Manual or Power Steering

[ADub64]

Quick background, 64 1/2 260 auto car with P/S. My girlfriend bought it 4 years ago, cleaned up the body and the interior, drove it a lot. Its really worn out now, we drive it short distances and don't go far. Right now we are working on replacing all the suspension components and adding some bracing. Not doing anything too fancy with the car, making it fun and safe to drive again. It currently has working p/s in bad shape. I think it would be easier, safer, and cheaper to replace it with a manual box. The steering is way too light, I would like it much tighter. For much less than the cost of replacing the control valves, I can rebuild the entire steering setup as manual. Is there any real reason to keep the car with p/s. Classic wise, I'm pretty sure its not worth much, she doesn't want wide tires or 17" wheels, so I really don't see the benefit, but I thought I should run it by the experts. Great website, I look forward to your responses.

Aaron

 

[krash kendall]

What bracing are you referring to? If you replace all the front suspension bushings, idler arm, strut rod bushings (there realy isn't a whole lot to it) and get it aligned you will find the steering to be much more responsive or "tight". The power steering is a great option to keep in my opinion. I have manual right now and have been keeping my eyes peeled for a power set-up to make it more user-friendly for my wife.

 

[mustangdave]

Your girlfriend will hate m.s. when she's parking in tight spaces at the mall to spend your money. I would redo the p.s.: all of the parts are available and you will probably never have to do it again. Only replace what is needed. For instance, why would you replace the control valve if it is working? To make it safe, just put four new hoses on it. Some of the sloppy feel will go away when you rebuild all of the suspension (which should be done). If it is still too light, install a valve to control the flow of fluid.

 

[ADub64]

My garage floor looks like the Exxon valdez from all the PS and oil leaks. I know she didn't replace any of the steering components, so who knows how old they are. I'm an engineer and a gear head, more of a GM fan, so I hadn't ever seen how ridiculous Ford p/s is. To replace the pitman, idler, all tie rods, master and slave valves, I'm looking at well over 500 bucks. Then I have to deal with the power valve when I replace the engine and install headers. I will certainly wait until I finish the front suspension before I make up my mind, maybe try and find a local car with a manual setup.

Oh, by bracing, I meant subrames, export and monte carlos.

AW

 

[yeloxr7]

I hadn't ever seen how ridiculous Ford p/s is.
AW

Look under an early Nova or a 63-82 Corvette with power steering....

 

[scrutmonkey]

if you are loking for a more "tighter" feel, you might want to look into getting a new steering box...I changed mine out with a 16:1 ratio Flaming River. Its a pricey upgrade but well worth it IMO since I didn't feweling like shelling out for a rack/pinion set. i drive a 68 coupe and I'm actually thinking about taking out the PS system. i like manual coontrol vs the power assist though. So look into a new steering box at least, it's a nice upgrade from a worn out old style box.

 

[jadesville]

The only benefit I see with keeping it power steering is her driving it, because most likely she would not want to drive it as a manual.

 

[65up2d8]

My garage floor looks like the Exxon valdez from all the PS and oil leaks. I know she didn't replace any of the steering components, so who knows how old they are. I'm an engineer and a gear head, more of a GM fan, so I hadn't ever seen how ridiculous Ford p/s is.

What did you think a 40 year old GM power steering setup would be like? If its sooooooooooo much better, I feel confident in saying for the group that "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of our Classic forum."

More power to you, but don't be upset when we're consoling you're girlfriend after a FORD smokes your ass, Beeeeeeeeeeaaaaatttcccchhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[doug68hoss]

my 68 is basically in between power and manual..steers hard like a beast..so i put one of those ford steering wheel cover on it...helped alot..

 

[Bullitt]

i wouldn't put MS on your car.

my car has always been a manual box and i love it (around town), it blows for parking in tight spaces and girls (and even some guys) have a lot of trouble with it at low speeds.

 

[ADub64]

65up2d8, don't be a prick. I didn't say anything negative about, just tried to say I'm new to this chassis, never played with it before. As opposed to a power steering box, the mustang basically has opposing hydraulic cylinders instead. Just seems more complex to me. Either way, I appreciate your warm welcome.

ADub

 

[4MuscleMachines]

The Flaming River manual box is the best compromise between sloppy PS and hard manual. Good enough for women and girlie boys. I agree the Ford PS system is good for nothing but a boat anchor. Problem is, most people have to live with it since they do not want to spend the money on a nice manual box or rack n pinion system. I have TCP in both my cars (65Gt and 70 Boss) and a revised box in my 71 Boss and the difference is incredible. That 40yr old steering system is actually 60yr old technology, so go figure.

 

[shotsy]

I'd fix all of the leaks, replace the hoses rebuild the cylendar if it's leaking adjust the worm gear on the steering box before buying a new one? I know that on my 70, it took about 1/2 a turn on the screw thats sticking out of the top to tighten things right up? Just dont over do it or it could bind 1/4 turn at a time until the play is gone, might be worth a look? 500 bucks sounds way steep for a PS rebuild

 

[JB66]

Go the easy route! You're an engineer. Install a late model power rack & pinion setup.