help with my "squirrely " front end

[70 RAG TOP]

I have an issue with my steering when I am driving.  It's a 70 Challenger w/383.   When I am driving it in a straight line, I have to hold on to the steering wheel with both hands because it (sometimes) wants to wander and when it does wander and I try to turn the wheel(slightly, not harshly) to bring it back on track, it will overshoot and go the opposite way and it feels like it could get out of control.  It also does this in a sweeping curve in the road(when I start to straighten up at the end of the curve is when it gets squirrely) .  I have replaced the tie rods, the idler arm(but not the pitman because it seems to have no slop).   I know that I should not expect the car to drive like todays cars, but it should not be this nerve racking to drive. 
I do plan to take it to shop and have the alignment and the tow-in and camber/caster checked because of the way my previous set of tires wore more on the inside edge.
Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated

Mike

[brads70]

If the control arm ( upper and lower) bushings and strut rod bushings are original, replace them. When you get it aligned dial in all the caster you can get. Do not use the factor specs as they are for bia ply tires.

[dodj]

Sounds to me like the steering box, but first check all the bushings, joints, etc like Brad alluded to. 

[brads70]

Sounds to me like the steering box, but first check all the bushings, joints, etc like Brad alluded to. 

 Yep good call it could be!
Read this post about adjusting the centering valve.
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=64269.msg659610#msg659610

[Geoff1200]

This is worth checking...steering box mounting bolts. Torqued mine and it made a world of difference....

[Challenger III]

I agree with the above. You might also check for toe out (or excessive toe in). This would make it hairy to drive even in a straight line.

[aris_unlimited]

Sounds to me like the steering box, but first check all the bushings, joints, etc like Brad alluded to. 

That would be my guess

[AARuFAST]

If manuel steering box. Worm screw maybe worn. When was the last time u filled the box.

If you have polyglass tires it is a nightmare to keep in the ruts in the road.

If you have BFGoodrich tires check for ply separation.

[70 RAG TOP]

I have brand new B F G'S and pwr steering. In regard to the steering column and components down to the steering box, is there some parts that could be worn thus adding to the "less than tight" steering?  Recently, I did have to change the the seal in the steering box where the steering column shaft enters it.   While I had the steering assbly apart , I cleaned and greased the steering shaft-coupling .  It didn't seem to have much wear so I think I can rule that out. ( the car already had the "squirrely" issue before I took the steering assbly apart).

[footin70rt]

FWIW my Chally had a similar issue years ago, any rut or road variation would make the car change directions. The manual steering gear had a little play in it but the main problem was the control arm bushings. They were so worn the inner sleeve was crushed to the inside. So every bump the sleeve could move 1/2" and this would change the suspension angles. I replaced all the bushings with energy suspension and have not been sorry.

 

[Ford.P51]

This is worth checking...steering box mounting bolts. Torqued mine and it made a world of difference....

+1!!! The drivers side bolt on mine was stripped out, man the car was scary to drive like that.

[BS CUDA]

I am with the control arm bushing guys - one of my bushings rubber squirted out on a launch at the track this year somehow and boy did it loosen up. Didn't realize what it was at the time but stopped racing that night. On drive home had jerky steering , over correction etc. Got home started to feel around the front end and found the bushing just laying in the control arm. Everybody I talked to had never seen this happen - seems my 'Cuda gets a lot of these "huh"'s / head scratchers. Replaced all bushings and had a high perf shop in Calgary align - 1/4 mile with hands behind head now (no I haven't tried it but......) 

[LAA66]

+1!!! The drivers side bolt on mine was stripped out, man the car was scary to drive like that.

 Good point and easy to check, just have someone turn the wheel and observe the steering box for movement.