suitable for B-bodies, or does it just come down to personal preference?  I heard from a friend who installed a stage III in his E-body that initially it was pretty tight, almost not self-centering, but that it loosened up and worked well once broken in.  Do you know if that's typical for these?

Thanks for you feedback.  Greatly appreciated.

[CRW-FK5]

Brass washer will lower the pressure and tighten up the steering. However I do need to say that a Firm Feel Stage III box is a very nice upgrade if you can swing it.

Thanks.  I assume you're talking about the shim change to  the pump and not the box, right?  I actually did try and go that route not long ago but could not get the valve assembly disassembled inside the pump so I put it back together.  I got the assembly out okay but there was no way I could get enough grip on the cast housing to get the screw off there and replace the shim. 

You mention the Stage III Firm Feel.  Any drawbacks to that (I'm assuming it was on a B-body)?  Was it too tight?  Was there a break-in period?  Thanks for the feedback.

[CDN72SE]

Got my box packed up and ready to send to Firm Feel, I'm going with the Stage II. This is what Dennis said to me.

"Stage 1 is just a bit more effort than the stock feel.  Stage 2 is comparable to most modern day power steering efforts.  Stage 3 is a heavy, high effort feel.  We usually recommend stage 1 boxes for the bigger C bodies, stage 2 for B and E bodies, and stage 3 for lighter A bodies.  However, people have different tastes when it comes to the steering systems they are used to and prefer.  You might research some of the forums for preferences of other Mopar owners (For B Bodies Only, for example).  The stage 1 and 2 rebuilds are $379, and stage 3 is $399."

[c00nhunterjoe]

If you have driven the modern lx platform srt charger and challengers- thats a good equivalent of the stage 3 box imo.
    Shimming the power steering valve on a stock box with a good alignment will give you the feel of a gt mustang.

[5wndwcpe]

I've used a few Stage II boxes from FirmFeel.  I do like them but what kills me is the shipping.  I know it's not FF's fault, but it tacks $180 onto the price of the box. 

[Mopar Nut]

 The stage 1 and 2 rebuilds are $379, and stage 3 is $399."

I've used a few Stage II boxes from FirmFeel.  I do like them but what kills me is the shipping.  I know it's not FF's fault, but it tacks $180 onto the price of the box.  

Shipping would be a deal breaker and I live two states away.

For less money the OP can buy a Borgeson Power Steering Conversion Box

Summit Racing has a sale, $40 off $500 with free shipping.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-800126

[CRW-FK5]

I've used a few Stage II boxes from FirmFeel.  I do like them but what kills me is the shipping.  I know it's not FF's fault, but it tacks $180 onto the price of the box. 

Wow.  Yeah, if I have to tack on another $180 to the $379 price it's not going to be worth it to me.  Do they require a core exchange with these and if so, how is return shipping of that handled I wonder?

[CRW-FK5]

Got my box packed up and ready to send to Firm Feel, I'm going with the Stage II. This is what Dennis said to me.

"Stage 1 is just a bit more effort than the stock feel.  Stage 2 is comparable to most modern day power steering efforts.  Stage 3 is a heavy, high effort feel.  We usually recommend stage 1 boxes for the bigger C bodies, stage 2 for B and E bodies, and stage 3 for lighter A bodies.  However, people have different tastes when it comes to the steering systems they are used to and prefer.  You might research some of the forums for preferences of other Mopar owners (For B Bodies Only, for example).  The stage 1 and 2 rebuilds are $379, and stage 3 is $399."

Thanks.  Much appreciated.

[CDN72SE]

Very welcome, now I am wondering how much I will get dinged with shipping to Canada. 

[5wndwcpe]

I've used a few Stage II boxes from FirmFeel.  I do like them but what kills me is the shipping.  I know it's not FF's fault, but it tacks $180 onto the price of the box. 

Wow.  Yeah, if I have to tack on another $180 to the $379 price it's not going to be worth it to me.  Do they require a core exchange with these and if so, how is return shipping of that handled I wonder?

In my case, I sent them my original box, they rebuilt it and sent it back.  Shipping to them was $100, rebuild $ 379 and shipping back $80 for a grand total of $ 559.

The other option is to pay the $379 plus a core charge of $250 (refundable when they receive your old box)  Obviously you're still on the hook for the shipping so the cost is the same in the end. I think they used to let you buy them outright, but I would double check with Dick to see if that's still the case.

Please note, they have had a price increase as of late and all of the p/s boxes are now $ 399

http://www.firmfeel.com/b_body_mopar_power_steering_box_rebuild.html 

[70 sublime]

Very welcome, now I am wondering how much I will get dinged with shipping to Canada. 

Think I can live with the drips on my steering box for a little while longer

Lets see $559 US times exchange rate is about $725 Canadian with out extra shipping cost 

[jlatessa]

Before you throw that kind of money around,
take that valve out of the pump again and post a picture,
we may be able to give you some direction on taking it apart.

