Manual vs. power steering, parts?

[muddpile]

I'm getting ready to put a steering setup on my 64 short fleet, and need some advice. It has a full pro street 2x5 tubing frame with the front crossmember and suspension of a 1977 pickup. It has a power rack and pinion setup right now, but it doesn't work well in this application. I'd like to go to a stock non-power box and full cross-steer setup from a 73-87 style. My question is, is the tie rod, pitman, idler, drag link, etc all the same for power and non-power? Also, does a manual box need a shim or anything like that? Any help at all would be great, thanks!

[f.monroe]

I am sure that some of the more informed will know but I think the only difference is the steering box and pitman arm .
Frank

[LONGHAIR]

It has a power rack and pinion setup right now, but it doesn't work well in this application.

Why not? How can you know until it is installed?

[79gmcsierragrande]

Pitman arm is different
Gearbox is obviously different
Idler arm is the same
Tie rods (inner, outer, and sleeve) same
They make a rag joint that does both
And I’d recommend a steering damper



At least in a 79 Half ton it is.

if you go to http://www.partsamerica.com/ you can look all that up.

[muddpile]

Longhair, I know it doesn't work because I have driven the truck. It is WAY too sensitive with the lack of weight on the front, plus it leaks badly, and I have to run 20'+ of power steering hose to get to the pump (It's on my rear-engined project). A manual box will enable me to delete the pump, hoses, and have a less touchy steering setup.

79gmcsierragrande, thanks for the tips, I'll have to double-check on everything and then start collecting parts.

[Captkaos]

you are going from one extreme to another going to a manual setup. The manual units a pain to drive in my opinion. As for the differences, 79gmcsierragrande has you covered, but I never had a rag joint issue. An a damper on a manual or power 2WD is not necessary...

[muddpile]

The manual will be better for this application I feel. If you check my "Tornado 64" build thread in my sig, you'll see why. The pickup is rear engined, there is nothing up front but a radiator, so the front is extremely light, removing the need for power of any sort.

[79gmcsierragrande]

I must say that’s an interesting setup. I bought my truck to haul but I still like to see people go balls to the wall. Without an engine up front I would defiantly put a steering damper, and sway bar.




And sand bags or led weights....

[Captkaos]

I read your thread on your truck, didn't realize you were rear powered...

[LONGHAIR]

Manual rack? why reinvent the wheel (so to speak) if the mounting points are already there? Do you know what the rack came from? Manual version of the same thing would be simple.