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Old 02-23-2008, 07:25 PM
dtpolk dtpolk is offline
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Default Power steering box mod question.

I'm a pretty good engine mechanic, but I've never had a good grasp on power steering. I have a couple of simple (perhaps even stupid) questions. '73 Dart with 318. Why is the steering so hard to turn when the pump is not running?

Can the power steering box itself be modified to function as a manual steering box? If not, why not? Couldn't the valve assembly on top of the box be gutted and a plate bolted on to seal it?

Thanks!
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Old 02-23-2008, 07:45 PM
440roadrunner 440roadrunner is offline
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The quick answer is !!NO!!

I don't know, an accomplished machinist might figure a way to modify a PS box, buy "why?" It would be so much work, it would NEVER be worth the effort.

The reason a box is so hard to steer, is that you are trying to push around the PS fluid, which is a "hydraulic lock." PS boxes are MUCH easier to steer--for example in some emergency, where you had a was to go, and could not repair it--to disconnect the hoses and drain as much as you can.

However, you are moving the control valve when you steer--and without the feedback of the box trying to re-center the valve, and the fact that there's no pressure or fluid, you now have lots of free play.

If you want a manual box, get a manual box. They shouldn't be that difficult to find.

Back in the day, I pulled the PS out of my '70 RR and subbed a manual box. It was a little harder to steer--with a little smaller wheel, but I drove it for YEARS that way.
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Old 02-23-2008, 08:12 PM
dtpolk dtpolk is offline
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Okay. I like the ratio of the power steering but not the tactile feel. I don't have the cash for a custom setup, and thought this might be something I could pull off. Still, the control valve parts are what I was considering getting rid of. But no dice, huh? Thanks for the response!
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Old 02-23-2008, 11:15 PM
440roadrunner 440roadrunner is offline
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I don't remember if the PS steering arm provides quicker ratio with PS compared to manual or not, but you can just run a custom --smaller-- steering wheel to gain some ground.

Again, I ran manual on my old '70RR which started much of it's life with a 440. I ran a smaller steering wheel than stock. It was a real bitch to parallel park, but then, I didn't parallel park all that much!!

Nowadays, you have MUCH more diverse choices in aftermarket wheels than we did in the '70s
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Old 02-27-2008, 10:21 AM
dirttrackracer dirttrackracer is offline
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When I first started Oval track racing we just looped the fluid line and ran them without a pump. They will work that way and yes they are hard to steer but you do have a 16-1 ratio. I never took the "valve" out but its an intresting idea to reduce the pumping effect of the fluid. I would still loop the line so the fluid could run back and forth. I don't think not useing the pump would cause the steering to have any more slop as the fluid is an assist not the "coupling" that drives the shaft.
If you want fast ratio and high effort I would try it. You could always go back. I don't think it will hurt the "box" at all. When I figured out that I had more car control with power assist I just installed a pump and hooked it up to the "box" I was using with no problems.
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Old 02-28-2008, 02:38 AM
71canuckrunner 71canuckrunner is offline
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Have you ever heard about early 70's b body's pumps not being interchangable? I guy at the power steering shop started telling me depending on where your car was built the pumps and steering units weren't interchangable.
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