Sloppy Steering

[69HEMICORONETR/TCONV]

These cars have power steering that require basically NO effort. New cars don't respond nearly as quickly and require more force to turn the wheel

:yes:

 

[440jimr]

If you do have the front end realigned, have the shop dial in as much positive caster as possible. Rear wheel drive vehicles drive straighter with alot more caster than even the specs call for. As a rule, positive caster drives straighter, less caster turns easier. With the power steering in these cars, they do not need help turning.:grin:

 

[Eddie Mopar]

It's nice to see that you have rebuilt your front end tastefully and functionally well done! :yes:

 

[jobigrks]

Try this: http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/beep/PUMP_IT_DOWN-re-v1.4.pdf

 

[q-ship]

Though this thread is quite old, and the OP has probably fixed his problem, I want to point out a few things that his pictures show, and another common cause of steering woes for those that are reading this, that have a similar problem.

Using straight (standard) upper control arm bushings will pretty much guarantee a car that "wanders" compared to todays standards.

The Moog offset uppers will allow the front end to be aligned with a decent amount of positive caster, which provides directional stability and road feel, that is mostly lacking in the old cars. --- Keep in mind that power steering was an option, so the alignment geometry was a poor compromise between ease of steering (manual), and stability/feel.

Also, one of the most common problems I have seen is the wheel bearings are almost always adjusted to loose. You need to shoot for zero end play (not too tight zero, but just barely zero).

If everything else is in decent condition, this will make all the difference in the world form a stability standpoint.

 

[440 six pack]

worn steering

Maybe i`m to used to modern vehicle handling???
Got my 70 Charger R/T finished and put on about 185 miles. Steering is power with everything (and i mean everything ) new or rebuilt. Front end was aligned and everything is tight. New Goodyear Eagle GT+4`s. 15x7 ralleye rims that were speed balanced bare and are true. Still this feels like it`s completely worn out & sloppy !! :confused: Anyone got any ideas??

I sent my power steering gear box from my 70 RR into firm feel in vancouver, washington, had them rebuild it to a stage II level, and wow what a difference, feels better than if it were new. no slop what so ever. they were very fast and efficient!

 

[Dennis H]

Firm Feel. Stage 2. Then alignment by Fred at 5 Points Tire on the El Camino in Redwood City, California. It will drive like never before. Tight and straight.

 

[YY1]

All of my 60's and 70's mopars (especially the ones with sway bars) handled like great big go-carts, and I like 'em that way, allthough I do agree that some pwer assist was way too much. My friend's 70 318 Challenger was the lightest I ever felt, but my 70 Bee was MUCH better.