1952-59 Ford rack and pinion in 56 club sedan

I have a 56 fairlane club sedan. My steering box has an unbelievable amount of slop. I'm going to put discs on it, probably with Granada spindles. And rebuild the front suspension with new bushings, ball joints etc... I'm thinking about going to a rack and pinion, which I've read mixed reviews on. I'm also thinking a manual rack would keep it simple and cheap. I know that if I don't place the rack correctly I could get bump steer, and I know most people lose some turning radius. I'm ok with losing turning radius. What are your experiences?

 

Look here first: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=310&SID=8 there is a part one & part two.Also several of the members have done the Jeep steering box upgrade and hopefully they will chime in and there are pictures in the archives here to see it installed.You may want to check this out: http://www.dropnstop.com/page2.html Dave is a member here.

 

I was thinking about a manual rack, so I don't have to mess with a pump or lines.

 

Then seriously consider rebuilding your stock box. Rebuilt will surely cost much less and fit right back in. no horn wire issue. Keep in mind this one lasted fourty plus years. If this rebuilt lasts that long it won't matter to you by then. My 2 cents

 

If your going to stick with manual steering then I would agree with 1 Ford fan, A good rebuild of the stock steering components will out perform the rack and pinion.

I read somewhere a few years ago that you can use steering box parts from a '57 or '58 box to help the earlier boxes steer a little bit easier, I don't know if its true or not but might be worth looking into.

You said you may upgrade the spindles and brakes with Granada parts, if your lucky enough to find a Granada parts car you could also use power steering from it, the Granada power steering is very similar to the stock '55-'56 power steering and easy to mount on the early to mid 50's Ford cars.

 

I agree with the rest.You really do not want to use a manual rack with your car. The popular mastang rack was designed for a lighter car with a shorter wheelbase You will not be happy with it. I have installed a late model jeep power steer in my 54 merc, a LOT of work but well be worth it. Many of these guys have overhauled the stock steering and it works fine. That is what I would do in your case.

 

Ok, once again I seem to have over thought the solution to my problem. I've looked around online and haven't found a rebuild kit for my steering box. Also I'd like to get a factory service manual. I'll keep looking online, but if anyone has any links I'd appreciate it.

 

You can get the complete rebuild kit or a remanufactured box from www.usapartssupply.com

 

Why not just replace it with a power steering setup from Borgeson? I'm not sure why anyone would want to keep manual steering but to each is own.

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/catal..._Customline_Mainline-orderby_0-p-1-c-117.html

If you are set on manual call borgeson and see if they will rebuild it for you. Another place with a lot of good feedback is Lee's Power steering, you could have them to rebuild your stock unit.

http://lee-powersteering.com/index.htm

 

Jeffb2 thanks for the link.

Fordsbyjay thanks for the links, I'll see how much they would charge to rebuild my manual box. I'm not interested in spending $1000 to make it easier to park a weekend cruiser. Besides, I'm 6' 3" and 300 pounds. For me it's not that hard to turn the wheel.