66 Satellite - going from power steering to manual

[Garceau]

While doing a bunch of other work. Seriously considering going to manual steering.

Currently, even with a solid front end build it has that sway in the steering wheel and honestly just seems too loose. It doesn't appear to be caused by an issue. But just seems how I remember a few of my previous cars tracking down the interstate.

So options would be a complete different PS unit. But somewhat leaning towards a manual.

But my concern is the column it's my understanding the column is different lengths.

So just looking for options and opinions

Is there a good conversion kit? A good steering box?

 

[R413]

Old days (30 years ago) they sold an adapter to lengthen the PS column to reach a manual box. The splines size is different PS vs manual.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Why. If your not tracking straight PS isn't going help. Check alignment. PS box can be adjusted, screw on top. Read service manual first.

 

[Don Frelier]

I have rebuilt boxes from steer and gear in both cars.
They offer different modified assist levels.
Give them a call.

 

[66 Sat]

I would check your alignment, camber, caster and all the ball joints and bushings. Tires too.
If still an issue I'd look at the rebuilt boxes suggested above or the Borgeson unit.
Going back to manual you could still have the same slop but with steering that's a real pain in the *** when parking.
I had manual steering on a 351 Falcon and honestly it was a nightmare to maneuver at low speeds, and I was 25 years old and strong. On hot days I'd be sweating parking that thing, it was workout all right.

The manual boxes are much lower geared too so you'll be twirling that wheel like the captain of a ship.

 

[AR67GTX]

If you do decide to go manual steering, I have a 66 manual steering shaft and a 66 manual coupler that I would be willing to sell. I just finished converting my 66 to PS. Personally, I would stick with the PS.

 

[Don Frelier]

Do you have a swaybar on it?

I added one to mine, a definite improvement.

 

[OneWheelPeel]

I would check your alignment, camber, caster and all the ball joints and bushings. Tires too.
If still an issue I'd look at the rebuilt boxes suggested above or the Borgeson unit.
Going back to manual you could still have the same slop but with steering that's a real pain in the *** when parking.
I had manual steering on a 351 Falcon and honestly it was a nightmare to maneuver at low speeds, and I was 25 years old and strong. On hot days I'd be sweating parking that thing, it was workout all right.

The manual boxes are much lower geared too so you'll be twirling that wheel like the captain of a ship.

I would not switch a PS car to manual but a manual B body is not that bad. Maybe it’s different with the Falcons, but I’m way past 25 and not all that strong and I don’t have a problem effort wise, the slower ratio is a little annoying though.

 

[Garceau]

Why. If your not tracking straight PS isn't going help. Check alignment. PS box can be adjusted, screw on top. Read service manual first.

It tracks very straight. The steering just feels sloppy. Bushings are all good. Just has a weird deal. My brother even commented on it and he builds drag cars.

The wheel just kinda rocks back and forth. Hard to explain and may not be getting it across correctly.

 

[66 Sat]

I would not switch a PS car to manual but a manual B body is not that bad. Maybe it’s different with the Falcons, but I’m way past 25 and not all that strong and I don’t have a problem effort wise, the slower ratio is a little annoying though.

It will.depend on the tires to some extent. I had 235/60 15's or something similar and on a hot summer's day reverse parking was a ball ache.
I love that Mopar 1 finger power assist. My Satellite feels great with power steering, very little slop, factory box. All I did was remove the column, clean out all the old grease and re-pack. I think the OP has some other issue.

 

[440 PHIXX]

I recently saw this.

 

[AR67GTX]

You may need to check that the box is on dead center when the wheels are straight ahead and then tighten up the steering lash adjustment on the box some. But there are many suspension and steering wear points that can lead to loose steering.