I WANT TO UPDATE MY STEERING

[68dustin]

I WANT TO UPDATE MY STEERING **update**

ok i got a 68 mustang and im looking for a little tighter steering at higher speeds. In town it feels great with little play in the wheel. At higher speeds 65 or so i have alot more than wanted play in the wheel. im thinking of a few options: my current setup is stock power stuff.

my options: get a flame in river steering box
go rack and pinion: 68 69 1968 1969 Mustang Rack and Pinion Kit,Manual Kit : http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-6...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
or this option: Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus :: Steering :: Integral Power Steering Boxes And Parts :: 1968-70 Integral Power Steering Box W/1 1/8" Sector
has anyone got any experience with these products? pro's and con's? thanks

 

[2+2GT]

Have you gone through the adjustments outlined in the Factory Service Manual? A few hours' work could save thousand$.

 

[JonK]

Agreed, I started with ~2" of play in my wheel ('67 PS) and replacing wear items (tierods, idler, etc.) brought it down to 1", then I opened my gearbox from the top and cleaned/repacked it with fresh grease, that got me to 1/2" of play. The steering parts were all 40+yr. old stock so they needed to go anyway, the box repack was a couple hours and $10 ford grease.

Jon

 

[68dustin]

you know.... i never really thought about trying to work some adjustments out. i will look in my manual tonight to see how to do some standard maintence on it. Cheapest way to start. How does your guys steering feel at 65 or so?

 

[chockostang]

Update your steering. AS stated, you can't expect 40 year old components to function as new.

Inspect, Judge, manipulte the system, you will have a excellent steering, and not butcher a nice classic.

Dan @

Chockostang

 

[68dustin]

i'm not worried about butching a classic, its already far from stock. I'm looking to make it a little more comfortable at higher speeds (track & freeway) without breaking the bank. From what i've noticed there isnt much play in the control valve, and im pretty sure the endlinks and tie rods, idle arm, are pretty new. i recently replaced all a-arms and ball joints, perches (more in less entire suspension) Im going to play with some of the adjustments on the box and repack it before i buy any aftermarket stuff.

anybody have any good luck with the manual unisteer rack?

 

[2+2GT]

I have no significant "play" in my steering at highway speeds, and since my car encourages highway speeds on two-lane country roads, it's a good thing.

 

[68dustin]

I have no significant "play" in my steering at highway speeds, and since my car encourages highway speeds on two-lane country roads, it's a good thing.

i think im going to try what u guys suggested first. i really dont mind the orginal stuff. Its great around town but doing 115 with 11 & 2 on the steering wheel gone it kinda scary..lol.. thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[2+2GT]

Its great around town but doing 115 with 11 & 2 on the steering wheel gone it kinda scary..lol.. thanks for all the suggestions!

Didn't seem to faze these guys-

 

[lord_cobra]

I was thinking between the Borgeson box and the manual unisteer rack and I think I am going to go with Borgeson.

I have also put all new parts in, although I haven't done anything with the stock PS box. I did rebuild the control valve too but who knows maybe I didn't do it good. I just don't see spending a bunch of money updating the old stuff. Heck if I replace the control valve and the cylinder I would just about spend the same as putting in the Borgeson box and not have to worry about any of those parts.

Just my thoughts.

 

[rbohm]

Didn't seem to faze these guys-

the only thing that ever fazed those guys is when they encountered brake fade at green valley texas, and even then they were not too bothered by it.

 

[68dustin]

I was thinking between the Borgeson box and the manual unisteer rack and I think I am going to go with Borgeson.

I have also put all new parts in, although I haven't done anything with the stock PS box. I did rebuild the control valve too but who knows maybe I didn't do it good. I just don't see spending a bunch of money updating the old stuff. Heck if I replace the control valve and the cylinder I would just about spend the same as putting in the Borgeson box and not have to worry about any of those parts.

Just my thoughts.

has anybody on here used that borgeson box?? whats the feeback on that?? its really decently priced.

 

[tx65coupe]

I have manual steering, but am running a rebuilt quick ratio steering box for a power steering car. I think its great.

 

[Shakin66]

I am going to be ordering a Brogenson box and associated parts in the next month or so as I have rebuilt and replaced everything under the front of my car. I also have a Blow set up. What Carb are you running?

 

[68dustin]

holley 750 double pumper special built from carb shop for blow thru.

 

[68dustin]

ok well had some time to kill today and i got some slop out the steering wheel, however i noticed my steering box is leaking fluid... So i guess the time is comming to replace the steering stuff sooner than i thought. Has anybody purchased the flame & river gear box?? pro's and con's

 

[2+2GT]

ok well had some time to kill today and i got some slop out the steering wheel, however i noticed my steering box is leaking fluid... So i guess the time is comming to replace the steering stuff sooner than i thought. Has anybody purchased the flame & river gear box?? pro's and con's

Leaks do not mean the box is shot. You could replace the bearings and seals in the gearbox for a small fraction of the cost of a new box. With the gearbox properly adjusted (simply tightening the screw on the top can destroy it, so follow the procedure in the FSM) you should have zero "play" on center.

 

[chockostang]

ok well had some time to kill today and i got some slop out the steering wheel, however i noticed my steering box is leaking fluid... So i guess the time is comming to replace the steering stuff sooner than i thought. Has anybody purchased the flame & river gear box?? pro's and con's

Leaking, Virtually no way that heavy Grease can leak out the Seal.

If you see running grease, it has to be some unaware novice has added 80/90 Rear end grease in the Box.

The seals will not contain the Thin, Non Stock, Totally incorrect 80/90.

Who ever wrote these boxes take this grease should be beat with a wet noodle repeatedly.

Dan @

Chockostang

 

[68dustin]

thanks for the advice, it might not be leaking then. i will give it another look tomorrow.

 

[dbfarr]

yellowxr7 had great results with the Borgeson box, haven't seen him around for a while.

Anyway, he rebuilt the whole steering system with Borgeson stuff, seemed really pleased. I've had great luck with the Randall's rack, been running it for nearly five years, though the price seems to be climbing.

Unisteer is a similar if not the same design, backed by a large (meaning more capital) company. Price, last time I looked, seemed reasonable.