A lot of times it's what you're used to. If you drive the old style daily, it seems OK. If you drive say, a rack and pinion newer vehicle daily, all of a sudden when the time comes to get the F, M or J out, it feels sloppy and vague.
Of course there is also the age thing. What I thought was great 25 years ago, somehow isn't anymore. Now I like more comfort, quieter interior, nicer ride, ice cold A/C when way back when, none of that concerned me at all. Getting old,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sigh………...
That said, I'm very glad I changed my overhauled stock box for a Stage 2 FF. Made a night and day difference. Went from a PITA to drive to not so bad, and literally every single suspension and steering part was brand new but until the FF box, didn't seem like it. It doesn't drive like my '08 Mustang or even '96 Dakota with R&P of course, but it's a lot closer than it used to be.