Mustang steering
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 312
From: Montana
Mustang steering
Right now we have manual steering in the 68' mustang. We want to make the steering a little easier and more responsive. What should we do manual Rack n pinion or power steering or power rack? I was looking into the borgenson power steering, unisteer, Randles rack, TCP rack or Flaming river rack. Give me your thoughts! What is easier to install?
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,246
From: Upland, California
5th Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,462
From: Texas
I would keep the stock steering and upgrade components to roller like the idler arm and spring perches etc.
The sloppy steering wheel could be any number of things from worn out tie rod ends or a worn out steering box.
The sloppy steering wheel could be any number of things from worn out tie rod ends or a worn out steering box.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,468
From: California
Prolly just worn components. All new stuff plus replace the box with a new Flaming River manual unit if the box is shot. I went from factory 20:1 ratio to a new 16:1 ratio FR box and the effort is about the same, but the steering is tighter an more responsive than most newer cars. The FR boxes use newer upgraded needle bearing designs inside, so what you lose in gear ratio you gain back in reduced internal box friction.
Roller idler arms, replace worn parts, good moly based grease and it will steer like a sports car.
Roller idler arms, replace worn parts, good moly based grease and it will steer like a sports car.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,246
From: Upland, California
Prolly just worn components. All new stuff plus replace the box with a new Flaming River manual unit if the box is shot. I went from factory 20:1 ratio to a new 16:1 ratio FR box and the effort is about the same, but the steering is tighter an more responsive than most newer cars. The FR boxes use newer upgraded needle bearing designs inside, so what you lose in gear ratio you gain back in reduced internal box friction.
Roller idler arms, replace worn parts, good moly based grease and it will steer like a sports car.
Roller idler arms, replace worn parts, good moly based grease and it will steer like a sports car.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,417
From: Cork, Ireland
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 312
From: Montana
Will fixing the manual steering components make it a lot easier to steer? I say this cause my mom drives the car and she really wants it to steer easier. She getting older and has a hard time getting in and out of the parking garage. Ans she complains about the sloppy steering. Will upgrading the manual box and components be what were looking for or do we need to go with a rack or PS?
6th Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,896
From: Elk Grove, CA
I agree, in your situation, power steering is the answer. Even manual steering in good shape with roller components will still take a bit of elbow grease to haul around corners.
A power rack setup would be the most responsive, but also the most expensive. I personally don't like the factory power steering because it's severely overboosted and provides no feedback, but aside from that it works just fine assuming all of the components are in good condition. I would recommend changing the gearbox if you go with factory p/s, otherwise you'll have the stock 5-turn box where you should have a 4-turn box.
A power rack setup would be the most responsive, but also the most expensive. I personally don't like the factory power steering because it's severely overboosted and provides no feedback, but aside from that it works just fine assuming all of the components are in good condition. I would recommend changing the gearbox if you go with factory p/s, otherwise you'll have the stock 5-turn box where you should have a 4-turn box.