Manual Steering to Power Steering

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scuba0331

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I got a rebuilt K-frame with a power steering box on it. I was considering using it since my 1974 Duster did not come with power steering.

What will I need to complete the job to convert from Manual to Power?

1. Do I need a new steering column or is there a couple I can get?
2. I realize there are two different type of Pumps. What pump typically came with the 1974 Duster?
3. Once I determine the 2nd quetion it will tell me which bracket to buy.

Did I miss anything? There were hose on the box that I may try to salvage. The box came from a 1969 Dart should that information be needed.

Thanks for any assistance that may be given.
 
I know that your column is longer than the power one, so you may have to swap columns, or at least the shafts... As far as which pump and brackets, I have no idea... If what you need (pump & brackets) is the same as a 67 dart 273, let me know.. worked when it came out, shipping and its yours.
 
Man wish we where closer I have a 74 dart I'm converting from power steering to manual. we could swap columns.
 
More involved then I thought. Here's what I found on Yearone.
http://www.yearone.com/yodnn/tech/T...owerSteeringConversion/tabid/453/Default.aspx




Mopar Power Steering Conversion The column steering shaft in a power steering mopar is different (shorter) than the shaft in a non-power steering car.
Steering Gear - changes in 1973. This affects the pitman arm. Prior to 1973 the output shaft diameter was 1 inch (doesn't apply to the C-Body). In 1973 it increases to 1.12 inches. If you buy a steering gear from a post-73 year car and try to install it on a 1972 or earlier car - the pitman arm will be too small.
Typically, 3 different pumps were used on mopars... they require different lines & brackets to secure the pump to the engine.
Identification of the pumps:
  • Federal - pressure hose comes out the front of pump, and tapped hole in the end of the pump shaft.
  • Saginaw - pressure hose comes out the back of the pump.
  • TRW/Thompson - has a hex-shaped hole or no hole in the end of the pump shaft. pressure hose is in same location as Federal pump.
Both Federal and TRW pumps can use a cap that appears similar to a radiator cap.
To do a conversion, you'll need the following
  • Steering column shaft (or column)
  • Power Steering gear.
  • pump/ w reservoir (part # PS256, federal, PS239, saginaw)
  • pump brackets, vary depending on application - see below
  • hoses
  • pulleys
Brackets, pulleys, etc... all depend on the specific application. See below, or our catalog for the appropriate part numbers.
Power Steering pump bracket part #'s and TYPICAL USAGE:
PS23 - Big Block Saginaw Power Steering Pump Brackets For use on 1969 and later Big Block engines without Air Conditioning.
PS22 - Big Block & Hemi TRW Power Steering Pump Brackets. For use on most pre-1969 Big Block engines without Air Conditioning. 1966 426 hemi applications.
PS004 - Small Block Saginaw Power Steering Pump Brackets. For use on 1970 and later Small Block engines with or without A/C.
PS25 - Big Block & Hemi Federal Power Steering Pump Bracket. For 1967-72 Big Block & Hemi engines with or without A/C.
PS26 - Small Block Federal Power Steering Pump Brackets. For 1970-72 Small Block engines with aluminum water pump with or without A/C.
PS27 - Small Block TRW/Thompson Power Steering Pump Brackets. For 1964-69 Small Block LA engines with cast iron water pump housings and TRW or Thompson pumps. Can be used on both A/C and non-A/C applications.
 
Man wish we where closer I have a 74 dart I'm converting from power steering to manual. we could swap columns.

I know this is an old thread but I hope I can get some help here.

I guess the first question I have is - Why do you guys want to get rid of your power steering ? Room for headers, more engine power, or what ?

Now my situation - I'm new to A-bodies and I am restoring a 1966 Dodge Dart GT 4-speed on the floor V-8 (273 HI-PO) Convertible. Doing a 4-bbl carb and probably keeping the cast iron exhaust manifolds (since I hear so many nightmares about fitting headers and of course the high price!) It has Manual steering and I actually would prefer to have Power steering (unless someone here talks me out of it :)

So what can I use in this vehicle as far as the power steering gear box and column goes? Of course it needs to be a column from a "floor shift" vehicle, no shift lever,flasher button, & no ignition on column - just blinkers (I guess that is stating the obvious).

1 - Steering Columns -I understand that anything after 1973(?) will have a larger diameter shaft so I need to stick with something older then that- but even so -what year did they start putting the ignition switch on the column (and/or can that piece be removed/covered up) ? I'm guessing I can only "get away with" using a column from maybe a 1962-1969 A-body car or is my pickens even slimmer then that? Are columns the same length/style in other car bodies ?

2 - Steering gear box - I've read that a "firm feel" gear box (#3643 375) is the way to go but not sure if it will fit or how to find one. Also - will I need to change out the Pitman Arm depending on which one I use ?
I pulled some info from a re-builder's site - I hope it's accurate - The following vehicles all use the same power steering gear box:

1968-1972-Plymouth -Road Runner
1962-1970-Plymouth -Belvedere
1962-1964-Plymouth -Fury
1964-1972-Plymouth -Barracuda
1973-1976-Plymouth -Duster
1982 (only ?)-Plymouth -Caravelle
1971-1972-Plymouth -Scamp
1963-1969-Dodge -Dart
1965-1972-Dodge -Coronet

3 - Power Steering Pump and brackets - I'm hoping this is the simplest thing on my list. I'm not being hard-core about being OEM so can any brand or "style" pump (Federal, Saginaw, ATSCO, Borg, Cardone, etc.) be used and can any brackets from a small block be used for mounting to my 273?

I hope I did not ask too much here (or too little!).
Thanks to all that read and/or respond.

Tim in NJ
 
Ehrinburg has come up with a smaller bolt in PS box that leaves more room for headers. It is another option when squeezing in a PS unit. It is suppose to give the feel of rack and pinion steering. The article is in this month's Mopar Action.
 
Do u have to get a diffrent colum
Old thread. Yes. The manual column is already too long. The power steering column is shorter. That is what you need. I think the whole swap is spelled out in the posts above.
 
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