FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum / Manual steering

**Posted by kardad** 8/20/2024 5:01 PM

I would like to hear from those that still use some type of manual steering (16:1 box, 19:1 box) rebuilt, old, with roller idler?

I don't want to start a debate on manual vs power or what type of power.

I have used in the past:

Manual 14:1 Flaming River box on my Yellow 66 - It was fine, I ran a 205/65/15 but only had it for about a year, so I don't know how it held up.

Borgeson Power with the GM pump on my 68 - it was fine, I ran a 235/45/17 with 4.5 degrees of caster, and it was a bit over boosted and still need a little help returning to center.

80's Thunderbird Power R&P on my 55 F100 - it was fine, 255/60/15 drove well, turning radius was so so.

My lates build is a 66 with 215/60/15 tire and a very worn-out factory manual box. I think about how and where I drive and really the sharpest turn I ever make is getting in and out of the garage. I plan to keep the stock size steering wheel and in the interest of keeping thing really simple and uncluttered I am considering replacing the box and staying with the manual steering.

I am curious if those that have done the same regret it or have any advice like a roller idler, and if that helps.

**Posted by rpm** 8/20/2024 10:51 PM

I'm pretty sure my Chocko rebuilt 16:1 manual steering box is the only part on my 69 that hasn't needed any work I do have the roller idler arm from Opentracker, 245/40-18 tires up front, and I love it! I wouldn't add power steering if you paid me.

**Posted by RTM** 8/21/2024 5:56 AM

My last build had the 16:1 box and all new stock steering and suspension components. Don’t recall the tire size but I thought it was perfect, but that was 20 years ago. I think I would be ok with it today.

Only reason I have power steering now is because I got the R&C MII kit for $1000, brand new and it had a power rack included. Since I wanted hydro boost brakes, I decided to stay with the PS rack.

**Posted by MS** 8/21/2024 6:29 AM

My 66 used to have factory manual steering with the quick ratio box. It drove great and I think it handled better than with the (now 19 year old) TCP power rack. My only complaint was trying to back up into a parking space at car shows was very labor intensive. That statement borders on manual vs power debate so I will leave it at the “ drove great” statement. It had 235x45r17 tires.

**Posted by BobE** 8/21/2024 7:11 AM

I had a manual 16:1 steering box with 225/60-15 tires. As MS stated, only real issue was at slow speeds backing into a spot or parallel parking, etc., that was difficult.
When I went to the R&P steering, I decided to go w/PS.

**Posted by TimC** 8/21/2024 10:00 AM

My 66 had a standard manual box. I had Randy rebuild it when I tore the car down. The car eventually got an R&C MII front end, so I sold the unused rebuilt box to BillyC here, who drove it for years and loved it. I have not heard from BillyC lately.

My 65 GT had less than good manual steering. I pulled the box and had Chocko rebuild it. He said it was a standard box from a 62 Falcon, but replaced everything it needed in short order. It was great after that. I did manage to get an original 65 GT box from a forum member here (who went Borg on his 65). The current owner of my 65 had Chocko rebuild the 65GT box and loves it. I still have regular contact with the current owner. He sent me a video of driving down the road at highway speed, praising the car, and how it handles.

My current Mustang has a power R&P, complete with the whining Ford pump.

I loved the manual steering for everything except parallel parking.

**Posted by rpm** 8/21/2024 6:21 PM

TimC wrote:
I loved the manual steering for everything except parallel parking.

I've never had a need to parallel Park. When I go downtown for weekly coffee it's all diagonal parking around the coffee shop.