Power Steering on GTX

[BumperMan]

Hello Guys
restoring my 68 GTX and right now it's all original with both build sheets and fender tags. Everyone is telling me to add power steering to it and it will be the best investment I will ever make. I don't want to hurt the beauty of something being all original

What should I do?

 

[ga66mopar]

If you plan on driving it I would add power steering. If you keep the original parts it can always be switched back.

 

[wollfen]

Adding power steering will also mean adding a pump too as well as possibly changing the steering column, i believe the manual steering column will be longer, it also depends on how much you will drive it too. Personally, for a car i only take out once in awhile, a matching numbers car all original with manual steering isnt a big deal, a good wheel alignment shop can adjust the alignment to compensate for the weight of the steering and make it lighter.

 

[Photon440]

Do the people who are recommending that you add power steering actually have a similar car with power steering? If so, ask to try driving it to see for yourself.

I wouldn't want to lose the power steering on my car, BUT I haven't tried a manual steering version either.

 

[moparcanuck]

My power steering was installed by the dealer when received from the factory. Confirmed when speaking with the original owner. So anything is possible.

 

[am3rican]

It's worth it. I added the power steering. It makes the car much more street able with better road manners.

 

[hunt2elk]

Personally, I like the manual steering on my 69 Road Runner when going down the road. The only real drawback is turning from a standstill or slowly moving. My 69 Charger I am currently restoring has power steering and I had that rebuilt, but with the stage 2 option. If it was mine, I would leave the original manual.

 

[Dennis H]

It's worth it. I added the power steering. It makes the car much more street able with better road manners.

Agreed. I added it to the 69 Coronet R/T. Installed the Firm Feel box at the same time. No regrets. Pleasant on the street. Along with th AC, power windows etc.

 

[tallhair]

Personally, I like the manual steering on my 69 Road Runner when going down the road. The only real drawback is turning from a standstill or slowly moving. My 69 Charger I am currently restoring has power steering and I had that rebuilt, but with the stage 2 option. If it was mine, I would leave the original manual.

X2 brother. My first 68 RR had a manual steering sector and 4 speed. I loved it on the road as they have great road feel and are less turns lock to lock IIR .. but it kept me pretty damn busy in slow driving in stop and go traffic and making turns or pulling into parking lots/parking etc.

As long as it's moving they are easy .. if it's going slow or stopped and you have to maneuver you better have both hands free or be fairly strong.

- - - Updated - - -

If you plan on driving it I would add power steering. If you keep the original parts it can always be switched back.

Yep. manual steering has longer column due to smaller steering sector. Just keep the original and the SS and enjoy driving it.

 

[D575]

You have to really wrestle the wheel with manual steering. I'ts like driving my 1949 truck. That being said , I'm going to keep it that way. :naka:

 

[Photon440]

Just as a reference from my 1970 shop manual, the steering ratios are as follows:

Manual Steering - 24 to 1
Power Steering - 15.7 to 1

In case this helps anyone's decisions....

 

[snakeyes]

I have manual on my BB RR and its not problem ,also have it on all my military trucks no problem on the new ones they have power ,make it your way

 

[prostk]

What the deal with the steering column if you have a manual and go to power you need to change the column?

 

[Dennis H]

What the deal with the steering column if you have a manual and go to power you need to change the column?

I don't get it either. Added power steering with no column change. Twenty years ago.

 

[Lazarus]

Bergman can hook you up with power steering without changing the column, gives more clearance(most combos will accomodate 2" or better headers) than the stock box and is around 1k. That is the route I am going with my 71. It is a steering box too instead of rack and pinion, so unless I am mistaken, there should be no funky Ackerman angles or fixes required to adjust them. We will see, this will be my first, so I will let you know if the above is all real or if there is any issues. I don't foresee any though.

 

[tallhair]

I don't get it either. Added power steering with no column change. Twenty years ago.

The manual box is much smaller and shorter than the power box. Did they change your coupler and cut down your steering column or swap the column and coupler when they swapped to the power steering box w/o telling you perhaps?

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

i have a firm feel quick ratio manual box on my RR. absolutely love it, thinking about buying one for the dart. im not real big on power steering, maybe if my wife was going to drive it. to each is own i guess.

 

[Dennis H]

The manual box is much smaller and shorter than the power box. Did they change your coupler and cut down your steering column or swap the column and coupler when they swapped to the power steering box w/o telling you perhaps?

Could be. Will check receipts.

 

[GTX MATT]

No

 

[B569GTX]

what is a firm feel qui ratio manual box and who do I buy it from. 69 GTX