steering question

[rgtrough]

Hey guys, does anyone know of a decent power to manual steering conversion for my '74 coupe? I know Flaming River offers something, but I am looking for a more economical solution.
Thanks

 

[JohnZ]

If all you're looking for is to get rid of the power steering, just remove the pump and power cylinder and swap out the relay rod and control valve for a manual steering relay rod and pitman arm; the steering gear is the same for both manual and power.

 

[73shark]

And if the manual steering effort is too great, you can move the outer tie rod ends to the outer holes and that will ease it a little. It will slow the steering a little.

 

[rgtrough]

Hey guys thanks for the info. Can I get the items I'll need to replace from the usual vendors?

 

[JohnZ]

Hey guys thanks for the info. Can I get the items I'll need to replace from the usual vendors?

Yup - all you need is:

Manual steering relay rod
Manual steering pitman arm

You can use your existing inner and outer tie rod ends, sleeves, clamps and idler arm on the new relay rod.

 

[GTR1999]

Be sure your suspension is in good shape. Use a new GM rag and check your box, most stock boxes are pretty sloppy but certainly can be made better.

 

[rgtrough]

Hey guys, again thanks for the info. I have just rebuilt/replaced the entire front suspension including the steering components and am pondering my steering options. This might be the answer.

 

[GTR1999]

If you get into the box be sure to read my thread on it. Many times people will adjust the lash by feel, get a tight box and then wear out the gears in time. There is a procedure to set them to along with adjustment to the bearing preload and internal mods to really make a difference in these boxes. A lot of times the boxes are written off as obsolete junk when in fact they need attention or were not properly setup.
I've blueprinted many of these and the results were outstanding.
Good luck sounds like you're close.

 

[rgtrough]

Hey Gary, thanks for replying again. I see that the usual vendors can supply me with the needed parts, so thats good. Should I just rebuild the box without a real reason. It is 35 years old, with 53,000 miles and now everything on this vehicle will have been replaced or rebuilt. I think I just answered my own question. I will do a search and save your thread and then probably ask for help.
Thanks for being here for guys llike me.

 

[GTR1999]

With boxes age and mileage don't always factor in. I have been sent boxes with under 40k miles that had worn out gears from being over adjusted, boxes with over 100k miles, never touched and the gears were still good. I've had rebuilt boxes sent in, "new" boxes sent in, I guess to make a general statement each box is different. They are common in the fact they are usually sloppy from use or misuse, but all have been brought back to better then new condition, many needed gears.
There no real magic here just some good machine work and assembly practice is what I use. It take longer to do but the effort is worth it.
The best thing you can do if you're unsure of the condition is to remove the box and put it in a vise, find someone with a 0-30 in/lb dial wrench and see what you have. If it's like most I see you'll fine about 3-4 in/lbs lock to lock. The preload is probably off, but if you follow the thread and GM manual you will be able to see if you can dial it in. Then check for play sideways and up/down. Removing all the play while correctly setting up the preload and lash will make a big difference in the box, night and day. may change your mind on some of the other more expensive options as well.

good luck, it's just a machine you can fix it!