Tight Steering

Walter Grantski · Oct 4, 2020

Just replaced my old steering box with a new on my 1966 dodge coronet from BAP. Steering is now very touchy. No play at all. Is there a way to loosen this a bit? I've heard this can be an alignment isse as well. Any thougts or shared experience would be appreciated. I'm a new member to the group.

Ray70Chrg · Oct 4, 2020

Seems like you have power steering. If's that the case p/s was touchy back in those days. I had to replace steering box on my 70 charger because it leaked at both ends and was very loose. Had it rebuilt and then it was only touchy. I wanted to replace the big steering wheel anyway and went to a 13 3/4 inch that I liked and now it is much better to the point that I consider good. You could have considered some other options for 12:1 ratios but probably don't know about them. You can consider replacing the pitman arm and idler arm to longer dimensions to change the ratio lower from stock. You can read about all these options on this site. If you don't have p/s some of this won't make a difference to you. Good luck.

Ernie ingling · Oct 4, 2020

Top of steering gear find a nut with a screw in middle. Loosen
nut back off screw 1/4 turn cw tighten. Test engine running turn wheel watch tire when it moves wheel should have gone about 1 to 1 1/2 in. Ray charger is right can drive with your pinky

coloradodave · Oct 4, 2020

Before spending more money I would contact the vendor you bought it from and get their advice. The boxes are adjustable several different ways, but most reputable companies, providing either new or rebuilt units, should have bench tested the unit before it left the factory. I have a stock power steering box in my 63 with stock steering components, and it works just fine...

Walter Grantski · Oct 7, 2020

Ernie ingling said:
Top of steering gear find a nut with a screw in middle. Loosen
nut back off screw 1/4 turn cw tighten. Test engine running turn wheel watch tire when it moves wheel should have gone about 1 to 1 1/2 in. Ray charger is right can drive with your pinky

Walter Grantski · Oct 7, 2020

Ernie ingling said:
Top of steering gear find a nut with a screw in middle. Loosen
nut back off screw 1/4 turn cw tighten. Test engine running turn wheel watch tire when it moves wheel should have gone about 1 to 1 1/2 in. Ray charger is right can drive with your pinky

Thanks for the info. I thought as much, but wanted to see what others opinions were.

Don Frelier · Oct 7, 2020

If your front wheels are towed out it will want to turn quickly. So yes alignment can contribute to an active assist.

Tight Steering

Walter Grantski

Member

Ray70Chrg

Well-Known Member

Ernie ingling

Well-Known Member

coloradodave

FBBO Gold Member

Walter Grantski

Member

Walter Grantski

Member

Don Frelier

FBBO Gold Member

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