Steering is out of control

[Cdnchallenger]

Hi,

Trying to get my car back together. I have power steering that is really loose. It takes no effort at all to turn in a circle with as little as one finger.

I do not feel comfortable driving the car as it is now. I need it to be a lot tighter.

Sorry i know very little about the steering. Any suggestions as to what I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[burdar]

That is completely normal.  One of my fond memories as a child is being in the passengers seat watching my dad steer the car with one finger.  If all steering components are tight, then you'll have to look into a Firm Feel box.  They have three different stages.  Just from reading peoples impressions with the different stages, you'll want a stage 2 at minimum.

Also, when you're looking over the steering components, make sure to check the welds on the k-member.  The factory welds were awful and the mounts have been known to break.

[Jamiez]

As burdar said, that's normal.  However if you've only driven modern cars you probably don't like the feel.

This article tells you how to adjust the feel.

www.moparaction.com/Tech/beep/PUMP_IT_DOWN-re-v1.4.pdf

[burdar]

Great article!  I might have to try that if I don't get used to the way the car drives right now.

[Jamiez]

I can't take credit for it   I just saved it from _Russ_'s power steering pump rebuild thread

[brads70]

Welcome to Mopar slush box steering.   Mine was so bad I'd turn about an 1/8 of a turn either way before anything happened.  So it wasen't just a matter of slowing down the pump pressure the box was plain wore out ( leaked too) I know it's expencive but do yourself a favour and get a firm feel box stage 2 or 3. I went for a stage 3 and really like it. That combined with the fast ratio arms makes for a really nice steering car! 

Be aware there are 2 sizes of sector shafts in stering boxes.  I used the big one 73-74 as I hear parts are cheaper and more plentiful?

[shadango]

I know it's expencive but do yourself a favour and get a firm feel box stage 2 or 3. I went for a stage 3 and really like it.

    WONDERFUL upgrade.

[Chryco Psycho]

Mopar power steering was over engineered , No feel LOL  I agree with a firm feel stage 2 minumum box .
Having a proper wheel alignment helps a lot as well , there were no radial tires in 69 so the specs are for bias ply , max the caster , set the camber 1/2 -1 * in at the top & 1/16 of toe in & it will help a lot .