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Mustang steering

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Old 08-04-2010, 04:47 PM
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kolb02
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Default 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?
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Old 08-04-2010, 05:20 PM
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nba1341
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http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/idlerarm/
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Old 08-04-2010, 10:45 PM
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kolb02
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Does this really work? I would also like to get rid of the sloppyness in the steering wheel.
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Old 08-05-2010, 01:26 AM
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tx65coupe
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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.
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Old 08-05-2010, 02:27 AM
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67mustang302
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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.
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Old 08-05-2010, 06:53 AM
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nba1341
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Originally Posted by 67mustang302
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.
Did you install the box yourself? Wondering if its possible without removing like everything
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Old 08-05-2010, 07:55 AM
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kalli
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Originally Posted by nba1341
Did you install the box yourself? Wondering if its possible without removing like everything
http://www.flamingriver.com/pdf/65-6...ox_install.pdf
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Old 08-05-2010, 08:18 AM
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kolb02
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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?
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Old 08-05-2010, 08:43 AM
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kalli
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sloppy means worn, so you can rectify this by replacing parts. however if my mother way to drive such a car I'd probably give her a powersteering ?! wonder what the others have to say
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Old 08-05-2010, 08:53 AM
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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.
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