1968 Hemi Dart with loose steering

[Q5XX29]

Either I'm losing my nerve as I get older, or the manual steering box in my LO23 Hemi Dart is getting more worn, because I after I set the valve lash in it yesterday, I took it down the road and back, and the steering is just wandering all over. In addition to checking some other things, I thought I would go with a new steering box from FirmFeel. Wondering if it would be better to stick with the stock 24:1 ratio, or go with a faster ratio (20:1 or even all the way to 16:1)? This is a car that runs 8.80s-9.10s at 146-150+ mph.  Any thoughts? One guy I spoke with said he heard that sticking with the stock ratio would be best for my application, as the faster ratios make them more unstable with the big slicks and skinny fronts and drag race suspension, and everything is basically set up for "anti-cornering".

[cdr]

I would stick with the stock ratio, I used to have a 68 GTS383 & it was a bitch to turn, a quick ratio will make it much harder to turn, I understand its a drag car but, thats just my opinion. 

[tan top]

i agree with the guy you spoke to & CDR!   would stick with stock ratio ! skinnies up front & fat slicks on the back !  think with a faster ratio with that set up would be too skittish , your steering input would be exaggerated , think your be over correcting if / when it gets a little out of shape with slicks & coupled with quarter mile suspension set up    

[Q5XX29]

Thank you, gentlemen!

I am going to order the stock ratio box. I just needed that extra "push" to decide, so I appreciate your input!

[Mopar Nut]

I wouldn't mind see some pictures of your Dart if you have some.

[Q5XX29]

Thank you for your interest.


https://youtu.be/cc7yCawHQ4w


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[375instroke]

I take it you don't put many miles on it.  I'd look for something worn or broken, and check the alignment.  These cars are set up with zero toe, I believe.  Make sure there's not a bit of toe out.  I'd want as much positive caster as possible, but I don't know how real drag cars are supposed to be set up for their alignment.  My guess is that it's probably something with the steering linkage and geometry than a worn out box.

[Q5XX29]

I take it you don't put many miles on it.  I'd look for something worn or broken, and check the alignment.  These cars are set up with zero toe, I believe.  Make sure there's not a bit of toe out.  I'd want as much positive caster as possible, but I don't know how real drag cars are supposed to be set up for their alignment.  My guess is that it's probably something with the steering linkage and geometry than a worn out box.

Correct, as these cars aren't street-legal. And you are also correct on the cause - the steering coupler was loose as heck! I'm going to cancel the order on the rebuilt steering gear, and eliminate the pot coupler and convert to a u-joint steering shaft to the manual gear. And also going to get some aftermarket tubular A-arms to gain some caster. Thanks for your response!

[b5blue]

Don't forget the car's rake, butt up/nose down effects castor angle quite a bit. 

[Q5XX29]

Don't forget the car's rake, butt up/nose down effects castor angle quite a bit. 

Yes, that is a good point to bring up. I did just get new front wheels and a slightly shorter front tire. I will sure to get everything figured out properly and aligned correctly once my new front tubular control arms get here.