Opinion Please - steering box

Re: Opinion Please

Just have the stock steering box rebuilt. You don't have to spend big bucks
on the Flaming River piece ( not too many success stories there ) or the
pricey rack and pinion set ups, unless you feel the need to spend more
money.

Just make sure you check out all your other front suspension and steering
pieces to make sure they are up to the job. A good front end alignment
be on your list and what condition are your tires? Should be able to get the steering box out without too much hassle. Got the maintenance manual?

 

Re: Opinion Please

above post is 100% right. Just have the steering box rebuilt. This guy did mine & at a reasonable price too. You won't believe the dramatic difference that will make.

http://www.stangerssite.com/


and, as mentioned above, every part of the steering linkage should be examined closely by someone who knows these old cars and replaced as needed.

Z. Ray

 

Re: Opinion Please

I would hold off on rebuilding the box until the rest of the suspension has been checked. As mentioned above, there are so many other suspension components that can affect steering. My '66 Hertz was impossible to steer. It badly needed an alignment but that could not be done until some of the suspension parts were replaced due to age/wear (primarily upper and lower control arms along with ball joints). After all of the repairs were done, steering resistance returned to normal. It's like driving a different car. My box was never touched. This may not be the same in your case but worth looking into. Good luck!

Craig R.

 

Re: Opinion Please

Texas GT350,

Please be aware that the Pitman arm and idler arm are unique to these cars (S1MS 3590-A, Steering Gear Sector Shaft Arm; S1MS 3734-A, Steering Idler Arm). If the alignment shop suggests that the idler arm needs to be replaced because it is worn, have them rebush it (Mustangs Unlimited sells the bushing for about $10, other Mustang specialty companies may as well).

 

Re: Opinion Please

On my 1966 GT350 clone the steering is very hard to turn
This is normal on a GT350, so I'd have to ask how close this "clone" is to OEM.

and the car wanders at highway speed,
This is alignment or worn parts, or both.

I think it is the steering gear and plan on replacing it.
Not unless the gearbox is shot. Reconditioning is as good as new if the gears and bearing races are not damaged.

I have the following questions:
1. Is the Flaming River replacement a good choice over stock?
Fine, if you have no choice.

Also it comes in 16 to 1 and 19 to 1 ratio, which one is best for manual steering?
Shelbys always had the quicker 16:1 box. Harder, but quicker. The 19:1 was for little old ladies. Shelby used special pittman and idler arms in 65-66, making it even quicker.

2. With the 42" shaft that goes through the steering column is it hard to change out? I read the article in Mustang Monthly on the change out but they did it with the engine out.
The box is easy. Remove the pittman. Remove the driver's seat. Remove the steering column. Remove the export brace. Remove the LH valve cover. Remove the #7 and #8 spark plug. Remove the steering gearbox.

3. Should I just opt for the rack and pinion change out and a new steering column?
Waste of money, IMHO, magazine articles notwithstanding.

Any opinions would be welcomed and if you have changed out the steering gear any advice too.
I have done them, I recited the above procedure from memory.

 

Re: Opinion Please

if you have wider tires the steering will be harder. For me there was a dramatic difference going from 225/60-14's to 195/70-14's.

Z. Ray

 

Re: Opinion Please

Texas GT350, If you find a good alignment shop in Houston that understands these cars, please come back here and let us know. I live next door in Pasadena and may need that service some day.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Re: Opinion Please

If you need to replace the idler arm bushing you might consider a roller bearing kit.

 

Re: Opinion Please

I have one of those kits on the Hertz car. Been looking for a source for more for as while now. Where can I get a kit?

 

Re: Opinion Please

NPD has them.


Z.

 

Re: Opinion Please

More positive caster will help with the "wandering" problem. Unfortunately it also increases the steering effort.

I have driven a lot of Mustangs with 195 series front tires and manual 19:1 steering and they are a handful to turn. I have also moved a 16:1 PS car around with the engine off and it is all I can do to turn the steering wheel at rest.

With a 16:1 box you will find that you will be able to steer or shift but not both at the same time.

 

Re: Opinion Please

anytime you want to watch a skinny old dude (me) perform this feat of strength swing on down to TX and I'll demonstrate how it's done in my 1966 Shelby Mustang: 16:1 steering, no power steering needed (girlie men need not apply).

Z. Ray

 

+1 zrayr.

 

Re: Opinion Please

I did, in my daily driver from 1974-1997. 15 years of that was with the Shelby quick steer added.