Steering issues

[coolhnd9]

I need to do something about the steering on my Mustang. Its a 68 with PS. I just replaced the rag joint and idler arm and the ball joints are decent and it still drives like a boat in a rough sea!

Next, is a new steering box... Questions is if the PS valve goes out what kind of issues will the cause? Should the stud coming out of the valve be fixed or should it spin freely? I want to make its the steering box first. I've taken off the steering box and by hand it doesnt feel like it has any slop, but under driving conditions its a whole nother story.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[stanger53]

The ball stud sits in a pair of cupped seats under spring tension, so it will twist in those seats, but not freely or by hand. Not unless it is worn badly or something is wrong. You could put a nut on the ball stud and turn it with a wrench, but you shouldn't be able to turn it by hand.

 

[coolhnd9]

The ball stud sits in a pair of cupped seats under spring tension, so it will twist in those seats, but not freely or by hand. Not unless it is worn badly or something is wrong. You could put a nut on the ball stud and turn it with a wrench, but you shouldn't be able to turn it by hand.

Thanks for the help!
I was turning it with the aid of the pittman arm. Excesive play in the steering wheel/system most likely points to the steering box, correct?

 

[stanger53]

The steering box is the usual suspect if the rest of the linkage is new and/or tight.

 

[Big_B]

Did you try adjusting the steering box yet?

 

[coolhnd9]

The box was adjusted recently. Theres got to be a half turn play in the in the steering system. It just amazes me that with the box out of the car I cant tell theres any slack in it at all.

My next dilema is to convert to manual steering or not. I have all the parts except a good steering box for either!

What are the pros and cons or advice from other classic Mustang owners on power vs no power steering?

 

[Rusty67]

You can use either steering box for manual or power steer, the only difference is the ratio meaning how many turns of the wheel to get the box to lock in 1 direction.

 

[scrutmonkey]

I bought a flaming river steering box for my PS 68....reduced my slop in the steering.

if I remember right, 16:1 ratio was recommended for PS and 19:1 ratio was recommended for manual.

If you decide on manual, the 19:1 ratio and some steering components will finish your ps to manual conversion.

 

[Rusty67]

I left my power box in because of the quicker ratio, my forearms are all the power steering I need.

 

[67Mstng]

I'm installing the control valve now on a 67. The Ball stud is spinning before i can tighten the nut down runing through the pit arm. Any ideals? I know the castle nut needs a little extra effort to spin down because it used. Do you have to hold the ball stud some how in order to tighten the nut.

 

[Rusty67]

Impact it on, it wont turn.

 

[yeloxr7]

If you replace the steering box, get one from Borgeson: http://www.borgeson.com/67-70-mustang-manual-steering-boxes-brackets.htm

Better price and warranty than a Flaming River box, and you will only have to install it once. Their customer service is excellent. I ordered one and it arrived a few days later. I have been very pleased with it.