Two questions, help with one, opinion on other.

First, has anyone else had the problem of the studs on the top of the shock towers that hold the shock supports and export brace just spin so you can't get the nuts off? If so, how do you fix this?

Second, My car has power steering, my parts car has manual steering. What's your opinion? Stay with power steering, or switch to manual.

 

Chrish64:
Which system works best ? Consider that its not a ten minute job .. and there is ' alignment ' after ANY change like that for the car. Does your existing power steering LEAK ? Is the Linkage and other parts in Good Condition ? .. Check these out first and the condition of the parts may make the decision for you. Just a suggestion.
Cometized
(Chip)

 

Well, that's the big question. My build car (PS car) has not been driven since 1992 so I really have no idea the condition of the system as far as leaks or operation. From what I understand, the steering box is the same between PS and non-PS cars(?) so that doesn't need to be changed over? but you will have to change the whole steering section from the steering link / tie rods etc. and remove the pump, and ram / lines. The engine will be out soon, so it wouldn't be hard to address this then. Any help on anything I'm missing would be appreciated. If I stay with the PS, do you know if the pulley can be changed to a serpentine belt pulley? the engine going in the car is from a mid 80's mustang so I would have to change all the other pulley's to V drive belts if not to run the current power steering pump

 

The boxes are not the same. They have different ratios. As for power vs non. I have had both in my car and I prefer non power for sure. It cleans up the engine bay and it is more responsive on the road!

 

I'll second what William said.

Bruce

 

First, has anyone else had the problem of the studs on the top of the shock towers that hold the shock supports and export brace just spin so you can't get the nuts off? If so, how do you fix this?

Any time you run into this situation you need a good air driven impact wrench or ratchet. You have to blast the nuts off!!! Worst case scenario, you need to force a screwdriver under the nut and then hit the nut with the impact wrench.

 

What has happened is either you have stripped the carriage bolts or the metal they hold on to. What you need to is what is stated in the post above or use a saw or torch to cut them off you can buy brand new ones at most hardware stores.

 

That will also remedy the situation!

 

Well, was kind of what I thought, looks as though you have to take springs out to get bolts out.

 

No you do not. Just release the shock and unto the top mount bolts and you can take them out. You do not have to take out the front springs.

 

I have had the same problem with those bolts. I wedged a large screwdriver between the tower and brace right where the bolt was. That gave me enough leverage to remove the nut and repair the problem.

I will go against the grain. I do not like these cars without power steering, especially a daily driver. To me removing the power steering is like switching disc brakes to drums.

 

Well, it wont be a daily driver, just a fun weekend car. My original maverick was manual steering, and I never really had an issue with it. I'm spoiled now after many years of power, but I also hate to get the engine in and find out my system is junk from sitting so long.

 

If I were going to keep the OE -PS setup, I wud rebuild it prior to putting the engine. Everything associated w/this and all other under hood work - better w/ engine out. Whatever system you do, do it while the engine out. If your going to install long tube headers you will have to install a drop bracket on the drivers side frame to clear them.

If your spoiled to PS, really consider if you want to go manual.

 

I don't need to keep the PS, and my parts car came with long tube headman's. I figured it would be way easier to do all this while the engines were out.

 

How strong are your arms? How good are you at parallel parking with no power steering?
The P/S box requires much more effort than the manual box, but steering is much quicker, and therefore handling is better.