Im swapping out my i6 for a 302/C4. It has been mentioned to me that it would be a good time to swap over to power steering when the bay is empty. The 302 has a power steering pump, I know id need a new gear box or whatever its called. Is that really all there is to it? Is having power steering really worth the hassle and $$?
Years ago, I went from a six cylinder to a V8 in a manual steering car that had 7" wide tires. The only time it was any real effort was in parallel parking situations. Now, my V8 car came with power steering that leaked so I replaced it all with manual steering equipment and still have now problems. I think it depends on your upper body strength and how wide of tire you're using. I think someone here has experience with electric power steering too. Bruce
A decision on worth the money and effort -- Depends on ones upper body strength and if they don't mind wrestling w/ a parking situation. If the car is not driven regular driven on the street, maybe not worth the trouble.
I went from the stock power assist to manual...loved it. my wife could even drive it. she commented it was a little firmer than her 2010 Sport Trac. with the rack n pinion and LS engine I have now I put true power steering on. it lost a lot of the "road feel".
It's worth it to me, currently in process of installing P/S on my 69 Fairlane. BTW thanks to Everett for donating parts, most steering components on Maverick/Comet are same as '68-'69 Torino, Cyclone etc. The valve(in pieces), cylinder and steering sector are from his Comet. Most parts have now been through the blast cabinet and are ready for paint. Here's valve dissembled in a more orderly fashion, back together now.
A Borgerson system requires only the steering sector, hoses and pump, BUT you'll probably have $1000 in it by time it's finished. Also requires shortening the column. I looked into one for My Cobra but that system really isn't compatible with factory clutch linkage or the Fairlane's column shift.. All those parts is why factory P/S was approx $100 option in 1969, OR around $700 in todays money. I also spent some quality time in the sand box yesterday, rebuild cylinder today and wave a bit of paint around.
Yes.....you will need disc brakes....so plan for that. I prefer power steering. I have the parts if you need them.
The '79 P/S pump likely used O ring hoses vs inverted flair, may require fabbing a hose. Mav switched to O ring in mid '76.
