I want to convert my 73 comet to power steering. What do I need besides a power steering pump to do this conversion? Has anyone here done this swap and can help me out with some details on the parts and process of doing this swap? Also, would you consider this to be an easy or hard swap. Let me know, thanks.
You will need a lot of parts to do the swap. Start at the steering box you will need a pitman arm from a power steering car then you will need the draglink from a power steering car and idler arm, inner tie rods from power steering car,control valve and power assist cylinder,pump mounting bracket, hard lines to pump, pulley with 2 grooves to run pump. With all the parts and a game plan and some tools it is pretty straight forward for someone that works on cars if you are a novice it would be a challenge. Most people take the power steering off and go to manual. The only real advantage of power steering is in parking lots and areas that you are moving slow at. The main problem with power steering (which isnt really power steering but power assist) is leaking from various places on the assembly, fittings,hoses cylinder, control valve but this is mainly due to age of parts so getting good parts is a must and can end up being quite expensive. While I am far from being knowledgeable about steering on these cars I see that others have went about better easier steering different ways and they will probably offer their expertise. I have seen several ads on here of people selling their power steering parts so if you decide to go that route put a wanted ad on here
Well stated Mike!!! I went from power steering to manual to gain a tenth or two in the quarter mile. As Mike states, it is a lot of work and expense to install power steering just to gain some slow maneuverability assistance.
AFAIK inner tie rods are all same and idler arms are same for a given year, problem is there were three different versions from '70 to '77... To get the real benefit of P/S the manual sector should be replaced as well, true P/S gear have a quicker ratio than the manual... I've rebuilt the system on my Comet, works fine, no leaks(well except weep on pump reservoir that I've never touched)... Back in March of this year I added P/S to my Cobra Jet, has a full conversion including a power sector... No leaks at all(I repl all seals in it's P/S pump)... Chances I'd ever want manual again??? Zero & none... Admittedly due to amount of components the stock system is a bit cumbersome to install... But I have less than half cost TOTAL in both systems vs something like the Borgerson system, that's anything but a direct swap... I'd saved a couple Torino systems from cars I parted 25+ years ago, cost zero... For Comet I bought a complete system from a '77 Maverick, cost $25(yeah I got a deal)...
If I were doing this I would go for the Borgeson power steering box and steer clear of the factory pieces. I much prefer the idea of an integral box over the slave cylinder, control valve and mess of hoses. If you really want to get crazy you could go rack and pinion for the low price of your first born and left leg!
you asked for ... power steering. at best power assist is all you will get with stock Mav/Comet parts. I was one of the one's that removed the power assist for manual. even my rack n pinion setup is manual.....
[QUOTE="Krazy Comet, post: 1123061, member: 2049 Admittedly due to amount of components the stock system is a bit cumbersome to install... But I have less than half cost TOTAL in both systems vs something like the Borgerson system, that's anything but a direct swap... I'd saved a couple Torino systems from cars I parted 25+ years ago, cost zero... For Comet I bought a complete system from a '77 Maverick, cost $25(yeah I got a deal)...[/QUOTE] that's what I would think it is worth...or nothing... I rebuilt mine thinking it would be"better". shortly after I sent the complete setup to the scrapyard... as light as these cars are, manual works great for me, I also like the feel of the road...
I wud go for the Borgeson system. I have it on my car and it had OE power assist system. IIRC you don't have to change drag link, pitman arm or any other part of the system other than the steering box. I have seen the kit on Ebay for about $900-1000. Kit comes w/ hoses, pump & pump bracket, rag joint and steering box. The hoses were a little to short, had the pressure hose made by local shop. Depending on your mechanical skills, it is a little bit of work. You will have to make some mod's to the steering column. Most of the parts you get fo do the OE steering setup will have to be rebuilt anyway and the Ford pumps are know for whining; my Saginaw pump is quiet and takes up much less space.
I have been considering this Unisteer system for one of my cars. It also gives me the cross brace that I need for the V-8 conversion. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-thru-...382299810139?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10
For stock steering you'll be going from this To this NOTE P/S pittman arm isn't shown No doubt for all your the plans, a parts car would be a HUGE advantage as would be a deep wallet, especially if you piecemeal the mods and/or opt for the Borgerson system...
I've read A lot of people are taking the manual steering off of their car... why? I want to know if it is a mistake putting it back on. Keep in mind I am putting a v8 in the car and will have wider tires than stock. Any guys with v8 cars who have manual and have some feedback?
Manual steering has better road feel and you don't have to deal with noisy pumps and leaking fluid, not to mention the bonus weight savings. On the negative side you need two hands and a bit of muscle to park it. You won't be palming the wheel with one hand to fit it in a spot.
As I previously posted, I have removed my power assist steering; I also have a 302 and wide front tires. I manage to maneuver my Comet just fine.
