change manual steering to power

[buckmaster607]

Hello, I have a 66 charger that came from factory with power steering and air. Somebody removed both. I would at least like to change back to power steering. I found 2 66's and 1 67 charger in old junk yard. Would I need to change steering column? Any issues with using pump that has been sitting for so long? I have 318 poly, pulley is on motor. Thanks!

[AKcharger]

Hi Bucky! welcome to the forum

- steering colum is identical...I've never had delt with you an issue but never heard of of a "maunual colum"
- Did they swap out the gear box? if NOT excellt chance it will leak at rear seal. If they did new unit should be good
- As for your old pump it's a crap shoot, it may leak...may not. I'd give it a try it's only 15 mins work to install
- I'm getting my factory A/C working again too...watch some of my posts. So far I'm working a bad A/C clutch

[buckmaster607]

Thanks old timer!

Having hard time focusing on your post, for some reason my eyeballs are bouncing! Other sites I have been on claim the columns are shorter for power. Have a manual box on car now. No other parts other than engine pulley.
Thanks!

[John Milner]

I know that on a 68-70 B body, the steering column shaft is longer or shorter depending on if you have manual or power steering.  I would assume that 66-67 is like a 68-70 in that aspect but I don't know for sure since I have never worked on a 66-67.

[b5blue]

This would imply the manual box is shorter: https://www.manciniracing.com/mamastad.html

[westcoastdodge]

Just done this on my '68,column for power is exactly 3" shorter than the manual one on the second gen anyways

[buckmaster607]

beautiful v-8!!! You are correct, just found out today 1st gen is the same way, exactly 3" shorter on power. Thanks!

[AKcharger]

Ooops, sorry for bad advice on colum

[buckmaster607]

S**T happens! Thanks anyway.

[Montclaire]

If I remember correctly, things changed in 67.  The box coupler changed and pre-67 can be hard to find.  I believe there may also be different couplers for manual and power.  I don't think a 67 column will fit a 66 (thicker tube won't fit dash frame?).  I just got a remanned box from Lares through Rock Auto - very happy with it for the price.  Make sure you have a core to send, cc was $250. 

[buckmaster607]

That's what I thought after doing more research. Thank you!