Author Topic: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?  (Read 15968 times)

Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #45 on: February 11, 2010 - 08:22:54 AM »
shadango,
installed your new box yet? Its been 3 weeks.
Curious about how it feels.
 :popcorn:
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....




Offline shadango

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #46 on: February 11, 2010 - 08:53:20 AM »
Actually, I got the box back a week or so ago...its installed, but the rest of the front end of the car isnt.....

I am still looking for a good passenger side LCA and then once I get that I have to do some welding and painting....then I can install and test.

Of course, even once its together I will have to wait til the snow is gone and the roads are clear/clean......right now, we have two feet of snow that has to go "somewhere" first....LOL

I am wondering myself.  LOL

Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #47 on: February 12, 2010 - 02:43:56 PM »
I just ordered the S&G extra firm, and they will have to build it (about one week).
I should let you all know how it feels bout the end of the month.
In the meantime, thanks and  :cheers: :burnout:
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #48 on: March 14, 2010 - 09:34:55 PM »
got the s&g extra firm in and I like it.
Its definitely firmer than stock, but not by a lot.
I would not recommend it being worth it to upgrade unless your existing box needs replacing. The feel is not night and day, but definitely noticeable. I wouldnt even bother with one of the in-between stages.
I can still turn the car with one finger, but now I have to put some real effort into it :bigsmile:
All in all, if the unit remains reliable, I am happy with it.
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline shadango

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #49 on: March 14, 2010 - 09:59:04 PM »
You got the stage 3?  Are you talking about at highway speeds or slow speeds?

My stage 3 is like night and day........a really large difference....at least at slow speeds so far.

Unless part of it is tightness in my new steering parts?   :dunno:

My idler arm seemed stiff when I installed it but I figured that was normal.


Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #50 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:17:25 PM »
s&g has the standard (police type?), firm, and extra firm. You can apparently also special order an extra extra firm, but ?? dont know what that would be.
I got the extra firm which I guess is like ff's stage 3.
I do like it but could even use a little bit more.
Anyways, I had to reset my toe-in, since the steering wheel was off by 90 degrees after install. Took about 3 or 4 adjustments by trial and error until I got the toe-in spot on again (about 1/8" in).
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline 500Stroker

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #51 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:30:28 PM »
Sounds like another person happy with FF and a not so happy S&G customer.  Same here.

Offline shadango

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #52 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:31:46 PM »
s&g has the standard (police type?), firm, and extra firm. You can apparently also special order an extra extra firm, but ?? dont know what that would be.
I got the extra firm which I guess is like ff's stage 3.
I do like it but could even use a little bit more.
Anyways, I had to reset my toe-in, since the steering wheel was off by 90 degrees after install. Took about 3 or 4 adjustments by trial and error until I got the toe-in spot on again (about 1/8" in).

Hey , I have the same issue!  My steering wheel rides about 90 degrees off when driving slow.

How is the best way to adjust the toe in?

I was thinking I would have to adjust one tierod longer and the other shorter....

Offline shadango

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #53 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:34:24 PM »
Sounds like another person happy with FF and a not so happy S&G customer.  Same here.

Well, I truthfull cant say if I am happy yet.......havent gotten over 25 mph...LOL

Still need an alignment.

But its heavier for sure. Was actually wondering if its TOO heavy.

Offline 500Stroker

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #54 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:38:07 PM »
You may think it's too heavy for the first day or so since you were used to a very easy turning sloppy wheel.  After that you'll love it.

Offline the_engineers

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #55 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:40:20 PM »
I've had my FF2 in for a while and I like it.  I should've listened to everyone here and gone Level III.  Oh well, it's still a major improvement.
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #56 on: March 14, 2010 - 10:45:41 PM »
I am definitely not unhappy with my s&g. In fact I thought the service was great and it arrived at my door less than 10 days after I ordered it. Only time will tell if I remain happy though.
As far as the feel, thats a very subjective matter and everyone will have a different idea about what they like.
And yes you need to loosen both sides and adjust. If the toe-in is already good, you just need to lengthen one side while shortening the other side the same number of turns.
I just use the old school method, using a tape measure to measure the difference between the front and rear of the tires.
1/16" to 1/8" shorter in the front is what you want. Having a helper is a definite plus.
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline shadango

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #57 on: March 16, 2010 - 12:19:36 PM »
And yes you need to loosen both sides and adjust. If the toe-in is already good, you just need to lengthen one side while shortening the other side the same number of turns.
I just use the old school method, using a tape measure to measure the difference between the front and rear of the tires.
1/16" to 1/8" shorter in the front is what you want. Having a helper is a definite plus.

Ok, lame "newbie" question but I have to ask.

Can I do this with the wheels off the ground or does the car have to be sitting on the ground?

I just want to rough it in enough to get her to the alignment shop without ruining my tires or stressing stuff....

Offline tommyg29

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #58 on: March 16, 2010 - 02:23:07 PM »
on the ground is fine
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline 500Stroker

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Re: Firmfeel or Steerandgear ?
« Reply #59 on: March 16, 2010 - 03:16:48 PM »
Shadango,  When you go to the alignment shop make sure you use the specs you will find on this site and tell the mechanic to ignore the specs in his alignment computer.