Larger tires, smaller steering wheel than your friends? That combo will make it feel heavier. Actually, your friends quicker ratio box should make his heavier.

 

if you have too much caster dialed into the alignment it can cause a very heavy "feel" in the steering, especially with manual steering.

 

I agree, nothing in the repair would cause this, but the alignment might.

 

Try lubricating your steering box per the instructions found here: http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html This can make a very noticeable difference.

As stated by other, caster setting and big tires may be responsible for the difference you feel.

Good luck,
MrFreeze

 

My bet is on steering box lubrication and lots of dialed-in positive caster.

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

My guess is that all the new ball joints and tie rods are stiff. I've notice that in the past. On my 66, same thing. After I put SoT upper and lower arms on, it was stiff until it had a couple hundred miles. Check air pressure. My car was feeling a little heavy. A quick check showed the fronts were a little low. I also have Opentracker roller idler arm. That makes it steer a little easier as well. I run 3.5* caster. I can feel that heavy spot but the car still steers pretty easy. My front tires are 205's.

After all it's manual steering, it's not going to feel like power steering. This is why back in the day manual steer cars had larger diameter and thicker rim to get leverage and grip. Last tip, when parking, always have the car moving instead of sitting while turning the wheel. That helps quite a bit.

I really enjoy the manual steering on the road. I like the feed back and feel when the caster effect starts showing up. It's like it's confirming your turn. My 66 was PS and has the 16:1 box.

 

Possibly the box--If it has not been touched/rebuilt.

When the cage bearings get worn, the first thing the "Technician" will do is screw in the adjuting screw to Tighten the Box. If this did happen, the ball have spit out of the cage bearings, then The Worm and rack bearings, all this makes to hard to turn.

This may not be the case, as others have stated alignment can do this hard turning effect.

And --Yes, the manual box will turn much easier than the Power Steering Box.

Dan

 

I exchanged a 16:1 box for a 19:1 box rebuilt by Dan @ Chochostang. It made aworld of difference; areal pleasure to drive afterwards. I cant recommend his services enough.

 

EDIT--EDIT!

I believe Dan And Carol's spelling is chockostang

Now, I hope they don't get another 3 day suspension for my helping here--Or pay $50.00 a month to get back on???

Dan