1971 Dart Swinger Worm Gear Adjustment
What boat anchor do you mean? Swapping power steering for manual?
At this point I'm not sure what to do, my wife will probably drive the car also, not as much as I do but I think the power steering has to stay. This is intended to be my daily driver so I'm not looking for steering performance like today's vehicles, I just want to be able to keep it straight down the road and make turns accordingly, maybe the occasional donut or two ;)
I think replacing that steering column might be a bigger job than I can tackle but without quality shops in the area, I may not have a choice. Where should I begin my search for a replacement column? Or can they be rebuilt at the bottom?
Ah.
I see you have posted.
I missed them. So, you are going to need to do some steering work anyway?
1. I myself would not try and rebuild a power box. Sounds messy.
2. I myself would have no trouble disassembling and freshening up a manual box.
Been there and done that. See links above. Even a cave man can do it.
3 The difference between a manual and power column is only the length. The manual is longer. BUT, all you have to do to a hook a shorter power column to a manual box is lengthen it buy pulling the inner tub more out of the outer tube. ( I ASSUME a 71 has a collapsible column like later ones do).
4. Couplers are available. Seem like there is even an "adapter" one which is longer to make the change I've outlined in number 3 here. Although I've never had to use one because I just lengthen the power column to work.
5. A boat anchor is the power box. It is heavy steel and very much heavier than the light weight aluminium manual box.
6. By changing you will eliminate unnecessary weight over you front wheels and get rid of belts and leaks for good. The car WILL handle better.
7. In 1971 people THOUGHT power steering was the cats wiskers since it was a new thing. A sales item. A luxury item. I contend these lightweight cars do not need it. I have no trouble driving one every day. Turning the wheel when the car is stationary is the only thing to consider. Otherwise, there is no issue.
