Steering upgrade

[Geoff1200]

How does one upgrade the steering on a 72 Cuda? Front end was totally rebuilt during a resto several years ago...(15k miles) Steering feels loose compared to modern cars. I upgraded the steering box in my 67 Chevelle with a quick ratio box from a Cherokee and the improvement was amazing. Haven't found a compatible quick ratio box for an E-body, any suggestions?
 

[ChallengerHK]

There are two companies that offer upgraded steering boxes. One is Firm Feel, and I can't recall the name of the other one off the top of my head, but somebody will chime in with it, I'm sure.

[ntstlgl1970]

As far as fast ratio goes, options are pretty limited to manual boxes with a 16:1 ratio (if you can find one). On the power boxes, I think there is only one ratio offered. You can use the longer idler and pitman arms from Firm Feel to speed the steering up a little. You can get the standard chrysler "overassisted" feeling dialed out with the firm feel P/S box. Flaming River makes an updated (cast iron) manual box.  It would be cool if you could swap out boxes like on GM cars. I'd love to have one of those cool variable ratio 80's/90's F body setups.

[Geoff1200]

FirmFeel seems to be the answer...Thanks!

[500Stroker]

Get a Firm Feel level 3.  You won't regret it.

[ChallengerHK]

Get a Firm Feel level 3.  You won't regret it.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, Firm Feel boxes don't change the ratio. They clean up the slop in the box and make it tighter.

[500Stroker]

Correct

[Chryco Psycho]

Steer & Gear in Ohio is the other company that does the same modifications

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Red Head Steering in Seattle does overhauls, modifications, etc.  I sent mine (power steering) to Firm Feel and got level II feel.  It looks great but I've not started the car yet.  They offer to add a longer pittman arm but I did not take that option.  Another option they offer is an "O" ring seal at the top of the cross shaft which is more effective in preventing leaks.  I took that option at $45.00 because my unit had been a real leaker.

[JoltinJoe]

Steer & Gear references "heavy road feel".  Would this be like driving with manual steering?

And Red-head Steering states that they rebore units that originally did not come with bushings or bearings; and install needle bearings.  Is this the case with ebody's factory power steering?

[Geoff1200]

Good info...Thanks!

[rallye73]

Has anyone used a late model Diplomat cop car box? I got one for cheap and was wondering if that would be a decent upgrade.

[ChallengerHK]

Has anyone used a late model Diplomat cop car box? I got one for cheap and was wondering if that would be a decent upgrade.

IIRC, Firm Feel claims that their level I upgrade (they have three) is equivalent to a cop car box. I have a friend with a Diplomat car, which I've drive, and while I did think it was an improvement, I personally would want the level 2 or 3.

[tommyg29]

I installed the stear and gear extra firm feel about 10 months ago and I'm happy with the feel.
Its nowhere near as heavy as manual. I think I described it as needing two fingers to steer instead of one pinky finger before.
If you need to have your unit rebuilt it is a worthwhile upgrade.
BUT...my unit is leaking now, and I think it is leaking from the bottom where the shaft exits the unit to connect to the arm. Anyone know what the warranty is?
Not that that will save me from the R&R labor plus shipping.

[shadango]

I installed the stear and gear extra firm feel about 10 months ago and I'm happy with the feel.
Its nowhere near as heavy as manual. I think I described it as needing two fingers to steer instead of one pinky finger before.
If you need to have your unit rebuilt it is a worthwhile upgrade.
BUT...my unit is leaking now, and I think it is leaking from the bottom where the shaft exits the unit to connect to the arm. Anyone know what the warranty is?
Not that that will save me from the R&R labor plus shipping.

I have the firm feel stage 3 as well.  Love it.

Got mine about 10mths back too....hope I dont get the same leak!     I went thru this upgrade and the huge (relative) expense to eliminate a leak.