Firm Feel II Install

[themechanic]

According to Chrysler service video I watched recently you have to address the big gouge on the torsion bar or replace it as it creates a point for a stress fracture.

 

[themechanic]

 

[5.7 hemi]

There’s 3 bolts, remove them. Hopefully you’ve already removed the pitman, if not, do that first. Take off the splined adapter, now remove box. Reinstall new box while sliding on splined steering adapter. Install the 3 bolts, tighten them to about 2-240ftlbs. Install pitman arm. Is the steering wheel centered? Yes, your done. No? Adjust tie rods to center the wheel. No make sure you have equal amounts of turning to both sides.

 

[furyus]

I would be sure to check the lower control bushings first. It is the only thing I can think of that would cause this.

 

[dadsbee]

You mean like this furyus...

 

[66 Sat]

There’s 3 bolts, remove them. Hopefully you’ve already removed the pitman, if not, do that first. Take off the splined adapter, now remove box. Reinstall new box while sliding on splined steering adapter. Install the 3 bolts, tighten them to about 2-240ftlbs. Install pitman arm. Is the steering wheel centered? Yes, your done. No? Adjust tie rods to center the wheel. No make sure you have equal amounts of turning to both sides.

Is that the correct torque for the steering box? It seems too much. I thought the factory box was 90 lbs/ft. 240lbs/ft is huge.

 

[5.7 hemi]

It’s a 1/2” bolt, they can go that tight. Not exactly sure on the exact torque specs. Get it tight, ya don’t want it coming loose.

 

[66 Sat]

If it's specced at 90 lbs/ft and you torque it to 240 lbs/ft you'll possibly strip the threads in the k frame. Use some threadlock if you're worried about them coming loose.

 

[5.7 hemi]

The bearing caps in the 8 3/4 are 1/2” fine thread and torqued to 240-250, if I remember correctly.

 

[66 Sat]

Ron H, according to my 1966 FSM the torque spec is only 55 lbs/ft for a 1966 Belvedere/Satellite and 80 lbs/ft for a Fury.
In my 1969 FSM this was increased to 100 lbs/ft for all models.
Read this thread before following any other advice, and then make your own informed decision
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/steering-box-torque-spec.26023/

 

[Ron H]

I would be sure to check the lower control bushings first. It is the only thing I can think of that would cause this.

This is kind a what I was wondering about with modifying the alignment to improve the steering as reading about in another post (How much caster is too much?). I mentioned having jotted down info and lost those notes, but thought could it be too much for the oem suspension/linkage without some parts changeout. Or could be the linkage is worn (new bushings were installed when box was put in). The alignment was modified after box install that got great steering and wheel return - though - could this have cantered things and caused the lack of clearance damaging the torsion bar and hitting the header...thanks much will have to look at the arms when up on the rack again..

 

[Ron H]

Here's an update for my thread. Hey I so greatly appreciate all of your advice and ideas! First was to have the alignment checked so if disassembling the linkage and such I could have it realigned as the car steers great. Then got it back on a rack at another shop guy I know to explore things further. The center rod looked odd as it wasn't level - higher on the left than the right. Well, the clearance problem is on the left...then looking at the pitman it's cocked down appearing to cause to center rod and tie rod to cock upwards. As was posted in replies, this was indicated as possible problem. Sure looks like it is! So the shop recommended I get a new pitman - if this doesn't fix it, put it in a press and bend it. So - here's where I am...

 

[Ron H]

Have to say I'm real disappointed with Firm Feel tech playing crickets after 4 requests for some info from them. Reading old posts, this wasn't like it used to be with happy customers getting the curtesy of a reply. Well, next step is to try to go higher up in the org...

 

[themechanic]

Have to say I'm real disappointed with Firm Feel tech playing crickets after 4 requests for some info from them. Reading old posts, this wasn't like it used to be with happy customers getting the curtesy of a reply. Well, next step is to try to go higher up in the org...

They have competition in Steer n Gear. I think they're in the middle of the country.

Also, Borgeson competes with FF.

 

[Ron H]

They have competition in Steer n Gear. I think they're in the middle of the country.

Also, Borgeson competes with FF.

The box in my car I bought from FF so ya'd think they might take a minute to send a reply...even saying they can't help...not like I'm trying to sell them a set of encyclopedias.