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Conversion to manual steering

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Old Aug 18, 2001 | 08:27 PM
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Default Conversion to manual steering

What would have to be done to convert to manual steering? Someone said you use a different pitman arm or something. What about the steering box?Would it have to be of a different ratio? You're probably going to think I am kuku for this :crazy:
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Old Aug 18, 2001 | 08:50 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Stingy74)

You will need a new pitman arm, a new relay rod, and a linkage shock damper. The steering gear is the same. I don't know if the linkage shock attaches with the same hardware as the hydraulic assist cylinder although I would think that it does. You will probably want to move the tie rod connections to the steering arm to the rearmost position (longest steering arm length.) You should have the front toe checked.

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Old Aug 18, 2001 | 09:04 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Jim Shea)

So I would have to order a pitman arm, relay rod and a shock dampner all for a manual steering car then? That's it?
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Old Aug 18, 2001 | 11:43 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Stingy74)

If your power steering is in good shape, I'd suggest offering to trade with someone who's interested in converting to power steering. This way both parties win.

Just a thought.

I have manual steering, but I don't mind it.
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 12:47 AM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Stingy74)

To convert to manual steering, all you would need to do is remove the power steering pump, slave cylinder and control valve. Voila! Manual steering. Now if you want to have the CORRECT manual steer parts,you'd have to replace the relay rod as well. I didn't think the pitman arm was different, but I'll believe Jim on this one.

Dave


[Modified by ddecart, 11:50 PM 8/18/2001]
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 12:53 AM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Jim Shea)

Jim,
Isn' t the shock dampler specific to certain year(s)? I thought that it was a '68 only item.
Dave
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 09:59 AM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (ddecart)

I have manual steering on my 70 and just purchased a power steering setup off of a 76 model to convert mine over. Right now I am having everything powdercoated by a friend. I have been looking in some of the catalogs and wondering if this is gonna work. Does anyone know for sure. I am hoping.
For what its worth my 70 does not have the steering damper on it.
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 12:02 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Stingy74)

I have manual steering and was in need of some parts during my restoration project. Eckler's is the only one who has the manual steering stuff, like the relay rod, ball stud, etc.
I think Jim is right except that you don't need a shock damper on a manual steering system. Mine is an original '74 with manual steering, and there has never been a damper on it, that's a PS thing.
Jeff
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 01:07 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (no_radio)

Definitely no shock damper on a '75 (manual steering) & I believe it's the same as a '74. Also, you could leave the tie rods in the forward holes for faster ratio & see how you like it. It takes a little more effort (especially in parking situations with large tires) but the response it quicker.
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Old Aug 19, 2001 | 04:55 PM
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Default Re: Conversion to manual steering (Stingy74)

Well I learned something today. I checked the Zip, Paragon and Rick's catalogues, they all say that the linkage shock damper was 1963 - 1968.

They all also list a pitman arm for power steering vehicles.

Only Zip lists a pitman arm for manual steering (U-278 $45.00).

One thing that threw me off was my 1976 AIM book does not have a manual steering sheet. Can anyone eMail me the AIM sheet for 1975 or 76 that shows the manual steering linkage?
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