Braking and steering issues

[torqueaddict]

Ok guys I picked my car up from the shop fresh off my paint job only to find out MY BREAKS SUCK!!!! I never noticed how bad this issue was but I was in shock. When I picked my brother up from work he advised me to check my brakefluid reserves. I found out I was almost out but I am just concerned that horrible breaks and steering will discourage me from enjoying my car any thoughts guys? I have not driven the car since putting the fluid in so as soon as I find out how bad my actual situation is I will post an update. Also a little more background info: the car has new ceramic pads in the front, new shoes in the back, new leaf springs and shocks. When driving the car I kinda noticed my steering was a little lacking as well, is there anything I can do to get a more responsive feel. Also here are a few more pics. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ...

[torqueaddict]

Sorry guys at first my post had alot of errors I was kinda dozing off while typing it. It's since been patched up, I guess what I am trying to find out is do I need to go aftermarket break parts or components, or are stock disc/drum setups servicable? Thanks guys. 

[quapman]

Did you bleed the system and check for leaks? That's always a good starting point.

Sloppy steering can be caused by a multitude of things, including the box and worn parts like pittman arm, idler arm, ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, etc.

[HP2]

Well, I guess  more clearly understanding what "sucks" means would help us know where to start. In stock form, the factory disc/drum set up should be plenty capable for casual driving, so a frame of reference form ou about another vehicle that you consider good can give us that reference.

So, are the just kind of soft, not responsive enough, subject to fade, never seem to grip well? The more specific you can be, the better we can be at suggesting improvements.

The same with steering; is the response slow, does it have excess play, or is it just the generally malised factory over assist?

[torqueaddict]

Well the turn radius is not good it just kinda feels like I am driving a vehicle that can barely be driven hard. Maybe changing my steering box ratio will address that, although I dont know alot about steering box's so I most likely need to do some research. As for the brakes plain and simple I was not stopping. I had a 66 coronet (drums all the way around) and the brakes were bad on that but these brakes just seem slightly worse. as for the breaks I just hope that when I drive my car today that my breaks have improved since I put the fluid in. Before if I didnt start breaking 15-20 feet while doing about 30 mph I could possibly rear end someone.

[Hopalong]

I would bleed the brakes again even after adding the fluid.  You might have sucked some air when it was low.  The other question should be how the fluid went low?  Did you drive it to the paint shop?  As for the steering, quality rebuild parts, a good rebuilt box and alignment job.

[FJ5_440]

I would start out by getting what you have in good working condition.  Even stock, the front disc rear drum combo on these cars is pretty good for street use.  If you still want some improvement while keeping the stock good looks, you might want to take a look at some of the improvements I made to my car in this thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=68667.0

These can be done in stages, and as your budget allows.  If the budget can do it, I would probably look into the Hotchkis TVS system.

[torqueaddict]

I would bleed the brakes again even after adding the fluid.  You might have sucked some air when it was low.  The other question should be how the fluid went low?  Did you drive it to the paint shop?  As for the steering, quality rebuild parts, a good rebuilt box and alignment job.

I did drive to the shop but everything seemed not great but ok, now something seems weird. The paint shop does auto work too, when i got my car the mechanic said your power brakes are working now. After that when I was driving home I noticed there was a change. Maybe he did something to my brakes and didnt refill the fluid because before I took it to the shop my brake fluid was at normal levels. I think my brakes are working because my pedal does go down, before it wouldnt go down all the way, but stopped better so I feel kinda like I should have test drove my car before making this post I am going to test my brakes now and post to this thread.

[autoxcuda]

Something needs to be repaired in your braking system. You probably have a bad master, booster, line, caliper or something.

What brand ceramic pads are you running. If you buy some tricked out race pads they will not stop very good when cold and take more pedel effort.

How long have you owned this car? Did you put on the leafs, springs, shocks, etc on the car yourself?

[torqueaddict]

Something needs to be repaired in your braking system. You probably have a bad master, booster, line, caliper or something.

What brand ceramic pads are you running. If you buy some tricked out race pads they will not stop very good when cold and take more pedel effort.

How long have you owned this car? Did you put on the leafs, springs, shocks, etc on the car yourself?

I have had this car for over a year and yes I have new leaf springs and shocks. Me and my buddy did bleed the brakes and this solved many of my braking issues, I can actually stop now. As for steering we also discovered I have a bad upper A arm or my bushings are bad. This probably has something to do with my steering woes however I think I need to do something to upgrade my handling I am open to any suggestions on that.

[Chryco Psycho]

install all new poly bushings , set the wheel alignment for radial tires with max caster , 1/2* of camber & a 1/16" of toe in , replace any worn tie rod ends or ball joints , use the larger C body tie rod ends & sleeves or billet sleeves & install a firm feel stage 2 or 3 steering box

[HP2]

Yup, broken or worn parts can cause a multitude of woes.

For upgrades, would need to know what you have now, but CP makes a good starting reference point with his list for some basic stuff.

[torqueaddict]

Hey where do most people get theyre suspension pieces for a decent price. I am thinking tubular upper A arms and control arms instead of stock stuff.

[Chryco Psycho]

Hotchkiss makes a decent upper that also corrects the geometery

[torqueaddict]

Thanks CP you are a rockstar!!!