I'm thinking about converting to manual steering....

When you convert, do the new replacement parts give you a mechanical advantage or will the steering be just as tough as if i took the power steering belt off???

Thanks for any help

BTW, i'm looking at the part # MU3304A on page 186 of the mustangs unlimited catalog

 

It will be harder to turn the wheel, power by armstrong.
Whatever you do, do not simply disable the power because something will break. The best way is to use all manual parts.

 

It's going to be easier to turn with the manual steering parts than just taking off the belt. My 1970 F100 is manual steering and it's easier to turn than with the power steering belt off of my mustang. The manual steering has a better feel out on the road that the power steering, but parking lots are a pain.

 

what is rack and pinion manual steering like?

is it just like regular manual steering but with no play?

 

The steering boxes for power and manual steeering are different. Then manual box has a 19:1 ratio and the power has a 16:1 ratio. The other components in the steering do not make a significant change in steering effort. IIRC the only other difference in PS vs MS steering parts, for the 68 I have - 67 may be different, are the center link and the idler arm, and possibly the pitman arm.

The steering effort is also compounded by smaller steering wheels and wider tires. These are prime reasons for the steering effort feeling much greater than stock systems.

 

VERY true. on the road going in a straight line is much easier than with power and when your in a parking lot, learn quickly to be onl the brakes and take WIDE turns!

 

ok.....so in order to get the feel of a factory equipped manual steering car, I will need the manual steering gearbox and the conversion part that i mentioned in my first post.

I'll probably wait until some part of the power steering system fails, and then i'll convert. Thanks.

 

Correct. And I don't know if Mustangs were the same that but I believe on the old ford trucks, the manual steering trucks came with an 18" steering wheel and the power steering ones came with a 16".

 

i know my steering wheel is pretty big.....I'll measure it and compare to a manual steering car.

 

I forgot to mention in the above that the factory "quick" steering manual gear box had the same ratio as the power steering box. So you could try using your current box.

But tire width makes a big difference, especially in the parking lot. Stock tires were 185/75-14 with 195/75-14 optional. Your signature picture makes me think your tires are wider.