I did that mod on our 70 Charger with very good results.
Bought the right washers to shim it from McMaster-Carr

Joe

[303 Mopar]

Brass washer will lower the pressure and tighten up the steering. However I do need to say that a Firm Feel Stage III box is a very nice upgrade if you can swing it.

Thanks.  I assume you're talking about the shim change to  the pump and not the box, right?  I actually did try and go that route not long ago but could not get the valve assembly disassembled inside the pump so I put it back together.  I got the assembly out okay but there was no way I could get enough grip on the cast housing to get the screw off there and replace the shim. 

You mention the Stage III Firm Feel.  Any drawbacks to that (I'm assuming it was on a B-body)?  Was it too tight?  Was there a break-in period?  Thanks for the feedback.

The Stage III is perfect in my '68 Charger, feels like a modern car and no slop in the wheel. No break-in, just swap and go. I've talked to a handful of guys that have a Stage II and they all wish they went with a Stage III.

[Lennard]

Do it once,  do it right... get the Borgeson.

[CRW-FK5]

Before you throw that kind of money around,
take that valve out of the pump again and post a picture,
we may be able to give you some direction on taking it apart.

I did that mod on our 70 Charger with very good results.
Bought the right washers to shim it from McMaster-Carr

Joe

I may consider that.  Thanks.

[Bronzedodge]

I'm happy with my box from Steer N' Gear.  It was $300.- at Carlisle.  Can you come to PA in July with a core box?

[CRW-FK5]

I'm happy with my box from Steer N' Gear.  It was $300.- at Carlisle.  Can you come to PA in July with a core box?

That's actually a pretty good idea.  I wonder if Firm Feel has boxes at Carlisle or The Mopar Nationals. 

[c00nhunterjoe]

Do it once,  do it right... get the Borgeson.

Do it once, get a manual box.

[will]

I'm happy with my box from Steer N' Gear.  It was $300.- at Carlisle.  Can you come to PA in July with a core box?

That's actually a pretty good idea.  I wonder if Firm Feel has boxes at Carlisle or The Mopar Nationals. 

Word of caution, my box has puked after around 1000 miles of average driving. I followed their flushing instructions and the seal still failed. I was warned by a fellow moparian this might happen, and now the box is flushing out of the seal every time I drive it. They did rebuild my power steering pump satisfactorily, but FF would be money well spent.

[CRW-FK5]

I'm happy with my box from Steer N' Gear.  It was $300.- at Carlisle.  Can you come to PA in July with a core box?

That's actually a pretty good idea.  I wonder if Firm Feel has boxes at Carlisle or The Mopar Nationals. 

Word of caution, my box has puked after around 1000 miles of average driving. I followed their flushing instructions and the seal still failed. I was warned by a fellow moparian this might happen, and now the box is flushing out of the seal every time I drive it. They did rebuild my power steering pump satisfactorily, but FF would be money well spent.

Thanks.  I just checked FF and looks like they've bumped their prices up even more in the last week.  Now at $425.

[5wndwcpe]

I've used a few of the Firm Feel boxes now and while pricey, they've never let me down.  Steer and Gear however.....

I sent the box for my '57 to S&G and after a $450 rebuild, it leaked.  Funny, it didn't leak before I sent it to them.  I called them about it and basically they said " Eh, shit happens". I won't use them again.

[CRW-FK5]

Here's a picture of the valve assembly, as requested.  I am assuming I have to remove the hex nut on the end and then replace/add a shim washer.  That nut, however, is not budging.

[BLK 68 R/T]

Found this.

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/pump-it-down-easy.352625/

[CRW-FK5]

Found this.

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/pump-it-down-easy.352625/

That's great.  Any suggestions on how to get it apart though?  That hex bolt is extremely tight and there is no real way to grab onto the body without risking damage to the valve surfaces.

[CRW-FK5]

Found this.

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/pump-it-down-easy.352625/

That's great.  Any suggestions on how to get it apart though?  That hex bolt is extremely tight and there is no real way to grab onto the body without risking damage to the valve surfaces.

Never mind.  Got it.  Thanks for the link.  Greatly appreciated.

[BLK 68 R/T]

 

[Highbanked Hauler]

Here's a picture of the valve assembly, as requested.  I am assuming I have to remove the hex nut on the end and then replace/add a shim washer.  That nut, however, is not budging.

   So a "washer" goes between the nut and the barrel part ? Is there a size for it ?

[BLK 68 R/T]

Looks like they stacked several .016" thick washers.

[Highbanked Hauler]

Looks like they stacked several .016" thick washers.

   I don't imagine you can just get a hardware store washer can you ?

[BLK 68 R/T]

Maybe a hydraulic shop would have washers? Not sure if a regular hardware store washer would work? I've never done it before.

This would be an option.
https://bergmanautocraft.com/product/shim-kit-saginaw-power-steering/

[Kern Dog]

You will find it difficult to find those washers. You might be better off finding something that matched the inner diameter and install several, then take a soft disc on a grinder and shape it down to size.