69 Steering Upgrade Recomendations Please!

popestang

New Member

Jan 16, 2015

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Jan 16, 2015

#1

• Jan 16, 2015

• #1

I would like some opinions from you guys that have knowledge on replacing the stock steering on my 69 Mustang. I've had the car for 15 years and have dealt with the sloppy power steering but it's time to upgrade the old girl. I want to get rid of the leaking cylinder, control valve, pump,etc. and either go with the Borgeson kit that has a new pump and gearbox offered by CJ Pony or bite the bullet and go for a rack and pinion setup. There are plenty of R&P aftermarket packages available, as you know, and I've been told that you can fabricate your own R&P without much trouble with the proper doner vehicle. I think the Borgeson set up would be the easiest to install, but is that going to solve the sloppy steering or not? Opinions greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

horse sence

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jan 16, 2015

#2

• Jan 16, 2015

• #2

I haven't driven my 69 ,but i put the Borgeson steering unit in it .Just turning the wheel i can tell a difference ,All the slop is gone .It is a very simple bolt in and comes with everything you need to install.
I have driven a car with a rack and pinion and really didn't care for it ,it was a bit darty for me /to sensitive, and tend to walk at the slightest touch of the wheel .
It is the valve assembly that usually causes the loose feeling in the stock steering ,when that is gone the steering will feel tight again.

 

popestang

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Jan 16, 2015

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Jan 28, 2015

#3

• Jan 28, 2015

• #3

Thanks for the input. I'm new to this site and don't have a clue how to respond to anything. I just now found this message in my email inbox. I've got quite a bit of work I want to do to my car, starting with suspension bushings all around, shocks, possibly front and rear springs, then we'll see how she drives. I'm not trying to build a show car nor a hot rod, just want a nice daily driver that doesn't beat ya to death or wear your arms out on a curvy road. She's 69 convertible, 351W, auto. She's been sitting inside for the last several years and it's time to get her back on the road and let her stretch her legs abit.

 

horse sence

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jan 28, 2015

#4

• Jan 28, 2015

• #4

You will pick it up quick ,the flag in the top right is someone responding to your post or a post you have responded to . The envelope is a personal message .
69 convert ?We need pics please

 

popestang

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Jan 16, 2015

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Jan 29, 2015

#5

• Jan 29, 2015

• #5

horse sence said:

You will pick it up quick ,the flag in the top right is someone responding to your post or a post you have responded to . The envelope is a personal message .
69 convert ?We need pics please

Click to expand...

I'll try to post a pic. I'm not the most computer literate person!!

 

horse sence

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Jan 29, 2015

#6

• Jan 29, 2015

• #6

You got a nice big pic of a very nice 69 convert posted ...you are doing fine .

 

candphall

Active Member

Jun 8, 2009

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Orlando Florida

Jan 29, 2015

#7

• Jan 29, 2015

• #7

First let me say that I am not a purist. I also had some handling and leakage issues on my 69 factory power steering unit. I figured that if it worked good in 69 that I would restore it to its former glory. I sent every piece to Rhodes Restorations in Ohio. He did a complete restoration. It was re installed and performs great. In addition all the parts fit with no modifications, they came off right. In addition the turning radius remained the same.

 

popestang

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Jan 16, 2015

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Jan 30, 2015

#8

• Jan 30, 2015

• #8

I think that I'm going to attempt rebuilding my power steering pump first. It leaks pretty bad and I get a few drips from the cylinder and control valve but nothing terrible. A $15 gasket kit is WAY cheaper than replacing the entire steering system. I've watched a few YouTube videos on how to rebuild it, I have a Chilton's manual with schematics so it shouldn't be that complicated. Famous last words, right? Ha! I doubt that will "tighten" up the steering but at least she won't be marking her territory at every stop. Maybe replace the control valve with a new one and see how she does. I'm sure replacing all the steering/suspension bushings would be a big improvement also and that is on my "to do" list as well. Again, any input you gentleman can throw my way is greatly appreciated.

 

candphall

Active Member

Jun 8, 2009

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Orlando Florida

Jan 30, 2015

#9

• Jan 30, 2015

• #9

Just be carefull with the pulley they break very easily.

 

popestang

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Jan 16, 2015

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Jan 30, 2015

#10

• Jan 30, 2015

• #10

The videos I watched showed a puller that can be rented/borrowed from several auto parts stores. Sure don't want to break anything.