Power to Manual Steering

[Josecuda]

I'm planning to change my '72 Duster over to manual steering. I do know that the steering column should be changed due to the fact that the manual column has a steering shaft that is approx. 3 in. longer. I found a steering shaft that measures 39 inches and seems to be longer than the one used in a p/s column. Can I exchange the longer shaft with the one that is currently in my power column w/o any major issues?

Besides, I'm not really sure if the shaft that im planning to swap will work for manual. How can I identify it? How much should a manual steering shaft measure?

Are there any other succesful conversion tips I should know? Thanks.

 

[RedFish]

Yep, In fact if you look very close at the shaft you'll see a pretty roung weld bead near the bottom . Thats where the different lengths final is put on. From that weld up they are identical.

 

[waggin]

I Did this switch from power steering to manual steering in my 72 duster,I dissasembled the steering column and pulled the shaft out the distance needed and reassembled with a manual steering coupler and was done,this worked for me as I couldn't find a proper column at the time.It works fine!

 

[RedFish]

I Did this switch from power steering to manual steering in my 72 duster,I dissasembled the steering column and pulled the shaft out the distance needed and reassembled with a manual steering coupler and was done,this worked for me as I couldn't find a proper column at the time.It works fine!

Do you know how far the 2 pieces overlap inside there now ?
Ypu do know the steering wheel can go into the dash in a collision , right ?
Good luck.

 

[Josecuda]

Anyone knows how much a manual shaft measures?

Other thing I've noticed is that the shaft I've got belongs to a pre-69 column. It doesn't have the hole where the lock steering gear goes so it will not lock the column. Will that be an issue?

 

[RedFish]

There are differences in year model. The design of the lower bearing changed and the wheel lock mechanism was added. I think the pline at the steering wheel changed at that time too.

 

[pettybludart]

Mancini sells an adapter for p.steering colomn to m.steering box,I think it,s like $140.Hope this helps.

 

[LXguy]

I just used the mancini adapter on my 1971. Easy.

Just hang on to the original roll pin as it fits the adapter-to-box-hole better than the one provided in the kit.

Good luck

Steve

 

[Josecuda]

Mancini sells an adapter for p.steering colomn to m.steering box,I think it,s like $140.Hope this helps.

Yeah I do know about the adapter that Mancini offers. The only thing is that I'm trying to find a way where I don't have to spend $140 on the conversion.

 

[Josecuda]

How much should a manual steering shaft measure?

Anyone?