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4/25/2026 5:25 PM  #1


steering linkage problem

1965 mustang coupe, 302, C4 automatic. Previous owner had installed aftermarket power steering. Front wheel are 5lug 15" . I check pitman arm it measure 5 1/4". seems right . The pitman ball joint housing has been for some time rubbing on the center drag  link. The idler seems ok. Ill try to post picture[img]000001[/img][img]000002[/img][img]0424-144412[/img]s

Last edited by bolake (4/25/2026 5:26 PM)

 

4/26/2026 5:33 AM  #2


Re: steering linkage problem

Some more information would be helpful.  Converted to aftermarket power steering from where?  Borgesson is the most common.  Was the car originally a power steering car or a manual steering car?  The reason I ask is that the center links are different between power steering and manual steering cars, and I believe the Borgesson system requires the use of the manual steering center link.  If the car has a power steering center link in it that could be your problem.  A picture would also help.  

 

4/26/2026 6:15 AM  #3


Re: steering linkage problem

I can't fine any identification on unit except some white ink mark numbers hard to read. power steering pump, mounting looks exactly like Borgeson. Car was manual steering, 6 cylinder car.  Not sure which center link it has now but must be changed with Argentina manufacture stamped on it is there a way to check?. Idler looks newer also. Tie rods look older maybe original or at least adjustment and rod are. One thing I noticed is the steering wheel isn't centered because hitting header on driver side, so short turn driver side long passenger side. Ill try again to post pictures. I was on a forum some year back that downloaded pictures this way , Have figure it out again.

     Thread Starter
 

4/26/2026 6:49 AM  #4


Re: steering linkage problem

Sorry not a computer whiz, can't remember how to do the URL thing. I can text them on my phone

     Thread Starter
 

4/26/2026 9:32 PM  #5


Re: steering linkage problem

Email me pics of your steering parts. V8 pitman arm is quite different than 6 cyl stuff.
Steve@mustangsteve.com


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

4/27/2026 4:59 AM  #6


Re: steering linkage problem

Centering the wheel is fairly easy.  You have to start with both tie rods the same length though.  Then you set toe by adjusting each rod equally until you get the desired measurement (I would recommend 1/8" total toe in, or 1/16" per side).  You can set toe with a tape measure.

Then , if the wheel isn't centered simply remove the wheel and reinstall it so its centered.  Over the years I've found that techs who didn't know what they were doing often erroneously repositioned the wheel for one reason or another.

As far as something hitting the driver's side header (I would guess its the steering box that had the issue; it did on my car), you'll have to make some clearance. Mark the area of interference, then remove the header and dimple, dent, etc. the offending tube(s).  I used a big hammer and an old 1" countergear pin from a transmission to create a dent that cleared the box in one tube (I have JBA shorty headers).  You'll want a minimum of 1/4" clearance.  I installed and removed that header a couple times to get it right.  FWIW, that dent isn't going to hurt power at all.  I've seen dyno tests where they beat up a set of headers to an insane degree and it still made no difference in power.  

 

4/27/2026 6:13 AM  #7


Re: steering linkage problem

TKOPerformance wrote:

Centering the wheel is fairly easy.  You have to start with both tie rods the same length though.  Then you set toe by adjusting each rod equally until you get the desired measurement (I would recommend 1/8" total toe in, or 1/16" per side).  You can set toe with a tape measure.

Then , if the wheel isn't centered simply remove the wheel and reinstall it so its centered.  Over the years I've found that techs who didn't know what they were doing often erroneously repositioned the wheel for one reason or another.

As far as something hitting the driver's side header (I would guess its the steering box that had the issue; it did on my car), you'll have to make some clearance. Mark the area of interference, then remove the header and dimple, dent, etc. the offending tube(s).  I used a big hammer and an old 1" countergear pin from a transmission to create a dent that cleared the box in one tube (I have JBA shorty headers).  You'll want a minimum of 1/4" clearance.  I installed and removed that header a couple times to get it right.  FWIW, that dent isn't going to hurt power at all.  I've seen dyno tests where they beat up a set of headers to an insane degree and it still made no difference in power.  

 Thanks I rechecked I think its centered I may have not had it right when I installed new steering wheel , will have to reset steering wheel

     Thread Starter
 

4/27/2026 6:15 AM  #8


Re: steering linkage problem

MS wrote:

Email me pics of your steering parts. V8 pitman arm is quite different than 6 cyl stuff.
Steve@mustangsteve.com

Thanks  Sent some pictures will take more and send of pitman and box , pump
 

     Thread Starter
 

4/27/2026 1:18 PM  #9


Re: steering linkage problem

Pics received


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

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