steering, manual vs. power

[Todoubled_00]

I'm curious if anyone is out there running manual steering that loves it. I have a 1967 Mustang with a 390 and manual steering and love it. My 69 F250 has bendix power steering and it leaks like all hell, as most old fords do. So I'm thinking about going to manual. Just thought I would open this one up.

[fmartin_gila1]

I run manual steering on mine, have no intention of putting PS on. Running 235R75X15 tires, but I have the lightweight I6 engine.
Fred

[kl1lt]

I got manual in my '72. I can't say that I love it (especially in a 4 wheel drive), but I don't mind it. I would probably never upgrade to power. Almost feels like power on top of the ice. I put a suicide knob on it when I got it, but that seemed to make it harder.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Todoubled_00...

I've got manual in my '68 CS. I have had it for 20 years
It's not bad at all as long as you're moving...
It does make 3 points turn arounds more like 12 points...
And it is lot harder to load the camper on it than it was my '71 CS w/power steering...
Once rolling on the road, I really can't tell the difference between them.
I am going to be changing over to power steering in the near future (the next few weeks). I figured I'd do that while I have the engine out to drill out the broken header bolts.

KaptnKA S

[RTG_RACING]

I thought about swapping from power steering to manual steering. Instead I went to napa and bought a seal kit for my steering box. 38.00 dollars and an hour and a half later it was rebuilt and doesnt leak a drop.

[theogre5150]

I've got manual on mine. Just like kaptn' said, if your moving you can't tell a difference but if your sittin' still you can forget about turning those wheels. I plan on going with power steering on mine. It makes it easier when you gotta turn around.

[FLATBEDFORD]

Manual for me too. I have most of the stuff for power, but I'm in no hurry to change it. As long as its rolling, it steers OK. It keeps me exercised. Power steering is for girly-men. Just kidding. If the truck came with it I wouldn't complain. I make do with what I've got. If I ever take the truck apart, I'll put it back together with power.

[fordman]

i vote for power steering. i drove amanul sterring truck today and my arms must be week because it was a pain to back that thing around in a tight spot we were working in.

[ezernut9mm]

i'm cool with my manual steering. you have to plan your parking lot moves, but i'm cool with that. narrow tires, a tight steering box, and good kingpins help lots too.

[HOWDY69]

Manual is OK. I do like the upgrade to power brakes however.

[Kiamors]

I'm gonna keep the manual steering for a few reasons. 1) because the truck came like that and I have always know it like that for as long as I can remember. (It was my grandpas turck before my dads and mine.) 2) I like bragging about how my truck has armstrong steering. 3) It keeps my mom and my grilfriend from wanting to drive it. 4) I'm broke and lazy so if it doesn't need fixing then its put on hold for a long time.

[ezernut9mm]

I'm gonna keep the manual steering for a few reasons. 1) because the truck came like that and I have always know it like that for as long as I can remember. (It was my grandpas turck before my dads and mine.) 2) I like bragging about how my truck has armstrong steering. 3) It keeps my mom and my grilfriend from wanting to drive it. 4) I'm broke and lazy so if it doesn't need fixing then its put on hold for a long time.

those are good reasons.

[fordman]

armstrong

sometimes it is good for your girl to drive it though.

[1971ford]

my truck is power steering and pb, but i cant say its better or worse because i have never experienced manual steering. stupid question: manual steering is just alot more cranks of the steering wheel, correct?

[FORDification]

Not a lot, but a few more. The difference in ratio gives you more leverage. Since you don't need the additional leverage with PS, the ratio is lower.

From the factory shop manual:

Manual steering ratio: 24:1
Manual steering, wheel turns lock-to-lock: 6

Power steering ratio: 16:1
Power steering, wheel turns lock-to-lock: 4