Conversion to manual steering

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KJoeZ61

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On my 71 Scamp I'm going from power to manual steering. With the power it floats everywhere, its just way too light. It has a 360 with HP manifolds, if I pull the manifold I think I'll have the clearance to lift the old box out. Am I better with 16:1 than 24:1? I am looking at the PST boxes. Besides that I just need the steering column adaptor right? Mancini Racing Manual Steering Adapter Does the pitman arm need to be replaced?
 
I've always had to change the pitman arm when doing that. Maybe some fit both so wait for others to comment.

You can use that adapter but you can also punch out those plastic inserts in the steering column as they're only used for assembly. You can then pull the column down a couple inches further to connect to the manual box
 
You should be able to use your original pitman arm. It should be a small sector shaft just like on our box.

Thanks
James
 
I've always had to change the pitman arm when doing that. Maybe some fit both so wait for others to comment.

You can use that adapter but you can also punch out those plastic inserts in the steering column as they're only used for assembly. You can then pull the column down a couple inches further to connect to the manual box
No need to punch anything out. They don't penetrate the inner shaft. They are just four globs of nylon
 
I was always under the impression that those plastic pieces were for safety in a crash. Little good it probably did though!
 
The collapsible column was for crash purposes. The plastic filler kept the 2 piece shaft from falling apart, working in and out with chassis flex ( that takes place within the box coupling ).
Sometimes one would defeat the column shaft length only to find the splined female end of their box coupling doesn't fit. The aftermarket adapter solved both issues. This difference/issue probably depends on year model too.
 
I just put a socket on the pitman arm nut, it took a 1-5/16" socket.
At least you did have the 1&5/16. Typical 1/2 drive sets end at 1&1/4. Anyway... That is the large shaft and pitman arm. The smaller shaft has a 1&1/8 hex nut.
I have to assume a previous owner placed 73 up steering gear and linkage under this car. If so, you'll need the manual steering pitman arm with 73 up fitment to the center link. Which direction that ball stud faced changed too. Ma mopar changed things, then previous owners changed things, are we having fun yet?
 
Just for some preparation, removing the manifold (as you said) will be critical but be prepared to also unbolt your motor mounts and lift the motor a few degrees. While I'm not a talented mechanic by any measure, getting my power steering box out was one of the less enjoyable jobs that I've ever done on any car. It's like the world's least fun, greasiest puzzle.

The power steering box was pretty clearly installed before the engines went into these cars on the production line. :D

Also, while the 16:1 box will make steering in parking lots heavier (it's not that bad), I think this procedure is a waste if you're going to switch to a slow ratio box. IIRC, the power steering box that you're removing is already a 16:1...so while you'll lose the over-boosted feeling of the powered system, you'll also have a less sporty set up by some measures.

Just my opinion.
 
On my 71 Scamp I'm going from power to manual steering. With the power it floats everywhere, its just way too light. It has a 360 with HP manifolds, if I pull the manifold I think I'll have the clearance to lift the old box out. Am I better with 16:1 than 24:1? I am looking at the PST boxes. Besides that I just need the steering column adaptor right? Mancini Racing Manual Steering Adapter Does the pitman arm need to be replaced?

Maybe you need more positive caster. Have you had it aligned lately?
 
Yes it was just re aligned last fall before winter and after the entire front end was rebuilt. The steering is just not what I want, its way to touchy! Yes I like power steering when its needed. Maybe I'll put it back in if I'm not happy! Just don't like the feel it has.
 
Yes it was just re aligned last fall before winter and after the entire front end was rebuilt. The steering is just not what I want, its way to touchy! Yes I like power steering when its needed. Maybe I'll put it back in if I'm not happy! Just don't like the feel it has.
So the switch to manual from old tires power steering makes it too touchy now?

I ask because I have the old power steering box that's a little sloppy. I also have full hotchkis suspension and plan to road track it a little bit, but didnt want to switch if it was worse off.
 
If under power it is floating. Changing the steering box from manual to power or power to manual will not fix your problem. You have something else wrong. Be it alignment or a loose part or a bad bushing.
 
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