Why did the old 70's Challengers have loose steering?
Did all cars back then have loose steering?
Why was that?
What does it take to make the steering tight and precise like cars have today?

 

The biggest contributor would be power steering in the seventies in most cars was overpowered steering where you loose sensitivity to the road. Additionall these units were not speed sensitive (need less power assist while moving than stationary.) Bias ply tires, backlash on many steering components and mushy rubber bushings also multiply this sloppiness.

Several convert to rack and pinion type steering boxes for better sensitivity to the road. If you have the muscle go with manual steering.

Newer designs design for road feel, control, speed sensitivity, backlash/mechanical tolerances.

Eric

 

As overpowered said, the Steering Rack-and-Pinion system helps a lot in improving tightness.

 

billionaire,

mainly technology is better all around in every aspect; steering, handling, sounddeadening, performance, seating etc.etc.

 

Remember those cars were designed with putty, no computers, 35 year old technology, and manufacturing techniques and quality were in the toilet.

Usually 15 percent of the bolts and nuts were missing.

 

My 71 has no power steering and let me tell you it takes a man to drive that car at less than 5 mph. But I do have a power steering box and a steering column that I plan to put in, in the next few days. I'm getting old I guess

 

But a real man would NEVER drive a Challenger at less than 5 mph.

 

True,true But you got to park those things once in a while

 

It's probably like driving some of the farm equipment and tractors I have driven when my grandfather had me help him. No power steering at all. I learned the purpose of those spinner handles on a steering wheel are for. It takes effort nonetheless.