New power steering box ?

[Sly_drums]

My power steering box is worn out and needs changing or rebuilt.

Changing would be the best option as I'm in France and shipping costs are always a problem.

Do all 71-73 Mustangs use the same power steering box ? (My Mustang is a 72 CJ Grande)

Will this fit ?

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=276539+01

Thanks for helping ! Any suggestion is welcome.

 

[Don C]

There were two Saginaw boxes used on the 71-73 Mustangs, one with a constant ratio, and the other a variable ratio.

The easiest way to tell them apart is probably the number of lock-to-lock turns, 3-1/8 for the variable and 4 turns for the constant ratio.

An alternative may be to get a rebuild kit, which you should be able to get for less than $80, and would be a lot cheaper shipping costs.

 

[Sly_drums]

Thank you ! Where do I find those rebuild kits ? Is rebuilding one an "easy" task ?

 

[marks73]

Thank you ! Where do I find those rebuild kits ? Is rebuilding one an "easy" task ?

Rebuilding is not that dificult if you have the proper tools. The main shaft seal needs to be pulled with a cam bearing puller and it needs to be installed carefully pressing it back in. You'll also need a inch pound touque wrench and a lot of patients!

 

[Tnfastbk]

Thank you ! Where do I find those rebuild kits ? Is rebuilding one an "easy" task ?

Rebuilding is not that dificult if you have the proper tools. The main shaft seal needs to be pulled with a cam bearing puller and it needs to be installed carefully pressing it back in. You'll also need a inch pound touque wrench and a lot of patients!

and hang onto your ball bearings

 

[Sly_drums]

Thanks a lot for helping, I've been very busy these times.

I just checked and the number of lock-to-lock turns is 3-1/8.

Will THIS mount on my Mustang ?

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=276539+01

Or maybe this one :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Mustang-T-bird-Torino-Mercury-Cougar-Power-Steering-Gear-Box-/170748396199?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1972|Model%3AMustang&hash=item27c165c2a7&vxp=mtr

They don't mention the lock-to-lock turns... I'm afraid to make a mistake and not getting the good one.

 

[jbojo]

Thanks a lot for helping, I've been very busy these times.

I just checked and the number of lock-to-lock turns is 3-1/8.

Will THIS mount on my Mustang ?

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=276539+01

Or maybe this one :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Mustang-T-bird-Torino-Mercury-Cougar-Power-Steering-Gear-Box-/170748396199?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1972|Model%3AMustang&hash=item27c165c2a7&vxp=mtr

They don't mention the lock-to-lock turns... I'm afraid to make a mistake and not getting the good one.

On the steering box there should be a tag, mine was SPA-A but below are the variations that you might find:

Power Steering Tag SPA-A

Power Steering Tag SPA-S

Power Steering Tag SPA-T

Power Steering Tag SPA-U

I used www.carsteering.com to get a replacement. I believe that they have the parts if you want to rebuild it yourself, I chose to get a rebuilt one. BTW their after sale service was good as I had a few questions for them after I purchased the replacement.

-jbojo

 

[71_resurrection]

I recently replaced mine as well. I looked all over and finally just went with Napa Auto parts. It was easy to replace, 3 bolts holding it to the frame and 2 on the shaft. The hardest part was getting the pitman arm off, finally got a puller after about 20 minutes of trying it with pure strength, it didn't budge...lol! I would also replace the steering box coupler while you have it all off. just my 2 cents. i also replaced the power steering lines, but they were just old and rotting anyway.