Power Steering rebuild?

[carguy47]

OK, so another thing that needs to be fixed is my power steering box. Is there a reputable company that does this any of you would recommend?
How about a company that sells newer units that are more or less, plug and play?
Thanks

 

[Stanglover]

Lots and lots has been posted on this subject.
If you just want to buy a rebuilt PS box and as I see you have a similar car to me, you will at least need a Saginaw 800 with variable ratio. TAG SPA-T or V. You could opt for a fast ratio upgrade as an alternative.
From all accounts, RedHead is one of the best. Lee Power Steering is another.
Personally, I rebuild my own, but not something to do if you're not very mechanically minded and have the tools and equipment to do it. A simple seal change is one thing, but a total rebuild, not so much.
As for newer steering options, adding rack and pinion can be done, but it's a MAJOR rework of the frame cross member. A friend of mine is swapping in a Coyote motor and to do it, he grafted in the complete front steering and suspension from a newer Mustang.
A good PS box with all the steering links etc redone, will give you as good as it can be. I can drive mine at 70 mph no hands.......... not that I want to do that for more than a few seconds!!
Hope that helps.

 

[Paul M]

If it's leaking, there's kits to replace the seals. My ol' box was still working (not at max wear), however, was making a mess. You can get seal kits cheap and the process isn't that hard to r&r a seal or 2.

 

[midlife]

Rode's Restoration is another place to go and they have a good reputation throughout the Mustang community.

 

[Bentworker]

You have a Saginaw 800 box which is one of the most common boxes out there. The same design was in millions upon millions of GM and Ford vehicles. A reputable steering shop can rebuild it as long as the casting is not thrashed. Different rebuilders seem to offer varying levels of customization. Call around and see what they can do for you. Two things can be altered. One is the ratio, which can be “quickened” all the way up to 12.7:1. Other modification is feel / feedback related. The amount of torque you must apply to your steering wheel before the power assist kicks in is controlled by the control valve / t-bar (torsion bar) assembly. This can make a huge difference in how your car feels. Lee offers a control valve upgrade, and others probably do too.

Like Geoff I rebuilt my own box. Mine is 12.7:1 with a .210” t-bar using the guts out of a f-body GM in the ford specific casting.

 

[Roland]

Always used chockostangclassicmustang.com from ILL?

 

[Hemikiller]

Always used chockostangclassicmustang.com from ILL?

Dan will rebuild the power steering pump, but won't touch the 71-73 Saginaw PS boxes.

FWIW, if the pump is quiet and just leaks, you can reseal it for $10 or so for a seal kit. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...92,steering,power+steering+pump+seal+kit,7407

Steering gear requires more tools and some specialized items like a shop press and inch/lb torque wrench. Without a doubt, a rebuilt box will make the car much more enjoyable to drive.

 

[Paul M]

Pull the snap ring, then pull up the plastic cover. Drill a hole in the seal insert a screw & use needle nose w/ a lil leverage to pull it. I used a large socket to install the new one. my seal was worn, however, my shaft wasn't and the side-to-side movement wasn't at maximum wear. The other side required p-arm puller

 

[Spike Morelli]

I had Lee Power Steering do mine. They say these power boxes can be re-built with just about any ratio you want. I think many guys use the Jeep innards to quicken their ratio, but I just had mine overhauled stock.

 

[carguy47]

The biggest issue is S&H costs to and from because it appears no one out here does it. It seems cheaper to buy one already done. I see them on eBay for around $300, however I am not sure if the GM ones are the same as Ford?

 

[Stanglover]

The biggest issue is S&H costs to and from because it appears no one out here does it. It seems cheaper to buy one already done. I see them on eBay for around $300, however I am not sure if the GM ones are the same as Ford?

