The tweak program unfortunately doesn't do dead zones in XP but the analog smooth setting did help. Still pretty hard to keep from turning the wheel full lock and under steering into the wall but it's at least usable now. I guess you just really have to have a FF wheel to use this sim properly.

thanks, I'll try those suggestions out.

I have a Logitech Dual Action gamepad (looks like a PS2/3 pad). The analog sticks usually work great in racing games but they are way too touchy in LFS. Is there any way to put dead zones in the controls or reduce the sensitivity? Nothing I change in the game seems make a difference except reducing the steering lock of each car to like 15 which makes it pretty hard to get around the tight corners.