DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

Drag pack Challenger owners should beware of potential problems arising with the OEM steering shaft due to the high effort of the manual rack.
The lower column on a DragPak in my shop is twisted in the collapsible section of the shaft . The Knee knuckle at the top of the shaft also shows signs of twisting.
On the first DragPak I built , I eliminated this part during the build because it looked weak ,this confirms that .
Some of the NHRA tech guys are aware of the weak appearing knuckle and would like to see them replaced .
If any of you need info on how I replaced the shaft ,you can send me a PM .
Its a relatively simple fix for a potential problem.

Re: DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

Good information there. ^^^^^

Re: DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

Early last year NHRA allowed the parts pictured to be changed and eliminate the 'wobble' caused by that "Z" looking thing which is part of the collapsible steering column. Just leave the interior stock appearing, make a shaft that also allows more room around the starter and headers and don't wobble. Helps. The reason for the hard steering is the steering ration is for power steering, but the fluid parts are eliminated. 40 lbs air helps.

Re: DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

Tom, What year is the Drag Pak ?
I know the 09 had a special manual steering rack ratio but not sure on the others. I'll PM you on the fix
John

Re: DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

John it's an '09.
I've already made he change to the column ,it's a simple modification that I've done before to a DragPak I built a few years ago.
The "manual ratio" rack is slightly better than the later units that had regular P/S gearing ,but effort is too high on either one to keep the stock shaft in.
I might have not noticed this ,since I didn't build this one , but I'm setting it up with a mechanical clutch linkage and saw it was still in when I got under the dash.

Re: DragPak owners high steering effort problems
 

I have a 2011 and it is very hard to steer. If there are weak parts to replace I want some. Thanks.