73 Mach Manual Steering

[GoldGlow73Mach]

So my 73 Mach 1 Q Code was actually ordered from the factory by the original owner WITHOUT power steering! Currently there is still no power steering on the car. My question is, is there a way to identify whether the steering can actually be improved even though it is manual? It is VERY hard to turn, mostly when going super slow or sitting still. I know that is "normal" but how can I know if it can actually be improved? Worn parts? Could the gear box need replacing? Would bad shocks make it harder to turn? Any advice would be great...

 

[marks73]

The holes are in the frame to accomodate the power steering gearbox. Just go to a junkyard and get the pump w/brackets and the gearbox and replace your rag joint as a safety. Manual steering these days is just nuts unless your shooting for concoarse original. But what your experiencing is Ford normal.

 

[GoldGlow73Mach]

I was also thinking of doing that. How involved would that be? I can't seem to find a schematic or list of PS parts I would need or what MS parts (linkage, idler arms, etc.) that are interchangeable with a PS system. It seems like such a daunting task. Does anyone have an idea of what such a project would entail?

 

[midlife]

I've found that avoiding super-wide tires up front does wonders to help the manual steering. Another item that helps is a thicker steering wheel so you can grip it that much easier. And finally, never slow down!

 

[Don65Stang]

I've got a 73 that I'm chopping up. Tell me the parts you need and they are yours. Just pay the shipping.

 

[72HCODE]

a larger radius steering wheel helps also those Little grant steering wheels are a bad idea with a manual steering box.

 

[marks73]

I was also thinking of doing that. How involved would that be? I can't seem to find a schematic or list of PS parts I would need or what MS parts (linkage, idler arms, etc.) that are interchangeable with a PS system. It seems like such a daunting task. Does anyone have an idea of what such a project would entail?

When I disassembled my steering it really wasn't that bad. I left the pitman arm on, disconnected the rag joint and the 4 nuts that hold the steering coloum in and it came right apart.

So my 73 Mach 1 Q Code was actually ordered from the factory by the original owner WITHOUT power steering! Currently there is still no power steering on the car. My question is, is there a way to identify whether the steering can actually be improved even though it is manual? It is VERY hard to turn, mostly when going super slow or sitting still. I know that is "normal" but how can I know if it can actually be improved? Worn parts? Could the gear box need replacing? Would bad shocks make it harder to turn? Any advice would be great...

Naturally I didn't mean your nuts. Had a 78 pickup w/manual and it was a bear brand new. Swore I'd never have another. :dodgy:

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

I too have a 73 q code with manual steering. I considered the conversion and decided against it. Over assisted power steering at speed is far worse than needing to put some muscle to it in the parking lot.

Don has it right, avoid wide tires up front and a steering wheel with a thicker rim is a huge improvement, even if it is a slightly smaller diameter.

 

[Manu Mach1]

Hi,

Don't know if you did something to "improve" your manual steering, but there is an electric system existing.

Name is "EZ Electric Power Steering". This is something I wanted to upgrade mine, but at least I prefer spend money to replace other things on my car, things I really need. At the beginning I was afraid about the manual steering, but now I find it ok.

http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/index.php?p=0&lang=fr

Bye.

 

[Manu Mach1]

The steering box is out of the car, to get more space to reinstall the left header.

So I want to inspect this manaul steering box, and refiil with grease I guess?

I have some books but nothing about the manual steering box.

If anyone can give me an advice, I will appreciate.

Thanks.

 

[marks73]

Not a task typically done at home due to the special tools and tight tolerances need to do the job properly.

 

[Manu Mach1]

I'm just filling up with grease, I found this link very interesting:

http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html

Not a task typically done at home due to the special tools and tight tolerances need to do the job properly.

 

[marks73]

Are you having any binding or other issues as well?

 

[Manu Mach1]

no other issues, just some maintenance as it's disconnected.

But I can see that some grease is missing.

 

[WILLIAMPARDELL]

I JUST CHANGED FROM MANUAL TO POWER STEERING. VERY EASY SWAP. CAR STEERS LIKE A DREAM NOW. ONE FINGER FOR TURNS. TOOK ME ABOUT 2-3 HRS TO CHANGE. GOT ALL PARTS FROM A 73 GRANDE PARTS CAR. YOU CAN GET A NEW PUMP FRON ROCK AUTO FOR $56.00 COMPARED TO CJ PONY AT $125.00. YOU NEED PUMP ,STEERING BOX AND PULLEY AND HOSES FROM PARTS CAR. NEW PRESSURE HOSE FORM ADVANCE AUTO $28.00.

DO THIS AND YOU WILL LOVE IT.I DO . PROBALLY COST ME AROUND $250.00 GIVE OR TAKE A FEW BUCKS.

 

[Manu Mach1]

Hi,

You really push me to do it. As you said, looks like so easy

Spare parts are not expensive, but me, on the other side of the atlantic, will cost me minimum double.

But I will do this upgrade in a few month.

Can you send me all part numbers you used to do the swap?

Thanks.

I JUST CHANGED FROM MANUAL TO POWER STEERING. VERY EASY SWAP. CAR STEERS LIKE A DREAM NOW. ONE FINGER FOR TURNS. TOOK ME ABOUT 2-3 HRS TO CHANGE. GOT ALL PARTS FROM A 73 GRANDE PARTS CAR. YOU CAN GET A NEW PUMP FRON ROCK AUTO FOR $56.00 COMPARED TO CJ PONY AT $125.00. YOU NEED PUMP ,STEERING BOX AND PULLEY AND HOSES FROM PARTS CAR. NEW PRESSURE HOSE FORM ADVANCE AUTO $28.00.

DO THIS AND YOU WILL LOVE IT.I DO . PROBALLY COST ME AROUND $250.00 GIVE OR TAKE A FEW BUCKS.