Eh guys, I'm just about to get my Starliner on the road. We got it lowered and the damn idler arm is just about in the dirt. Its power ***ist steering and the idler hangs too low to drive it safely. Does anyone know of an update or interchange that will get one thats not as low? Like a more modern box and pump? TIA! -Shiny
Yeah, that power steering control valve can be a pain on really low full size Fords of those years... There is a rack and pinion conversion out there for your car. http://www.wurthitdesigns.com/60-64FordRack.htm Also, a couple friends just put a Jeep Cherokee (I think) power steering gear into a '57 Ranchero. I guess it was a fairly easy swap. The front suspension on the Ranchero is nearly the same as your car. Might be worth looking into. They bought a rebuilt gearbox from a chain auto parts store. Malcolm
Thanks man! So its a Cherokee steering box swap then? I just so happen to have a Cherokee getting stripped on my property right now! -Shiny
Well, perfect then! Keep the steering gear out of it and compare it to your Ford. It's worth a shot at least...
If that doesn't work someone locally is swapping in a 77-79 ford f150 2 wheel drive steering box. i havn't seen it yet
29EHV8, torchman, Please post pics and notes of mods and/or difficulties w either of these swaps please. I'll be doin Granada spindles this winter on dad's '60 and any tips will help plan this for a quicker re-do. Also, while the Starliner topic is current, have you guys converted to PDB? What MC and booster are you using if so?
I am using a SSBC booster and master made originally for a 56 ford; 8 inch around, single diaphragm; 4 bolt. I am using this booster to clear a 429 with AC coming into the firewall on that side of the motor. There are some other ones out there; and, on my previous galaxie; I found that a 1966 Fairlane or Galaxie booster, a little larger in diameter, was a bolt in to stock PDB cars and got rid of the unsightly vacuum canister on the fender stock for a 1960. The 1966 fairlane booster I chose as it was avialable at any parts store, no core required; and reasonably priced. Side note; it also clears an FE or Y block. Use the master cylinder of of the Granada, and proportioning valve; also readily available at a parts store.
My son & I installed 2.5 droped spindles in his 59 T-bird. With the FE and Power steering the PS cylinder hits the oil pan. If you have installed the steering setup & have an FE also look for problems there. I built a dropped Idler arm bracket but that dropped the cross shafts in the "dirt" as well. With a 58-60 T-bird & a C-6 there is no room to raise the engine. Maybe in your '60 Fullsize you could raise the engine 1" and adjust mounts accordingly. Just a thought & precaution. Movin/on
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