Ford Power Steering Improvements?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Glendale, AZ
Ford Power Steering Improvements?
I've driven some old slicks with power steering and I find it a white knuckle ride at best. I know the design is old but I'm looking for experiences/ideas to improve it. The stock power steering reacts too quickly and can be unnerving in emergency maneuvers on the freeway. I noticed that some kits are offered with GM pumps. The proportioning can easily be changed in the GM pumps.
Without swapping in a different front clip; has anyone improved the Ford power steering? Tricks of the trade?
Without swapping in a different front clip; has anyone improved the Ford power steering? Tricks of the trade?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,564
Likes: 4
From: Tucson
I've driven some old slicks with power steering and I find it a white knuckle ride at best. I know the design is old but I'm looking for experiences/ideas to improve it. The stock power steering reacts too quickly and can be unnerving in emergency maneuvers on the freeway. I noticed that some kits are offered with GM pumps. The proportioning can easily be changed in the GM pumps.
Without swapping in a different front clip; has anyone improved the Ford power steering? Tricks of the trade?
Without swapping in a different front clip; has anyone improved the Ford power steering? Tricks of the trade?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Glendale, AZ
i do know what your talking about, at first power steering seems very touchy, but i have had my PS swap done for a year now and i can say i really like it! you are used to a 50 year old manual steering box that has play in the system, you will get used to the different feel of driving with a power box right quick if you do swap over. it's worth it IMO.
Since we all know that I'm the village mooch; I say we have a steering swap party at my place. (Hint Hint!)
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Glendale, AZ
Ok. I never knew that. I think it's time to make the switch. I still have your tie down here and keep forgetting to bring it over.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,564
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From: Tucson
i say before you jump in with both feet, next time we meet up you can drive my truck and see if it's any different than other trucks you have driven.
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Elder User
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From: Glendale, AZ
Fair enough Bill. Thanks.
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Elder User
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From: Glendale, AZ
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
I think a "twichy" steering is caused by an alignment issue. I'd check that first. When I first converted my slick and took it for a quick ride around the block it was not drivable. All new or re manufactured components. A visit to the alignment shop cured all drive ability issues. I'd wager the toe is not correct. Any tire shop should be able to check chamber and castor and set the toe. If chamber and castor are out a specialty shop will bend the IBeams to get that right. Toe is a no brainer.
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Elder User
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From: Glendale, AZ
Good reading
Touchy steering addressed on bottom of page 1.
Perfect Power Steering - Custom Classic Trucks Magazine
Perfect Power Steering - Custom Classic Trucks Magazine
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
Great article! I remember reading that a while back. Didn't pay enough attention then. I wish I'd known about converting the O ring deal to a flare fitting. I had to pay for chopping and splicing a couple of lines to get an O ring line connected to my Ford box. Next time I'll know better. After any serious front end work it is a good idea to have the alignment checked. IMHO.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Ford truck. Works great, very smooth.1978: Ford changed the P/S pump on everything except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost that use the Saginaw pump.
This new Ford pump has a plastic reservoir, it's also a different shape than the steel reservoir pump. The P/S pressure hose connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.
Since this pump was introduced in 1978 and FE engines were cancelled after the end of the 1976 model run, there are no FE P/S pump mounting brackets that will fit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
1965/77 Ford P/S pumps have a steel reservoir, the P/S pressure hose threads on.
1978: Ford changed the P/S pump on everything except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost that use the Saginaw pump.
This new Ford pump has a plastic reservoir, it's also a different shape than the steel reservoir pump. The P/S pressure hose connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.
Since this pump was introduced in 1978 and FE engines were cancelled after the end of the 1976 model run, there are no FE P/S pump mounting brackets that will fit.
1978: Ford changed the P/S pump on everything except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost that use the Saginaw pump.
This new Ford pump has a plastic reservoir, it's also a different shape than the steel reservoir pump. The P/S pressure hose connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.
Since this pump was introduced in 1978 and FE engines were cancelled after the end of the 1976 model run, there are no FE P/S pump mounting brackets that will fit.
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