Power steering or manual steering?

[nosser]

Which do you prefer and why?

 

[khryslerkid]

Manual steering for drag racing.(No power robbing pump or extra belt)

For cruzing, you cannot beat mopar's power steering. So smooth and easy. It's almost like your steering wheel isn't hooked to anything. If I'm not mistaken, Chrysler had to "firm" it up a bit because it was a bit too easy...

 

[wedge5]

I had P/S on my 65 Coronet. I didn't like it because it was (imo) to easy, almost couldn't feel the road. I switched over to manual. I love it. It drives easy and not hard to turn either. I have the stock steering wheel so that helps.

 

[Ron 73]

Mopar power steering is great in a very heavy 73 satellite cruising around.. If i were racing it i would probably say manual. Now, if i just had power brakes!

I do have to agree with wedge on almost not feeling the road though.. My K-Frame bushings are bad, that is my biggest not feeling the road thing, i think, im told they make a big difference in handling.. I thought i should add..Especially with a small steering wheel..

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I have power steering on my R/T and it is great. I had a 1971 Demon 340 with manual steering and it was not too bad turning into tight turns going slow. My Super Bee has manual steering and it is very hard to turn into and out of the storage unit, but is alright once you get in a straight line. I would go with power steering (or Firm Feel) if it was not a Mr. Norms documented car. I do have stronger forearms now....

 

[Cranky]

Loved my PS on my 71 340 Cuda. It had the quick ratio box etc tho....but I like MS on my 66 Belvedere. Your steering ease (or unease) depends on tires, inflation weight and alignment.

 

[rrowdy]

When I was young dumb and had arms of steel and mostly making passes on a DS, it made no difference but now that I'm older and have a tad more sense, I love my PS.

It doesn't matter what tires are on the Front, or have a heavy chunk of iron in the engine bay,
or traveling on todays crappy roads, It's pleasure to drive. BTY, PB's are nice too!

These cars are also an investment and I think when it comes time to sell, The amenities
like PS, PB's & possibly AC are more important to a larger audience then those cars without.

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

I like my manual steering. Ask me again when I change to wider tires from the stock 25's. It is easy to turn when the car is moving and I don't think that hard in a parking lot.

 

[67 coronet]

for a daily driver or cruiser go with power,much easyer on the arms.if you plan on going fast or want the car to handle well(wow,did i just say that on a b body forum,lol)ditch the slush box and go hand over fist.

 

[nosser]

OK... all those comments are exactly what I am tossing around in my head.... I want the comfort of the power steering but at the same time I dont like it cause its too easy.... how do I convert to a quick ratio power steering box and is it worth the effort?

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I was told that Firm Feel can make you manual steering appear stock, but easier to turn. Maybe a happy medium?

http://www.firmfeel.com/

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

for a daily driver or cruiser go with power,much easyer on the arms.if you plan on going fast or want the car to handle well(wow,did i just say that on a b body forum,lol)ditch the slush box and go hand over fist.

I am the handeling guy. I love passing vette's, mustangs, challengers and anything else that is all plastic driving down the highway (within limits of courdse) not to mention getting stuck in traffic next to some damn prius!!

For my use (daily driver) I am first needing to adjust out some slop. If that doesn't firm up my steering box, I will have it rebuilt by Firm Feel. The next step after that will be fast ratio idler and pitman arms.

If I do need to step up to power steering to get the turn lock to lock down, I will do a stage 2 or 3 power steering box from Firm Feel.

I don't know of anyone running a 20:1 manual box (stage 2 power steering box from Firm Feel) Stock is 24:1

 

[Dusterkrazy]

Depending on the car and how it is setup. I can appreciate both really. I do like manual steering for drag use but can learn to appreciate power steering on a manual transmission car!

My power steering is really nice on my heavy C-body!

There is pro and con to each choice. Manual steering does eliminate another possible leak!

 

[Photon440]

OK... all those comments are exactly what I am tossing around in my head.... I want the comfort of the power steering but at the same time I dont like it cause its too easy.... how do I convert to a quick ratio power steering box and is it worth the effort?

I don't know if there was a quick ratio power steering box - stuff like the AAR Cuda with quick steering still used the standard box, but had longer pitman and idler arms. Those should be available for your car as well.

Check out this Mopar Action article about firming up your steering box by yourself (the 'Pump It Down' article):
http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive.html

-=Photon440=-
Faster Is Better

 

[67Satty]

I converted my '67 satellite from power steering to manual steering when I swapped the original 318 out for a 440.

I like the manual steering. I don't think it is hard to drive at all. I really like to keep things simple. The part you leave off is the part the can't break. The engine compartment looks much cleaner, there's no leaks to worry about, more road feel, takes weight off the front end of the car - those are the big pros for me. Cons? You can't turn the steering wheel lock to lock with your pinky anymore.

 

[nosser]

So I think im gonna try to convert to manual steering... I already have a manual steering gear, what else do I need to convert it?

 

[kb67mopar]

I also vote manual, my 67 coronet (the little i drove it) was super easy to drive with it. Though was a small block car...I can imagine with a big block it might increase the amount of force required.

 

[67Satty]

So I think im gonna try to convert to manual steering... I already have a manual steering gear, what else do I need to convert it?

You can get the adapters from either Flaming River or Firm Feel. I got mine from Flaming River, it was about $135 back then. I think the Flaming River one gives more room near headers. From what I understand the Firm Feel one is just like one Mopar used on '70s-'80s vans and you maybe, just maybe could find the same thing in a junkyard and save some money (but not some time).

I think you will also need a pitman arm for manual steering.