The castings are different for Ford. They have the mount tabs that look like an inverted Y. You must specify a Ford box. The internals much the same.
You also need to know the ratio. If you don't mind turning the steering wheel forever, then a standard 17.5:1 ratio will do. Personally, I'd want at least the variable ratio, used on Mach 1's. Better yet would be a fast ratio upgrade that I think is 12.7:1.
I would be cautious of buying off e-pay. Enquire at reputable sellers like RedHead.
Other's who have bought new boxes may have a better suggestion.

 

[carguy47]

I had Lee Power Steering do mine. They say these power boxes can be re-built with just about any ratio you want. I think many guys use the Jeep innards to quicken their ratio, but I just had mine overhauled stock.

Lee's is $695 plus S&H, with a 4-week lead time.
It still seems over priced when there are others doing it for $370, after the $200 core charge reimbursement and conversion to quick ratio.

 

[Sheriff41]

The biggest issue is S&H costs to and from because it appears no one out here does it. It seems cheaper to buy one already done. I see them on eBay for around $300, however I am not sure if the GM ones are the same as Ford?

Check with some of the 4x4 shops in the area. Some of the more established shops should be able to go through your steering gear. Simmons 4x4 in Tucson was a go-to shop for driveline and suspension for any type car or truck.

 

[carguy47]

I am leaning towards this one - Kentucky Mustang has a 14:1 ratio and a 3-year warranty.

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[Bentworker]

I am leaning towards this one - Kentucky Mustang has a 14:1 ratio and a 3-year warranty.

Mustang Power Steering Conversion Box 14:1 Ratio 1971 1972 1973 | eBay

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Any reason you don’t want to stay with a Saginaw?

 

[carguy47]

No, just trying to find a suitable replacement. There is another option, I just have not dealt with them. Saginaw, quick ratio and 3-year warranty.

For Ford Mustang Thunderbird Quick Ratio Saginaw Power Steering Gearbox DAC 685987357646 | eBay

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[Stanglover]

No, just trying to find a suitable replacement. There is another option, I just have not dealt with them. Saginaw, quick ratio and 3-year warranty.

For Ford Mustang Thunderbird Quick Ratio Saginaw Power Steering Gearbox DAC 685987357646 | eBay

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First thing I noticed is the input shaft on the Borgeson is different, therefore you'll need to find a suitable "rag joint".
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/17500-3T Try this one, $396.00 That is what I'd go for. Core charges apply,

 

[351c1971]

I bought this new steering box on Ebay. It is 12:1 variable ratio and has very complete tag number cross references.
It looks like a good fit, but I have not installed it.

For Ford Mustang Ranchero Thunderbird Torino Mercury Power Steering Gear Box GAP 193331034391 | eBay

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[Hemikiller]

I'm running the Lares 807 fast ratio box, which is a reman original. The first one was a bum as it had too much preload, but the replacement was dead nuts and works great. IIRC, shipping the core back cost me under $20.

More Information for LARES 807

You can get a new quick ratio under the Lares brand, which has a lifetime warranty. I'd bet it's the same box everyone else is selling for more money and with less warranty.

More Information for LARES 10807

The Borgeson box is hit or miss. I've heard reports that it doesn't play nice with the factory Ford pump, so there's another investment you need to make, along with hoses.


Current RockAuto 5% discount code if you buy from them, good 'til 3/31 --> 225427778202750698

 

[carguy47]

I'm running the Lares 807 fast ratio box, which is a reman original. The first one was a bum as it had too much preload, but the replacement was dead nuts and works great. IIRC, shipping the core back cost me under $20.

More Information for LARES 807

You can get a new quick ratio under the Lares brand, which has a lifetime warranty. I'd bet it's the same box everyone else is selling for more money and with less warranty.

More Information for LARES 10807

The Borgeson box is hit or miss. I've heard reports that it doesn't play nice with the factory Ford pump, so there's another investment you need to make, along with hoses.


Current RockAuto 5% discount code if you buy from them, good 'til 3/31 --> 225427778202750698

The LARES seems the way to go, especially with a lifetime warranty!