AscolA

Specs: 68 Mustang, straight 6, T5, 8" rear end, front discs from a 78 Maverick, power steering.

Driving on the highway is no longer fun due to the play in my power steering. If I remove the belt to the power steering pump, I'll have manual steering, correct? Will that reduce play in the steering?

I'm also considering rack and pinion and see that there are manual and power options. Are the efforts involved in turning the wheel the same as standard manual vs power? I'm planning on dropping in a V8 in the next couple of years, but would like to get the steering figured out first. If I were to go the rack and pinion route, will the fact that I have front discs from a 78 maverick come into play?

Thanks!

Gun Jam

If you go the rack and pinion way do the engine first. spend the extra money and get the system from chassis works (total control products) and spend even more money and get the PS system. It is quite worth the price. I doubt the front disc will cause an issue but perhaps read over the instructions and see if parts being used (front spindals) will be a problem are they 5 lug now?

Cutting the belt will give you PS system that has a broken belt. You can get a MS conversion system that connects to you current drag link that will give you something more like true MS setup. Your steering box needs to be rebult and perhaps some balljoints. The MS conversion and rebuilt steering box will make a big improvement until you get to rack and pinion.

AscolA

Ok cool, thanks for all of the info Gun. Yeah, I have 5 lugs all around. Are you running the system from Total Control Products?

My ball joints were replaced last year, so rebuilding the steering box may be what I do this summer.

Gun Jam

I am running the TCP rack for the 66. Its an awesome kit I have the PS version that uses a nice compact pump that doesnt leak or do anything but work right.

MonsterBilly

I amnrunning the borgenson system and i really like it. Drives great, with a good solid feel

AscolA

@MonsterBilly Rack and pinion?

barnett468

Unfortunately you can not completely rebuild a steering box because the gears are not available and they are typically worn out if it has over 120k or so.

fastbackford351

I swapped in a Flaming River manual R&P / steering column setup into the fastback and the difference was night and day. Easy install using already available factory mounting points. I too had Granada disc brakes but they had the tie rod ends available that worked with those brakes.

MonsterBilly

No, Its not rach and pinion. It is the borgensen style. less than rack and pinion and has a different feel, much better then the factory. and it was easy to install and i like it a lot. didnt loose the turning radius like you do when you go rack and pinion.