power steering ?

[manny]

has any one out there taken out the power steering gear and replace it with the manual type? i will be running a 70's series tires up front and yes the car has a v8. thanks in advance.

 

[98CobraClone]

I removed my old power steering rack and replaced it with a flaming river manual rack, if that's what you're asking

 

[Wart]

Yes.

The manual rack has a much better feel.

If you have a tendency to turn the wheel while the cars sitting still you'll get over it real quick.

 

[Mstng2]

Yep, Many of us have, because we are Manly Men! We have a desire to strenghten our arms by yanking on a 13' steering wheel to turn the tires 1 inch. hah ahhah Really though all you do is swap out to a manual rack. The knuckle is slightly different and you do need a manual knuckle. Other than that it's pretty much a straight swap and nets you less maintenance and 1-2 tenths in the 1/4 mile.

 

[JonDawg]

I have 60 series low pros on the front of mine, with the manual R/P. Even after I put on the smaller steering wheel, its not too much effort to turn the wheels. I still dont recommend it while the car is sitting still, but its not the worst thing Ive ever had. Now a 2-ton Dodge truck is a beeoch with the manual steering.

 

[Dano78]

I've got 195/60/14s on the front, V8 Auto with a manual rack. It's not too shabbly.
As long as you don't put a mini-spool (like I did) or a tough locker unit in the rear axle, you'll won't notice too much difference.

 

[manny]

thanks guys. guess i'll go look for a manual knuckle also.

 

[Johan]

I'm in the minority here, I much prefer a power rack. That may not make me as manly, but I much prefer the quicker steering of the power rack - 3 turns lock-to-lock vs 4 turns lock-to-lock.

 

[90lx]

I drove my car for years with the power steering belt off cause the pump was really noisy. It wasn' the correct brackets and pump for the car. I had 205/60's on it. Parking lots were some work, but other than that it was fine.

 

[IMACHU2]

I ditched the power rack for the manual rack. The problem is the stock II manual rack is way too slow!! The lock to lock is like 4 1/2 turns! (guess-ta-ment). I am going to put in either a flamming river rack or a stock power steering rack without a pump back in. I think sleeper put a II power rack in his car with no pump. He just used a P/S jug from some newer car from the wreckers. (many new cars have a jug with two spiggots). The manual rack is safe and works fine, just not very sporty. Also I know the tie rods are different and possibly the rag joint. (I transformed my car 10 something years ago, so the details are getting fuzzy) The steering effort is not too hard even with the 302. My Lada Niva takes more effort

 

[jeffnoel]

I'm in the minority here, I much prefer a power rack. That may not make me as manly, but I much prefer the quicker steering of the power rack - 3 turns lock-to-lock vs 4 turns lock-to-lock.

It's not a question of manliness, the problem is Ford PS are noisy even when new. The manual rack is also smaller diameter than the power version which gives more room when using a non-II oil pan (like my 7-qt deep sump).