Hopefully you can forgive the new guy, as I realize there are dozens of threads about swapping from power steering to manual...but I don't see a how-to. Is that because it's literally just a matter of yanking out the PS equipment, and replacing with the manual center link and pitman (I intend to keep the PS box)? Or am I just really bad at searching/browsing?
Yes....pretty much. You will also need to figure out how to eliminate the power steering pump as well.
I hope ur a pretty strong guy, keeping the PS box w/ the conversion. If not, I believe it will be a challenge at low speeds, mostly parking.
How would it compare to driving a PS car, that has literally no power steering fluid in it? Because I did 100 miles of that yesterday (unintentionally).... If it's lighter than that, I'll be okay. If the same or heavier, I'll switch to the manual box.
Well it isn't going to be much if any lighter than a non functioning P/S, especially if the system was totally out of fluid... My Cobra Jet has a P/S sector(I installed it in '92) with manual steering, it's a brute at low speeds... There are adapters that allow use of the P/S center link and pittman arm, heard both good and bad so I really don't what the facts are... http://www.jegs.com/i/Rare+Parts/20...9&cadevice=c&gclid=CO-K9q3FyMkCFdaRHwodCpQACw
Not sure the system was completely empty because the reservoir was empty. The only experience I have had was the slave cylinder breaking from the drag link where it connects to the frame. I was leaving my garage on morning when it broke, took me 3-4 times the effort and time to manipulate it back in the garage -- that was enough for me. Had the broken bracket welded and got the sys working -- it was a big difference with compared to w/o. You may be able to live w/ this condition, or as you have stated -- go to the manual box. I have the adapter in the prior post, so far I have no issues w/ it. Can't say how it will play out in the long haul. At some point, I plan on going to manual drag and pitman arm.
I ran manual steering w/power box, it gives more of a road feel to driving. I tried the adapter and didn't like the feel. my thinking, put it on and if you think it's too tight, change the box...
I have been running a P/S adaptor for three years now. As long as the wheels are turning, steering effort is not a big deal. Besides, makes for a great upper body workout!
I drove mine for several years .... PS box without assist. You almost forget about it until under 10 mph. A very good road feel at highway speed. This was with a 13 inch Grant steering wheel, too. I recently swapped in a 15 inch factory sport wheel. The extra diameter should help. We'll see once the car is back on the road .... current project .... year 2020 .... sigh ......
