Power Steering • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **eru** » 06 Jul 2008 13:20

I have a 1973 Challenger with a power steering problem! The problem is the steering is too "easy". There is very little feeling in the steering wheel. The steering system has been rebuilt, but has not helped.
Anybody have any ideas or suggestions?

by **dave-r** » 06 Jul 2008 14:17

That is the way they were.
But you have two options that will improve things.

Either fit a "Firm Feel" steering box or switch to the better manual steering box.

I would not recommend any of the rack and pinion conversions.

by **Jon** » 07 Jul 2008 21:16

Since this thread is open already, I am looking to purchase a Firm Feel power steering box and am leaning towards the stage two. Can anyone comment from past experience?

Also the 73-74 box uses a larger Pitman shaft. The aftermarket Pitman arm is a lot cheaper then the 70-71 version but not sure about the fit or appearance. I wanted to keep my current box as a spare but it leaks and is not original to the car anyways. Core charge is $175 if I decided to keep it.

Thanks,

Jon

by **Jon** » 23 Jul 2008 19:19

Picked up the stage two with the 73-74 steering box. Turns out that's the same year box now in the car. I changed from a manual box many years ago and must have stripped it from an older model Challenger. I will send that one back for core refund since it's not original anyways.

Will post the driving results once I get it installed. Later I plan to install the offset upper control arm bushings set at 4 degrees positive to see how she drives with that change.

I do have a question though, as to how many retainer clips are inside the steering shaft coupling? (the spring clips that hold the sliding plates in place) Mine only has one.

by **fbernard** » 23 Jul 2008 22:58

Jon wrote: I do have a question though, as to how many retainer clips are inside the steering shaft coupling? (the spring clips that hold the sliding plates in place) Mine only has one.

Only one spring clip holds both plates. Looks like this :
http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/ ... upler.html

by **Jon** » 24 Jul 2008 1:18

Thanks, really good information. One clip holds the assembly together.

Thought maybe I left something out long ago. It goes back together tomorrow.

I figured out that the plates or sliding blocks don't wear much, it is the soft coupler housing. :!:

Maybe that's part of the front impact safety feature referred to earlier Dave?.

by **Jon** » 28 Jul 2008 3:17

Went for a drive Saturday and the steering is as advertised. :thumbsup:

It will take some getting used to compared to the mucho power factory box. I kept thinking the engine had died as the initial steering effort was increased so much. It does tend to track back to center after a turn now too and fortunately the 3 point turnarounds are still much easier then the manual.

The stage three option would be more then I would want but some of you road racers may like it though.

Had the same wander from the camber on the maxed out upper control arm bushings. It is really noticeable straddling the crown of a single lane road. Once the offset uppers are installed I should be able bring it back in to specs.