Steering Input

[Mickm]

I realize this topic has been discussed over and over but I didn't see a post with my particular specs so I am asking. Please excuse me if I over looked it.

I am in the process of installing a Hotchkis VTS suspension and have just pulled my steering box and shipped out to FirmFeel.

I will be using the stock pitman arm with the stock column (rebuilt) but have changed to a 14" diameter steering wheel.

So, those who have the FF box which stage would you recommend.  My daily driver is an '08 Corvette and I would like to have about the same feel in the 'Cuda as it has.

Also,my wife will be driving the 'Cuda some so I don't want to get it too harsh for her to not enjoy.

Any and all input will be appreciated.

Cheers!
Mickm

[WildJones]

Mick,
I don't have a FF rebuilt steering box, so I can't comment on the stage. Having considered going down that route, I think I would have gone with a stage 3 rebuild. Like you, my daily driver has a heavy steering feel that I am fond of.

That being said, just a reminder that you can use shims to lower the steering pump's pressure to increase the amount of effort required to turn the wheel. So you could go middle of the road with a Stage 2 rebuild if you're not sure, then you can lower the assist using shims.

[dfrazz]

A lot of guys that got a Stage II wished they had gone to a III, but I do not know anyone with a Stage III that says they wish they had gone with a II.  I would go Stage III.

[Mickm]

I guess what has me on the fence is the face I am using a smaller (14 in) steering wheel.

I spoke with Matt for some time yesterday and he suggested I get input from ebody guys specifically and that the smaller steering will can be a factor.

I have read every post I could find on the subject and I do agree that I have read where many opted for Stage 2 then wish they had gone with the stage 3, but none the other way around. Matt did say that to parallel park would require the use of your hand rather than two fingers and I guess this is stuck in my head since my wife will be driving this some times.

Everyone, please feel free to chime any and help me out.  All views appreciated.

Cheers!
Mickm

[burdar]

I think a stage 3 would be fine BUT if you are that worried about it, you could go with a stage 2 and then fine tune it with shims on the power steering pump valve.  If the stage 2 isn't quite firm enough, lowering the pressure should bring it into the range you want.  As was already stated, I've read a lot of posts where people with a stage 1 wished they went with a stage 2.  People with a stage 2 wish they had gone with a stage 3.

[crash340]

I have a stage two FF box, wish I had of got a stage three, that said though,,,, I also have fast ratio pitman and idler arms and all new rod ends bushes and so on, have maxed out the saster with offset UCA bushes, I also have the factory 73 Cuda 'truck diam' steering wheel, no pump shimming. with all the above it makes for tighter heavier steering.( Ican still turn the wheel with not much more than a thumb and forefinger grip)

two things I want to do is install a smaller diameter TUFF wheel and maybe shim the pump. my daily driver is a C Class Benz, small steering wheel and I feel the smaller diam fatter feeling TUFF wheel will bring my Cuda very close to that of the Benz, wont be as good but damn close. In fact as it is now I feel the Cuda is smoother/nicer at 100mph than the Benz!! at least on our ****ty Aussie roads

if I were to do it again, I would do a stage three FF box, max out the caster with offset UCA bushes, install FR arms and a  smaller/fatter steering wheel.