This is topic Anyone run manual steering? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
I'm tossing the idea around for converting to manual steering. Does anyone here not have power steering? My steering rack leaks and it'll cost me about the same to convert it to manual steering. Weight and clutter off the front end and a few RWHP is always a plus. I'm just worried it'll be too hard to steer.
 

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Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
I've driven several cars w/o Power steering and what a PITA! Keep in mind neither of these cars had 225 radials either. I bet its liveable with skinnies, but with 225 or bigger radials... I wouldn't do it.
Luke
 

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Posted by BIGJUNE (Member # 1716) on :
 
for old skool yea but for the 5.0 no stay with the powersteering.
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
I've never driven a manual steering car so I don't know what I'm missing. I was hopping someone here would have done the '79 manual rack or the flaming river kit so I could possibly try it out and see if its for me or not. I really like how the engine bay looks with no A/C or power steering.
 

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Posted by sic91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
When you are driving around it would be fine but when you are pulling out of a park or trying to make a u turn at liow speeds its real hard to crank that wheel.
 

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Posted by John91coupe (Member # 18) on :
 
Sawson,

I've been driving mine around for a while with manual steering (Flaming River). As has been mentioned, at low speed it can be a handfull. It is not that big a deal for me but I have a few pounds on you and can manage to get around without too much trouble. My street setup has P245's in front so maybe with smaller tires it would be a bit easier. Want to take mine for a drive?.............NOOOT!
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by John91coupe:
Want to take mine for a drive?.............NOOOT!

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That was just plain cold hearted!!!!



So all my 150 lbs probably won't like the manual steering huh?
 

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Posted by John91coupe (Member # 18) on :
 
LOL! That's a pretty cool picture. It's hard to say if it's something you will get along with or not. Actually, if my dash wasn't apart I might let you try it arond the block or something like that. You'd have to promise me your first born though.

Maybe someone will step forward before mine is back together and save you your lineage.
 

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Posted by 93lx306nos (Member # 1001) on :
 
i have a 79 mustang rack and it is hard to steer at low speed.if you get a 15-1 flaming river rack it will be was easier to steer. they are used for road racing.once your doin 10-15 mph it is easy to steer
 

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Posted by Jimbo (Member # 1456) on :
 
Although it doesnt directly relate my '65 coupe is manual steering w/ 225's, a 37 year old power steering box, and the shelby quick steering arms, can you say "high effort". It takes a little getting used to but it has been my driver for 2 years now and I have few complaints. Hope this helps a little.
Hey John can I drive your car?
 

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Posted by CustomFastbackCA (Member # 1369) on :
 
I say go for it, it is less rotating force without the power steering pump anyway. You won't notice the difference except for U-turns and pulling in and out of parking spaces, but no big deal, nothing you can't get used to. I actually feel like I can feel the turns better with manual steering, that is just me.
 

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Posted by sic91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
Power Steering
 

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Posted by gR40coupe (Member # 698) on :
 
If its a daily driver power steering is the way to go.
 

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Posted by jmir018 (Member # 1414) on :
 
hey look at it this way...wihout power steering you'll get a good workout!! my old civic had manual steering and my bicpets and tricepts got at least an inch bigger!
 

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Posted by HungryHippo (Member # 537) on :
 
2 words... parallel parking
my corolla has manual steering, but that thing must weigh just a little more than a ton

[ September 05, 2002, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: HungryHippo ]
 

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Posted by S281 01-570 (Member # 1451) on :
 
The one redeeming feature of manual steering with wide front tires is that your wife/girlfriend will never want to drive your car again! At normal speed, highway etc. you won.t even notice your don't have it. As your speed gets slower, and the curves/turns get sharper you will have to work harder and harder. If you have you make a Y turn....well you may just go around the block so you don't have to do it! LOL
 

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