Power steering box...

[Jderek]

I just got my motor back in my car and upgraded to disc up front.  I'd like to do something to fix my power steering.  It has no feedback and feels like I'm trying to herd sheep...it floats.  The steering arms, tie rod ends, Hotchkis swaybar, etc. are all new.  Tried having a shop "tighten up" the steering box and they tried and said it may be shot.   Anyone have experience with the Firm Feel units or is a stock replacement adequate?

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Go with the firm feel box. I got a stage 3 on my 69 and it was a huge improvement. Steering is a bit tight in parking lots but I still like it. Stage 2 is also a big improvement if you don't want it too heavy. 

[Jderek]

Go with the firm feel box. I got a stage 3 on my 69 and it was a huge improvement. Steering is a bit tight in parking lots but I still like it. Stage 2 is also a big improvement if you don't want it too heavy. 

After looking on here it looks like most people like the stage 3.  How was it to install.  I have Hooker headers and it looks pretty cramped to get the box switched out. Thanks for the reply.

[Chryco Psycho]

a proper wheel alignment with lots of caster really helps as well , using the factory specs doesn't work

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Go with the firm feel box. I got a stage 3 on my 69 and it was a huge improvement. Steering is a bit tight in parking lots but I still like it. Stage 2 is also a big improvement if you don't want it too heavy. 

After looking on here it looks like most people like the stage 3.  How was it to install.  I have Hooker headers and it looks pretty cramped to get the box switched out. Thanks for the reply.

I swapped out my headers at the same time so it made the install a lot easier. You will probably have to loosen the header just to have some extra wiggle room.

[JB400]

I've never done it, but I think you'd have to pull the column, and drop the centerlink to get your steering box out.  Have fun

[Mike DC]

The "floaty" feeling is a combination of things.  Partly it's slop in the steering assembly itself.  It sounds like you've got the suspension rebuilt with fresh bushings, etc.  For the steering gearbox you need an aftermarket rebuilt unit if the stock one cannot be firmed up enough with an adjustment. 


The floaty feeling is also the lack of caster in the suspension alignment, which means it doesn't have the natural tendency to center itself when rolling like we expect cars to have nowadays.  The caster issue can be slightly helped with a good alignment (to non-stock specs).  But it gets fixed better with aftermarket UCAs for this purpose.