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Manual vs power
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   Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Steering and SuspensionMessage format
 
Chrispy
Posted 2016-12-22 11:19 AM (#529503)
Subject: Manual vs power



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Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
I have the option of sticking with the manual box or installing the 57 co-axial power steering box in my 57 desoto. The car will have a 392 in it and 235-245 tires on it up front. I have not driven a FL car with manual steering yet so I ask...

How hard is the manual steering to live with? I've driven manual rack cars and while tough at slow speeds I've really liked the road feel of the manual box in the newer cars i driven with it. Is the manual box generally pretty tight on center with fresh suspension and proper adjustment?

Edited by Chrispy 2016-12-22 11:35 AM
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ttotired
Posted 2016-12-22 5:02 PM (#529546 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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My dodge is manual steer and I hate it

It is heavy at low speeds and parking it or more to the point, getting it back out when someone parks close is a workout

Australian built R/H drive cars had a power assist steering option (uses a manual box with a ram assist that is on the steering linkages same as the mustang)

Mine had that, but it must have died way back when. I have got most of it back now, just need to get a ram, then rebuild it all.

Anyway, if you have everything to go power, go power

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Chrispy
Posted 2016-12-22 5:11 PM (#529550 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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Hmm ok, i have the full setup out of my 57 dodge (big aluminum box and the column) so its a fairly easy install.

Hows the feel at speed?
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ttotired
Posted 2016-12-22 5:20 PM (#529552 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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Loose

My box is worn, I know that, but there is no way in hell I would throw this car around, you have to be switched on when driving it

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57plybel
Posted 2016-12-22 7:28 PM (#529567 - in reply to #529550)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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Chrispy, there are various improvements you can make whilst using this 57 box; extra positive caster added via shims and even regulating the pressure output of the pump. 

I have rebuilt the same box in my 57 plymouth and am more than happy with it... currently running Bias ply tyres but will upgrade to radials and 12" drums soon!

If they have a downfall, it would be - requiring constant minor adjustments at the wheel whilst driving and that can get tiresome on a long trip... upside is easy parking and low speed maneuverability.

It drives fine at 60mph and I prefer highway driving at this speed to stop / start driving in town.   80mph and it is still steady but I start to get nervous about the tyres more than anything.  (not front end or driveline)

 

 

Colin

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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2016-12-24 5:58 AM (#529680 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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If all steering parts check out OK, steering looseness will most likely also come from a stock alignment.
If you run modernday tires, your alignment specs should be upgraded as well (more positive caster / tiny bit negative camber).
Factory alignment specs were designed for diagonal tires, they don't work well for radial tires.
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Powerflite
Posted 2016-12-24 1:04 PM (#529693 - in reply to #529680)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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My '57 Windsor has manual steering too. It feels fine at speed (only taken it to 40mph). In fact I can't really tell the difference between power and manual at speed. But moving around slow is a real chore. Add a hemi to that equation, and it only gets worse. I am going to be swapping mine to power too eventually. If you can get one, the '58-'59 power box is better than the '57.
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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2016-12-24 1:34 PM (#529696 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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Same here.
My '57 is also no fun to drive slowly or go around roundabouts because of the low ratio.
I've been looking into installing a power steeringbox from a '64 Chrysler, as the boltpattern seems to line up nicely.
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60 dart
Posted 2016-12-24 5:59 PM (#529710 - in reply to #529503)
Subject: Re: Manual vs power



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i got rid of the power unit in my dart . the manual box i swapped in was a low mileage one with a tight feel . the way it feels to me is , starting out going forward , it's somewhat tough
turning but ok . on the open road the feel is my estimation is by far a better feel and thats with radial tires . in reverse you can turn the wheel one handed very easily . would i go back
to power , i have absolutely reason to . i like the idea of open the road feel and less moving parts of manual steering ----------------------------------------------------later
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