PS to Manual

[diablopony]

I want to convert my power steering to manual. I seem to remember a post about this a few months ago but can't find it.
What I want to know is if anyone has gone the manual steering adapter route and if they liked it? Or, if anyone has gone the new center link and idler arm route? If I replace the center link and idler arm is there anything else I need to do?

Thanks,

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'68 convert, 289, C-4, Edelbrock Performer package, Tri-Y headers, 3.25 rear gears

[Fostang]

I went both ways. First tried the manual steering adapter way but felt it was a little to hard and could be better with the manual steering. So I found a good centerlink steering box and idler arm and it works great. Almost can drive one handed around turns or out of a parking spot. The reason that I got another steering box is because I had the J code type which is for power steering. I still have that steering adapter if you want to try it I'm willing to sell it. I highly recomend changing the whole set up but if you want to save some bucks just get the adapter and be done with it.

[Dave68]

When I bought my 68 a couple of months ago, the kid I bought it from said the power steering pump went bad so he just took it off. I didn't know I needed to convert it to a manual. It is very hard to steer now. I thought it was because I have wide tires on the front. I noticed that it also has a little play in it while driving down the road. I was thinking of getting a new pump but a mechanic I know said that the power steering is the worst technology Ford put on this car, almost an afterthought as it hangs down so low that speed bumps knock it off, especially since mine has been lowered anyway. Where do I get a Centerlink and how much do they cost?

Dave

[diablopony]

Thanks for the advice Fostang. I'm hearing that the manual steering adapter is junk from most people I talk to except the retailers.

Where did you get your center link and idler arm? I seem to remember that you are not thrilled with Mustangs Plus.

[Fostang]

Dave 68- Is the power steering ram off also? If not I'd get under there and remove it a soon as possible because it will losen up your steering so much more. That it will be a bit nicer to drive than with it on. Try finding a car at a junk yard that has manual steering or if you want just to be safe buy it new. Idler arm and centerlink will set you back about $200 bucks. Also you might want to check your steering box because if its SMB-J OR SPA-S,U,T,V. It's time to look for a new steering box also.

Diablopony- Dont get me wrong mustangsplus sells plenty of quality goods. Just that there prices are on the steep side. It's the price you pay for a friendly knowledgeable staff. If you know what you want why not save a few bucks and obtain it somewhere else. Thats my moto. Plus I usualy order out of state and save a couple of bucks on the part and taxes although shipping is extra it always is less than taxes unless if its fright. As for my steering box, centerlink, and idler arm I bought them from a wrecking yard. They were practicly brand new. I'm thinking it was a recent rebuild that wrecked. There loss my gain. Why not try an autoparts store and see what you come up with.