Manual To Power Steering

L

LJU 65

Member
Jul 6, 2020
8
2
13
Michigan
#1
New to the site.

I have a 1965 Mustang, 289, 4 speed. I have been making suspension modifications.The goal is to keep the spirit of the original mustang but use improved components for better handling / performance. Mostly street driving but intend on a track day and a few autocross events a year. Installed Maier racing pan hard bar and leaf springs in back. I will be installing 600# coil springs, upper & lower roller control arms, Shelby drop, roller spring perches, adjustable strut rods and 1 1/8" sway bar next week. Followed by 4 wheel Willwood disc brakes and new rims and tires in the very near future.

The car has manual steering now (which i like) but I am considering power steering. I have looked into some power steering systems and need your advice.

If you were swapping manual for power steering which aftermarket unit (or original equipment) would you recommend and why?

Lou
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5570.JPG
    665.9 KB · Views: 127
  • IMG_5541.JPG
    495.1 KB · Views: 143
#4
I really appreciate you experience and responses. I fear losing the character of the older car but if i choose to convert to power at least i know now what product/system to use.

Thanks again.
 
#5
I don't think you really lose any character. The steering box looks like something 60s/70s/80s and you can use an original pump (it has unusual fittings, but you can't see that). It really looks like a '67 Mustang setup that the box is power. Past the box, you have to get rid of the 1-piece box/shaft combo. You can either add an aftermarket steering column and gain tilt (which is outside the character of the original) or use the original column outer sleeve and buy their conversion kit shaft. Either way you add a rag joint. You can use your original manual steering drag link and tie rods.
 
#6
i am going back and forth between the borgeson unit and the factory style unit. i will end up looking that real cost between the two units and go wiht the best price.
 
#7
I have the complete set up...rebuilt gear box, pitman arm, cylinder, bracket, rebuild kit (valve was already rebuilt though and didn't leak), and steering linkages I need to sell if anyone is interested It's a low mileage factory conversion from manual to power, sans pump. It's off my 68. I converted to a K-member and R&P out of a Cobra...I really need to post a build thread...
 
#8
If I were to add power steering to a manual steering car....I would go electric power steering with an under-dash unit. Why add all the hydraulic stuff when you can keep it far cleaner with electric? The only real downside I can see to the electric route is that people complain of less-than-ideal return to center...which evidently you get used to fairly quickly. I would take that downside though to avoid having to run a pump, lines and a ram.
 
#9
Do you still have that set up and would it fit on a 1966 mercury comet?
 
#10
I do still have the setup. I don't know if it will fit your Comet. I know it will fit a 67-68 mustang, but I also know Ford used many of the same parts in other vehicles
 
#12
another vote for epas. its simple, won't rob power or much space, you can spend a little and get a kit or build one. if i remember right, there was a detailed post either here or the vintage mustangs group going over it.
 
#13
Do you have return-to-center issues as well? Still undecided on whether I want it or not myself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
My power steering pump won’t quit squealing
Replies
0
Views
134
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
chvet73
C
F
For Sale Used 69 Mustang Manual Steering Box
Replies
0
Views
393
Suspension
FordFlyer
F
B
New to the Mustang world
Replies
2
Views
671
The Welcome Wagon
General karthief
Belt Routing AC /Smog Pump /Power Steering Delete
Replies
0
Views
955
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
93gtmustang
J
What is the best Power Steering Conversion kit for a 1964 1/2 mustang
Replies
8
Views
1K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
wicked93gs
Menu
Log in
Register