I've read the archives and would like to confirm a few things. For those that have switched from power to manual using the "adapter" while maintaining the power steering center link, pitman arm and steering box, is the steering effort acceptable? Second, does this swap "really" alleviate all of the wonderful wandering associated with the factory power steering? I can't imagine heading down the quarter mile with the original power steering! I did see one post that indicated replacing the control valve with a NEW valve helps if one decides to keep the power steering but I can't imagine all of the play is gone regardless.
The play doesn't go away, ever. The valve design is the main reason since the ball socket has to move back and forth to actuate a spool valve inside the housing. It's nature of the poorly designed beast. Adjusting the preload on the valve spool helps per the service manual but I have found that with larger tires the car will find a groove and try to follow it, not to mention the inherent bumpsteer present in these cars. Converting with the adapter eliminates the movement present in the valve assembly so that should correct it considering everything else is in good working order. Use the power steering spec for caster as well and it should improve high speed stability.
If you would want to convert to "true" Factory Maverick manual steering, I would have the parts. Email me DIRECTLY (see below) if I can help.
I took mine apart and loaded it up with washers until most of the slack was gone. Not the best solution, but it survived 20K miles of driving. It took a few tries to get the stacking right. Getting the manual conversion end or converting to a manual center link is on the "to-do" list. At any speed over 10 mph, deleting the power steering is fine. You'll like it. I have a smaller diameter aftermarket steering wheel too. You'll have to tug on it when parking, but all other times, the road feel is an improvement.
From a standstill stinks with wide front tires (I have 235s), but other than that it is acceptable. I took out some wear slope in the steering box gear adjustment too, but need an alignment. The bumpsteer is awful, anyone have suggestions?
BAER Tracker kit for a 71-73 Mustang is what I'm running. It didn't completely eliminate it, but it sure helps with wide tires.
i used the adapter on my car and i hate it. it has slack in it that i can't seem to get out, i i would go with the manual center link if i was to do it again.
