I have a 55 ford fairlane that is quite difficult to steer. She has a 272 manual 3speed. I want to put power steering in her but I’m not sure what all it would entail, if I could even do it. Any advice, do’s, dont’s etc. are greatly appreciated! I have come to this forum so many times for help and you all have always come to my assistance. thank you in advance
I have a 55 Meteor that had factory p/s, but I had problems with the steering box and fluid leaks. I went with a Borgerson box, and although it wasn't as easy or cheap as they would have you believe, once I got it in, it does work well. Better than original. You would have it easier because I had to find standard steering parts, idler arm and inner tie rod( I think, it's been a while). You can Utube this and go on the 52-59? social group to find more info. It makes driving the much more enjoyable
There may be multiple reasons for this. Maybe throwing power steering at it is hitting the panic button. "quite difficult to steer" is also relative. What is your benchmark?
Part of the problem is the 55 has the steering shaft in one piece from the box to the wheel. So it’s a long item to remove. The original p/s was an add on to the manual box. Pump, new center link with the valve, the ram, and some bits and pieces and hoses. The center link/valve is the hard part to come by. All other solutions are more difficult and involve cutting the shaft to adapt more modern parts. Last item is getting the wire for horn, it now runs clear down the column and out the end of the steering box. Some of the solutions don’t account for the column shift, so if you don’t want a floor shift watch out for that. Theres a fairly recent discussion on the Ford Barn, and probably info here in the social group for those cars. Mostly really off topic for here. Having been down this road, be really careful of simple solutions, it’s very easy to end up with limited turning ability and lots of bump steer. I get why you want it, 70+ years and a bad back makes power a necessity for me.
First thing I would do is check and make sure all of your steering components are in good condition. Most steering problems I've encountered have been due to old worn out parts.
I have experienced multiple times on different cars, that a simple change of tires - to another brand - has made a world of difference. Each time I have been amazed. I might also add, that I had not been seeking easier steering, just needed new tires.
Column shift or floor shift?? Adding power steering and retaining a column shift is difficult [especially on non-collapsible, one piece steering columns]
Thank you everyone for your input. She is a 3 on the tree and I would like to keep her that way. So I may just suck it up and deal with no ps. I think I may just start with the two easiest possible remedies. Change the tires and double check out for worn parts. thank you again fellas , Christie
I make a point of never asking why someone wants power steering. Why? My shoulder took a 2-ton I-beam, driven by a gust of wind, while on a crane. I am 53, and it might need to be replaced. That's my business. Why she wants power steering is her business. https://www.borgeson.com/?target=search&mode=search&including=all This is NOT a difficult adaptation, and you can keep the column shifter. It utilizes ALL of your stock steering components, so there is no change in turning radius, or bump steer. Just a little cutting, a little grinding, and drilling a few holes.
To keep it 3 on the tree and add power steering would require a "Ram" setup. Not as good as a steering box but definately doable. You would need a correct pitman arm ,drag-link [centre-link]with the control valve, frame bracket , Ram ,hoses and pump. An Original rebuilt set-up would cost plenty. Have a look at T-bird set-ups [they might interchange]
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