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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Steering swap

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    11/04/2017 5:12 PM  #1

    6568
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    Registered: 4/03/2013
    Posts: 117

    Steering swap

    Has anyone tried or have put a 1968/1970 steering in a 1965 mustang. I know the 68 steering box will bolt in place. I've tried that, but what about the rest of the steering.

     

    11/04/2017 5:28 PM  #2

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,774

    Re: Steering swap

    Do you mean the column or the spindles/center link/tie rod ends?  I installed the box and column in our 66 years ago then swapped to a Borg box for a 68.  As for the linkage/spindles, I'm sure  the spindles  won't work (Ackerman angle) and I don't think the linkage will work as the 68 is a couple of inches wider than the 65.  Maybe the tie rod ends but not the center link....I think.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    11/04/2017 5:32 PM  #3

    6568
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    Re: Steering swap

    Just the box and column. Do I also need to swap idler arm and pitman arm

       •Thread Starter
     

    11/04/2017 5:43 PM  #4

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
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    Re: Steering swap

    6568 wrote:

    Just the box and column. Do I also need to swap idler arm and pitman arm

    Idler arm will be fine but you do need a 68 (1 1/8" I think) pitman arm. 

    You will also have to decide on a steering wheel.  The 65 wheel will not work on the 68 column without significant mods...same for the 66 wheel (don't ax how I know).  I used a Grant wheel for a few years as I felt the 68 wheel was ugly.  Last winter I re-configed the old 66 wheel to work on the 68 column...much nicer.  You can also wire in an E-Flasher to the 68 column switch since the 65 didn't have one.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    11/04/2017 5:50 PM  #5

    Bullet Bob
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    Re: Steering swap

    Also, you'll need to come up with a bracket to hold the column at the firewall.  If you can weld a bit that shouldn't be too tough.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    11/04/2017 7:20 PM  #6

    Tubo
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    From: Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,765

    Re: Steering swap

    I bolted up a 68 steering column into my 65 2+2 w/Unisteer R&P. Lordy what a Pita.

    Tubo

    If it ain't broke, I haven't modified it Yet
     

    11/04/2017 8:17 PM  #7

    Huskinhano
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    Registered: 4/26/2017
    Posts: 279

    Re: Steering swap

    Personally the solid column doesn't overly bother me. It's behind the steering wheel tucked up by the firewall. By the time it gets shoved into your chest, that's probably going to be the least of your problems. On the other hand GM cars of that era were front steer with the box, right up front and center, the second thing to be hit in a impact after the sheetmetal bumper.

    I'm not a complete idiot.....pieces are missing. Tom
     

    11/05/2017 8:03 AM  #8

    6568
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    Re: Steering swap

    Bullet Bob wrote:

    Also, you'll need to come up with a bracket to hold the column at the firewall.  If you can weld a bit that shouldn't be too tough.

    BB

     
    Since I am a machinist with some welding back ground I think I have my next challenge facing me.
    Thanks for the info

       •Thread Starter
     

    11/05/2017 10:17 AM  #9

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Steering swap

    6568 wrote:

    Bullet Bob wrote:

    Also, you'll need to come up with a bracket to hold the column at the firewall.  If you can weld a bit that shouldn't be too tough.

    BB

     
    Since I am a machinist with some welding back ground I think I have my next challenge facing me.
    Thanks for the info

    It's not that hard of a swap if you use the 68 box with the rag joint and don't have to convert an earlier box.  You also will have to lengthen the index slot on the column...no big deal, and get the wiring sorted out.

    Good luck.  PM me when you decide to mod your 65 steering wheel and I'll send some pix.  I posted some earlier this year somewhere here.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

     

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