Each time I drive my Dart I get closer and closer to the realization that I need to reinstall Power Steering.

Like a lot of new drag racers, I swapped to a manual box many years ago.

Now that I've got it more set up to handle with wide wheels, low profile tires, big sway bar, adjustable shocks, riding nice and low... I can't steer it like I used to. (No, I'm NOT 20 years older than when I swapped to manual steering... I'm NOT! )

All of the power steering parts are long gone. I guess I'll post a wanted ad... May go ahead and put the A/C back in too...

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

Remind me again which Dart you've got....

We have 2 slanted cars, one early, and one later model, and we both want manual steering. Other than the shipping being a bit of a pain, I know I've got what you need on one or the other...

OH! and I'm 24, so manual steering doesn't bother me..

~THOR~

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1984 D100 Shorty Custom
Certified Auto Appraiser - RevItUp Classic Appraisals
President - Cherry City Bombers CC
Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

It's a '72 Swinger that currently has a 318.

I was 24 when I swapped to manual steering... See ya back here in 20 years. (When I'm 64... )

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

While I don't have the need for powerful steering, I did put A/C in my car last year. I'm 48

Hey Mater,

You know you have opened yourself up here and I'm sure Cookie is going to say you are getting way too soft!!

Rick

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Yeah,... I know...

But hey! If the shoe fits...

Actually, I don't mind not having A/C. I rarely even use it when I have it.

The bigger issue is trying to wheel this thing around on an autocross course! That takes a LOT of FAST steering and I just don't think it's gonna work.

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

For AutoX in a car that heavy, I'd say PS is needed. For road course work, manual would still prolly be OK. Take 100-150 lbs off the nose (225 w/Al pieces, 'glass hood + bumper) and manual would be doable again... My '64 Dart has 16:1 manual and is fine, but it's probably 200+ lbs lighter than your car in the front.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Finally got something that runs and you want to take it apart again?

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

For some reason that tickled my funny bone! Sorry Rob.

Rick

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Hey Rob, never mind those young whiper-snappers behind the Curtin. They are deteriorating as we type. It’s just a matter of time before they go looking for power steering for an eighty year old “Aâ€￾Body… LOL

Good luck boyz hunt’en up them parts in 2052. Drive it by the nursing home and I’ll let you blow out a hundred candles on my birthday cake… That is if one can get real gas to run a car by then.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

For any type of performance driving, 8:1-12:1 ratio is preferred. When your tires are 12" wide, PS is pretty much a must.

I would like to have a fiberglass hood and possibly a bumper. I'd throw some aluminum heads on that 318 to lighten it up, but it isn't built that way. The larger (heavier) tire/wheel combo with more negative camber doesn't help any either.

I had put in a 20:1 worm gear originally in place of the 24:1 (?), but I'm wondering if AJ had it replaced with another 24:1. I neded to re-seal the box and I noticed that the box in there now doesn't leak and is painted a different color. It also seems like the number of turns lock to lock is more than it used to be.

I also need to either get an adapter to bring the Grant steering wheel further out or put the original steering wheel back on. The Grant wheel sits too close to the turn signal switch and I constantly flip the signals on unintentionally. It would be way worse on an autocross. I'd probably break the arm off! (No, I don't want to heat and bend the arm ) AJ and Kendall surprised me for my birthday one year by sneaking the Grant wheel on for me.

Firm Feel has a couple nice additions to help better support the Pitman arm to reduce some flex. Mopar Action did an article on it awhile back.
It's all good. I'm used to it. I DO kinda bring it on myself anyway...

I don't WANT to take it apart... I NEED to!
Thanks Bill! I can count on you to have my back!

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

Unscrew directional lever, roll it over, and remount it tilting to dash, that will get it out of your while thrashing the wheel…

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

When I went to the smaller wheel on the '64, I just cut the turn signal switch level down by about 2.5" and put a vacuum cap on the end of it.

Get a racecar going before you take that apart, please. The larger stock steering wheel would make it easier to turn too, in the meantime.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I have a full p/s set-up for a '70's A-body in my attic, Rob. I'd be happy to loan it to you, but from the sounds of this thread I'll need it back in about 20 years...

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