I'm leaning towards installing a TCI Mii IFS and I'm wondering if I go that route, is it worth adding power steering rack and pinion over the manual R&P. All comments and suggestions are welcome.

Patrick

 

With the smaller diameter steering wheel I think you'd be much happier with the power rack..

 

Tell us a little more about your truck and your intentions . Engine , is this something you will do yourself with salvage parts or pay someone to do with off the shelf parts ect . Flatheads or y blocks will quite likely need fabricating of ps pump brackets and lines . I personally would not be without ps but if I was starting from scratch electric would certainly be on my radar .

 

It's a 55 F100 and I'm planning on a small block Ford engine, either 5.0 or 5.8, most likely with an auto transmission. It will have either a GM steering column or a Ididit column. Definitely a smaller than stock diameter steering wheel.

 

Since your using a ( loosely termed ) modern engine ps pumps and brackets shouldn't be an issue so I guess it would come down to your own preference .

 

I have MIi suspension with power steering rack, using pump from my 90 Crowm Vic donor, 5.0L.
i have the 17" steering wheel, and steering is quite sensitive.
i am currently switching my truck back to stock suspension and steering. Going to try going with manual steering at first.

 

Nobody I've ever talked to with power steering on a Mustang II application was happy with it. Several I've known switched to manual. I've never tried power nor driven one.

 

I would be surprised if the vast majority of m11's aren't power and I've rarely heard a complaint that wasn't due to improper installation and or parts .

 

I would agree with ebear. I'm not aware of large scale complaints, and I believe most kits today utilize the later model Mustang or Thunderbird rack, which offers a much better road feel ratio than the earlier cars. If I were going to the trouble and expense of setting up a new front suspension, I would take full advantage of all the improvements and go with power R&P steering. As mentioned above, make sure your pump is matched to your rack's needs and you should be fine.

 

I had 5 --1953-55 Ford F-100 All built with FORD 302-- Mustang II front suspensions tubular A-Arms-- C-4 trans -- C-6 with small bell housing --Explorer rears 3:08--3"26) disk brakes --use CVF racing front pulley set-up-- Saginaw PS pump ( internal reducing valve )-- I and buyers that bought them have everything good to say about the super handling and great safe ride-- would NEVER--NEVER build one with out this set-up-- GOOD LUCK on your choice

 

Thanks for the input from each of you. I think I am going to follow F100Supercrew's suggestion and go with power and the reduced pressure PS box.

Patrick

 

This is what my set-ups look like Ford 302 -- Saginaw PS pump-- CVF Racing serpentine

or V-belt set-up--5.0 Ford engine convert over to CARB engine--always worked for me and very happy with set-up-- Good luck

 

I have manual steering on mine with my 429 and 6 speed. I kept the stock steering wheel, and it is a bit of a chore at low speeds. There is no way I would want a smaller wheel than what I have now with manual steering.