Help identify please: power or manual gearbox?

VDART said
that is a jacked up p/s box-- jacked up because it is open to the elements & probably has issues inside the box. post up a want ad-- lots of people discarding those for manual steering.

1 thing to watch for 73 & later -- I think uses a larger spline count that the 72 & older versions-- not 100%-- but just be aware of a spline change ,Lawrence

Lawrence, thanks for tip regarding the P/S box. Sounds like it could use a cleaning then. But, why are people replacing the power steering gearboxes for manual gearboxes? Could you explain?

n00blike said
Congrats on the new car!

I got a 74 duster too and that is a power steering gearbox. My duster has a saginaw pump. Im not sure on the pros and cons of other pumps.

the saginaw pump looks like this. Note that you may need all the brackets and bolts.

You can call these guys up. They have helped me out with my suspension over the years.

http://www.firmfeel.com/psp_a.html

(woow you guys are quick!)

Thanks for the pic of the P/S pump. From the others that chimed in, that seems to be a good pump to go with since it moves more fluid. I have Firm Feel book marked. I noticed that they have different stages to their P/S gearboxes./COLOR]

2 Darts said
Yep, that's a PS box. IMHO, it would not be wise to hook up a pump until the box has been cleaned out internally. Hydraulic pumps do not take kindly to debris going through them. If the interior of the pump is scored, like an AT it will growl or whine.

The PS boxes are lots faster going 3½ turns lock-to-lock where the manual boxes are 5 turns.

The Saginaw pump is a bit thinner than the Federal Mogul and will move a bit more fluid. The thinner size makes for a little more flexibility in terms of where it can be mounted.

The 73 and later uses the same Pittman arm as the F/M/J bodies. I've got a cop car box on a 75 k-frame in the Demon. I'd recommend the cop car box to anyone who wants or needs power steering.

3 1/2 turns lock to lock sounds like a good thing to me. Still unsure why someone would want to go with a manual gearbox if they already have a P/S gearbox. What's the difference between a standard P/S gearbox and a cop car gearbox? Thanks!

rbdart said
Could be possible but my money is on the not being a 360 for several reasons but I agree the best way to determine is look at the drivers side of block

So this engine might be a 318? That's ok with me because I don't mind keeping the drive train close to original. So where exactly on the box is the engine size stamped? Would it be easy to see?

I'd like to thank you all for a quick response. I spent some time cleaning the Duster. I'm actually going to post more pictures in the appropriate forum. I'm actually anxious to get her on the road, but I just want to make sure she's safe before I get to that point.