When I did it I found that swapping the tie rods and center link along with the steering box made it complete and I was able to discard the power assist. I have heard that there isn't much of a difference between the two steering boxes and that you would be able to get away with using the power steering gear set without the assist.
Check out this thread...I didn't do the experiment for nothing... http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=28363&highlight=manual+power+steering
The ps box has a quicker turning radius than the manual box. Plus because it was power assisted, it usually does not wear out as fast as the manual box. I would keep the ps box. To convert to manual the simplest way, go to any Mustang supply house and buy the converter/adapter. It basically replaces the control valve on the linkage. Then you just remove all the power steering crap. Last time I looked, cost was around $120 for the part. The other way is to find the completer linkage including the pitman arm from a manual car and replace yours with it.
I just did all this on mine. Remove all the P/S bull****. Then order from Autozone's website, a manual drag link and pitman arm. Then bolt these in place of the P/S setup. Drag link is $75, pitman arm was $55. The steering box is fine, unless it's got more slack than can be taken up with the adjuster bolt. You can do that while you have the P/S stuff off.
Ain't had the chance to drive it yet. Just got the 331-sixpack motor in today:bananaman Won't have it running for another week or two. Still got a lot of stuff to tie up the ends on. My 67 Fastback Stang with a big block had manual steering and it wasn't bad to drive. Only hard time is at a stand still when you turn the wheel, once the car's rolling, it's not much harder than power steering.
I have fairly wide 215 front tires, and it is not bad at all, I am just spoiled with the quicker turn from the power gear box. I now feel like I am turning for days before I get to full chock and it feels odd trying to parallel park. BUT!!! I have not driven the car but maybe 5 miles since I did the conversion, so maybe it just need some "gettin' used to!"
Re: I also like the idea of switching to manual steering. I like the idea of a manual box being 42% easier to turn than a power box used manually, but I also like the quick steering ratio of the power box. So, my question to the board is, Did Ford make a quick ratio manual box? What did they come in, will it fit my Comet and how do I identify it? We might as well shoot for the best of both worlds... Dave
I have the ps box with manual linkage and I dont think its all that hard. The road feel is great!!! Only in parking lots does it become somewhat of a challenge, but then I grew up on cars that seldom had power anything. If you put a smaller than stock steering wheel on, it will make it even more difficult at slow or no speeds.
Remove the P/S ran and linkage and replace it with manual parts and you have what you're asking for-----a quick ratio manual box.
