Replacing power steering with Manuel steering

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big block

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O.K. experts. I'm tired of fooling with power steering. what do I need to convert over to manual steering ? I know I need a manual steering sector, a manual pitman arm and what else?
Does anyone have the conversion parts they would want to sell?
The car I'm converting is a 1974 plymouth duster. Originally was a 6cyl auto. Now is a 360 v/8 727 automatic.
Thanks
 
The adapter to connect your Column to the Box. Several companies sell one.

I went the opposite and will never look back, but its not a stock box or pump either.
 
big block said:
O.K. experts. I'm tired of fooling with power steering. what do I need to convert over to manual steering ? I know I need a manual steering sector, a manual pitman arm and what else?
Does anyone have the conversion parts they would want to sell?
The car I'm converting is a 1974 plymouth duster. Originally was a 6cyl auto. Now is a 360 v/8 727 automatic.
Thanks
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I pulled the PS on my 70 Duster as well. In my case, all I had to do was to get the steering column extender & bolt in the manual steering gearbox. I used the new 24:1 box sold by RockAuto. Works great, and was an easy install. Sure made a lot more clearance on the driver side!
 
I changed to a manual box, and since I needed to rebuild the steering coupler, I just switched out the steering shaft for one from a manual steering car, that eliminates the need for an adapter. Bought the steering shaft from a member here, cheaper than the adapter..
 
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Thanks guys. I kinda new about the adapter. A1 cardone has a rebuilt manual box for around 130. I looked at rock auto but they only showed a power steering box. They did have a manual pitman arm. I wanted to change to manual partly to install headers. The power steering exhaust manifold on the drivers side just kills horsepower.
I'm gonna do it thanks guys.
Thanks big block
 
the OEM power steering column is approximately 6" shorter than the manual steering column. consequently, if you are converting a power steering set-up to a manual steering set-up you will need either the longer manual steering column or some kind of "extender" to connect your shorter power steering column to your manual steering box. i would probably try to find a manual steering column and use that entire assembly. manual steering was on probably 80% of 68 Barracuda's as "power steering" was not a common thing for "regular" cars back in 1968 so finding a complete column should not be difficult. putting an extender 6" long at the end of your power steering column might not be stable.
 
Guys I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have a quick question for you. I am looking at doing the Borgeson conversion. Do you know if I can use a power steering shaft in my manual steering column body? I'd like to do that if possible to keep it a stock as possible. If I have to go to a power column that is fine. Just had a question on this.
 
drewmac said:
Guys I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have a quick question for you. I am looking at doing the Borgeson conversion. Do you know if I can use a power steering shaft in my manual steering column body? I'd like to do that if possible to keep it a stock as possible. If I have to go to a power column that is fine. Just had a question on this.
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Drew, The power steering shaft, and manual shaft are interchangeable...
 
Little Hi-Jack question since the guys who know are here....

Steering column shaft.

Which is longer, the upper, lower or both shafts longer with manual vs. the PS shaft?

I have 70 Duster with manual steering but the splines for the steering wheel are kinda 'messed up'.

so .. Are the upper (half) shafts the same length with PS or manual?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Guys I'm having trouble finding a manual steering box. A1 Cardone is is out of stock, rock auto doesn't list a manual box. Where can I find a manual box and the adapter. I probably can use a swivel joint to connect the shaft if I can't find the connector. Rock Auto list a pitman arm so I can get it there.

Thanks for the info.
 
big block said:
Guys I'm having trouble finding a manual steering box. A1 Cardone is is out of stock, rock auto doesn't list a manual box. Where can I find a manual box and the adapter. I probably can use a swivel joint to connect the shaft if I can't find the connector. Rock Auto list a pitman arm so I can get it there.

Thanks for the info.
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Are you looking for a 23:1 or 16:1. I am going to go to power steering this fall so I will have one of each avalible.
 
I am going the opposite way in my factory 69 383-S. I have all the parts for PS now except the box. The steering shaft was the hardest part to find as few 69 383 cars had PS. I would offer up my MS box but not until I locate a good clean PS box.

It is easier to go MS than PS!!!! Certainly in factory BB cars!

The Adapter and Box is really all you need to go MS!
 
Here's what I did. I bought a used manual steering gear then bought a weld on 3/4 splined x 3/4 smooth round joint, I used a vice grip and a large ball peen hammer to extend the original steering shaft to mate to the manual steering gear then welded it in place. Works great. I think I have less than 100 bucks in the whole thing.

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dartfreak75 said:
Here's what I did. I bought a used manual steering gear then bought a weld on 3/4 splined x 3/4 smooth round joint, I used a vice grip and a large ball peen hammer to extend the original steering shaft to mate to the manual steering gear then welded it in place. Works great. I think I have less than 100 bucks in the whole thing.

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What happens in a crash? Do you still have compression in the shaft?

I guess if you extend it there will be some except you welded it. Did you drill and insert some nylon pin or something?
 
dartfreak75 said:
Here's what I did. I bought a used manual steering gear then bought a weld on 3/4 splined x 3/4 smooth round joint, I used a vice grip and a large ball peen hammer to extend the original steering shaft to mate to the manual steering gear then welded it in place. Works great. I think I have less than 100 bucks in the whole thing.

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Pm sent
 
1969383S said:
What happens in a crash? Do you still have compression in the shaft?

I guess if you extend it there will be some except you welded it. Did you drill and insert some nylon pin or something?
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Yea the column still compresses i welded the ujoint end not the collapse end. There is a spring where the column sizes up I just moved it down some where it can still put tension outward. The plastic sleeves inside are still there I didn't take them out. I have some photos of it all taken apart I will have to look and find them
 
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