(I guess this goes under this subject). I'm wondering if the manual steering box in a 74 Sportsman van is worth looking at to go in my 69 Dart. Would it bolt in? The external shape is a little different, but I think there's room for it. And I don't know the ratio on those; if they are atrocious or manageable. Thanks

Never mind (unless you WANT to chime in):

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39308

3rd post

Well even though the box may fit, I have power steering now. Is there more to it than just swapping boxes? I think I've heard of power or manual steering columns...

Yup, the manual steering column shaft is longer because the steering box itself is shorter front to back. You can get an extender or swap shafts.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

You're not going to be able to put a large sector-shaft steering box like the B-series van box (or a '73+ power box) in your '69 unless you change the center link, pitman arm and idler arm to the '73 and newer stuff. The '72 and older A bodies all used small sector shaft steering boxes so there isn't a stock pitman arm that will fit your center link and that steering box. The '73 power steering pitman arm will fit the large sector manual steering box, but because the stud which connects to the center link points down it won't fit your '69 center link.

Then there is the steering column issue as Dan points out.

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Joshua

Sweet! Info from the gurus!

I do plan to upgrade the steering linkages to newer stuff b/c I'll be putting on LBP disc brake upgrade and the linkage is sloppy now as it is, so might as well right? Or am I now starting to peel the onion and get into more not-as-easy-as-it-sounds shenanigans?

And I guess I wouldn't be soooo lucky as to have the shaft from the van fit my Dart (maybe ). So then, Dan, who makes an extender or are you saying just make one?

Poke around the www.firmfeel.com website for a while and most of your questions will be answered.

Yikes. Not looking too budget friendly, but car stuff rarely is. That adapter is a bit overpriced. They must be the sole provider on that one... hmmm

Steering box you need comes from a '62-'72 A- or B-body. The B-body and V8 A-body boxes used ball bearings; the six-cylinder A-body boxes used bushings. Stock ratio is 24:1 (giving about 79 turns of the steering wheel, lock to lock). There was a scarce quick ratio available in '65-'69, 16:1 giving 3½ turns lock to lock. Good way to drain all the driving fun out of anything but a pure race car. The perfect ratio is 20:1, giving 4½ turns lock to lock. Never available from the factory, but Steer & Gear or Firm Feel can provide a built-up 20:1 box. I have 20:1 in my '62 and love it.

Steering shaft extender for power to manual can be had from Steer & Gear or Firm Feel. It's an expensive chunk of machined metal, but think carefully before deciding to cheap out on this — it's definitely a "life safety" piece of equipment.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Dan? 79 *turns*? LOL, talk about dead feeling steering and forever to steer!

I think Dan means between 7-9 turns.

Cheers, Wizard

Nope, Dan meant 79 turns. It's really 5¾, but it feels like 79!

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

haha.



Cheers, Wizard