Going from Power to Manual Steering - Thoughts?

[BY RSCO]

I am very seriously looking into going back to a manual rack on the car. Though it is a factory power steering car (was not matching #s, and so on though  ) - I am thinking about not doing power steering mainly for additional "neatness" under hood.  I am not running huge wide tires on the front, and not planning on carving corners with the car. Just wondering who else has done this, and what are some of the better manual setups out there, or am I just thinking crazy and need to keep it power. Thanks!

[Dino]

It's personal preference really.  Nothing wrong with manual steering.  At least the car won't freak you out as much at higher speeds!  If engine bay looks is the deciding factor though I don't think it's worth it.  Really all you would remove is the power steering pump and hose.  The rest (although different) looks the same.  Be aware that you need to replace the column as well when doing this. 

There's always a firm feel box to give you the in-between feel.

[bull]

There's always a firm feel box to give you the in-between feel.

The only reason we need power steering is for low speed maneuverability. When it comes to backing these things out of the garage it's nice to be able to make quick and easy corrections since you can't see worth a damn. The Stage 2 box from Firm Feel is a great way to have both the convenience of easy steering at low speeds and good road feel on the street.

[Cooter]

I assume you have A non power steering column as you mention converting back. If not, keep in mind, you will need a manual steering column or the little spacer as the power steering column is shorter.

[BY RSCO]

Thanks for all of the input! Still looking into what I want to do on this, but some great advice & tips. Thanks again 

[firefighter3931]

I just converted from power to manual steering on mine.....mainly for the better road feel and weight savings. The manual box is aluminum and much smaller so there is a big weight savings to be had. I also relocated the battery to the trunk so now the engine bay has lots of room and the front end just lost close to 100lbs in static weight.   

Mancini Racing has the adapter you need when converting from power to manual steering. 

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mamastad.html

The power steering delete is worth an easy 40lbs.....the PS box + Pump + brackets + hoses + fluid all add up. For me it was worth it....no question ! 


Ron

[Dino]

I just converted from power to manual steering on mine.....mainly for the better road feel and weight savings. The manual box is aluminum and much smaller so there is a big weight savings to be had. I also relocated the battery to the trunk so now the engine bay has lots of room and the front end just lost close to 100lbs in static weight.   

Mancini Racing has the adapter you need when converting from power to manual steering. 

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mamastad.html

The power steering delete is worth an easy 40lbs.....the PS box + Pump + brackets + hoses + fluid all add up. For me it was worth it....no question ! 


Ron

That's a lot of weight! 

It's nice to have the room to work on the engine though, my engine bay is real fun to work on right now, then again the car won't be going anywhere as is.   

Btw, nice post count.   

[firefighter3931]

That's a lot of weight! 

It's nice to have the room to work on the engine though, my engine bay is real fun to work on right now, then again the car won't be going anywhere as is.   

Ya Dirk....the P/S box is a TANK....wait until you pick one up !    You might need to visit the chiropractor afterwards 

Btw, nice post count.   

LOL....it's a good thing PM's aren't included in that number....i would have 3 times as many 



Ron

[Dino]

That's a lot of weight! 

It's nice to have the room to work on the engine though, my engine bay is real fun to work on right now, then again the car won't be going anywhere as is.   

Ya Dirk....the P/S box is a TANK....wait until you pick one up !    You might need to visit the chiropractor afterwards 

Btw, nice post count.   

LOL....it's a good thing PM's aren't included in that number....i would have 3 times as many 



Ron

I was thinking of removing pump and chuck to have better access for the brake line work so thanks for the heads up.  I'll call for my neighbor when it's time to lift this stuff out.   

I can only imagine how fast your inbox fills up.  That happens when you know what the heck you're talking about see?  Yes, my inbox is empty.   

[GordonGriggs]

I have manual steering on all my Charger's. Year's ago when I had my 68 charger I converted it from power to manual steering by taking the steering shaft out of a 69 Chryslter new yorker. My neighbor laughed at me and told me it would not fit. It did fit. Just had to slide the steering column back toward the seat about 1 inch. No modifications at all.