converting power to manual steering problems

i would suggest getting it aligned with the 18s. if a shops equipment cant work with 18s then i would consider that shop out of date and not investing in it self, so just move on to another shop. also the bigger wheels will want more caster to have better stability with the heavier wheel/tire combo. caster is tricky with a power box and big wheels to find the right balance in steering feel. i use a shop that does it old school with measuring sticks and caster camber gauges. they get the best results out of the these old cars with modern updates like big wheels and modified suspensions.

 

i have a manual steering link from a 1971 maverick and a manual steering box from a 70 i compared the manual box to my power steering 1977 box and the arms and length look the same bolted it in place using the power steering center link because i did not have the manual steering link in.... before swapping the box the car was great on the road no pulling no tire squealing, just wanted to do a complete manual steering swap (since the manual steering box has a different gear ratio then the power steering box) i connected the control valve center link to the box because i assumed since i did not mess with the tie rod ends that the alignment would be affected. i dropped the car after all of this work and took the car up the road and i am honestly lucky i didnt wreak it it pulled terribly to the right got out of the car and my drivers side wheel was straight more less and my passenger wheel was turned to the right .. someone told me the power steering center link with no power steering on it was dangerous so i started to search and lucky found a new maverick brother about 10 miles away from me and had the manual steering center link. the ball joints or tie rods were perfect all bushings were perfect and the idler arm was also i good shape. (i am planning to replace all the bushings in the future i am just building the car on a budget so i can drive it to highschool) bolted the idler arm to the frame first then i put the tie rod ends into the holes for them on the wheels then bolted my steering box noticed that the 71 center link comes through the top of the box compared to the power steering centerlink where the bolt goes in though the botton of the arm on the box. i tightened everything. snug not crazy tight. just enough to get the pins through the castle nuts. eye balled to make sure the wheels were straight.. they were i dropped the car off the lift agai checking the wheels they looked straight i backed the car out of the garage and drove foward and noticed the same thing pulling to the right got out of the car and the passeger side wheel was still out of alighnment (turned to the right when the drivers side wheel is straight) i understand the 71 alighnemt specs are different than a 77 so i am going to try to adjust it a few turns in and see what happens.. did i do something wrong when installing the box or center link? is my camber off? or like Jerry said maybe my strut rod is bound up? i have no clue i am at a complete stop right now.. i just left it alone and started doing body work until i know exactly what i should do because i am afraid if i adjust it i will mess it up


i want to say thank you to everyone for all of your help regarding my issue with steering you guys have been a big help. i am deciding wheels right now. the 18s are nice but i have a set of magnum 500 style ford sport wheels that were on the car for a very long time and i like the classic ford magnum 500 look on the car although the cragars are nice i am not in love with them. i am painting my car white its original color but i might go for alittle bit brighter white some people recommended Porsche white i am not sure. but since i have the boss 429 mustang hood scoop the sport magnum 500 style wheel finishes the look of the car and in my opinion makes it look right. i will post a picture of the cragars and the sport wheels so you guys can see... also i can take pictures of my center link and steering box if it would help

thank you all!
Nick

 

What you're trying to adjust here is the "toe in"" to adjust it, get both wheels pointing ahead equally, then measure the distance between the tires using the center of the tread as a reference point, both in front and rear (of the tires) then adjust the tie rod sleeves (both sides equally) until you reach the proper toe in measurement (maybe someone else here has that measurement, I don't right off hand) The toe in is measured at the front of the tread. (use both front and rear initially to get the wheels pointing straight)

 

Something about the pitman arm and steering box doesnt add up to me. I was always told and read that the steering box does not matter....but the pitman arm does. You have to have the manual pitman arm.

If one of the wheels is straight and the other is not....it has to be the tie rods need adjusting...or a lower control arm is bent.

Thats all I can think of....maybe take some pics.

Jerry D

 

Also need to have someone or something holding the steering wheel straight and in the middle of the turns.

 

Well how much for the manual center link

 

Email me DIRECTLY (see below)

 

I just need the center drag link right I have a 1971 maverick grabber came with power steering can I just drop my power valve and bolt in the manual one? If so how much

 

You will also need a pitman arm. Email me for prices.