To Power Steer or Not To...hmmmm

[Netou]

Well...im almost done with rebuilding my 67' rustang...

Only thing is that the steering wheel has a lot of play (5inches) i took it for a drive and its horrible...cant seem to keep it from going to the sides due to the play...

I was wondering...would it be best to rebuild the current steering box, buy a new one, or just go with manual steering....??

 

[stanger53]

What you describe sounds more like a loose or worn steering box, but the rest of the power steering system probably needs rebuilding too. If you are in the process of rebuilding your car, you might as well rebuild the whole system and get it in good shape again.
Even if you decide to go to manual steering, you will still need to have the box rebuilt or replaced. Why not stay with the original power system and get it rebuilt?

 

[66moneypit]

IF my car had original power steering then I'd rebuild it. It's something I wish I had. I have manual steering right now. I have a Flaming River steering box and it's definitely tight. I also have a roller bearing kit in the idler arm and that makes a difference as well...but nothing beats power steering.

I agree, it sounds like your box is badly worn, not to mention the other parts of the system.

 

[Cannoball888]

Don't rebuild the original box. The Flaming River 16:1 quick ratio box is the real ticket. I'd also check you steering linkage for play and see if you need to replace the drag link, ball studs, idler arm, rebuild valve, etc. I did and you'd swear I had power rack and pinion if you drove my car.

 

[2nd Mustang]

I have manual steering with 245/50 x 15 tires on all four corners, with a four speed top loader. It steers great, just hard at a stand still, but then it's good exercise. Once you start moving, steering is almost effortless.

 

[t_chelle16]

I have manual steering with 245/50 x 15 tires on all four corners, with a four speed top loader. It steers great, just hard at a stand still, but then it's good exercise. Once you start moving, steering is almost effortless.

Yeah, I had manual steering on old Sadie and once the car was moving a little, it really wasn't all that bad. But then I tore some ligaments in my wrist. Besides taking 3 months to heal because I was still driving with the manual steering, my wrists are now weaker so I'm kind of glad new Sadie has power steering (it's really super easy to turn the wheel too - requires about 1/2 the effort that my mom's 2000 Cherokee needs). So if any part of her power steering goes out, it's getting fixed just for the sake of my wrist.

-Chelle

 

[Netou]

yea...the worm gears inside the steering box are goners...the rest of the steering components i replaced new...

im just looking to see if its worth rebuilding it or buying it new...

is $180 for a completly rebuilt box plus my stock box a good deal???

everything is replaced for new parts...

anwayz...i dont mind manual steering neither...been driving my dads 57' belair with no power steering and its decent from a roll....from a stop its a pita