Often the result of any classic car build is reflected not in the components selected, but rather in the quality of the products used to connect them. The greatest battery in the world is no better than the cables that deliver the power. Similarly, when it comes to steering components, a trick steering column and brand new rack and pinion are no better than the components that connect them.
Cutting corners on components for your car’s steering, brakes, or other safety items is foolish. The consequences could be serious and too often the lesson is learned the hard way.
Years ago, after purchasing an early ’50s Ford F100 pickup that had more than it’s share of poor build decisions, I was amazed when I opened the hood and examined how the steering was connected. An unsightly mass of poorly welded sockets, and 3/8-inch drive universal joints left me wondering how the previous owner had avoided disaster for so long.
Engineering a high quality steering system is not difficult, and using quality will ensure your safety.
Here are some important precautions you should consider when designing your system:
SHAFT SIZE: Never use steering shaft sizes less than 3/4-inch. Even a 5/8-inch shaft is 42-percent weaker than a 3/4-inch shaft diameter.
NO FLEX CABLE: Ford used a flex cable on the Pinto in the ’70s even though it proved unreliable, a problem compounded in a front-heavy hot rod.
NO WELDING: While common for racing enthusiasts, many states have laws against welding on steering components. Heat transmitted to the universal joints can cause them to fail prematurely; additionally, hairline cracks in a weld can go unseen and fail under stress.
COLLAPSIBILITY: Design your system with some means of directing the energy away from the driver in the event of a collision. This can be done by either incorporating some angles in the system to deflect the column away from the driver or by using a telescopic steering shaft or collapsible column.
I am using an OEM slip joint and rag joint from a Ford and these joints are not in phase by any means. When I connected a Double d shaft to an after market double D u joint to a spline end to fit my t bird rack.
The factory to the after market u joint doesn’t line up to have proper phasing either.
The steering turns free with no binding so I am guessing that the oem manufacturer doesn’t seem to bother with phasing.
Hello Rick,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your car, please?
Thanks!
What’s the best steering rack pinionfor a 1956 ford f 100
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Kindly ID what I need to changeover steering components for a 63 Avanti . TX!
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Have a 66 El Camino with a 454 shoehorned in with headers. What length steering column would you recommend?
Hello Tony,
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I have a ’68 F100 with the 240 and automatic transmission. Is there a complete kit out there to convert to power steering? I checked the CPP website you reference but don’t see one available.
Dear William,
Thank you for being patient while I asked the expert, here is his reply:
Fatman Fabrication offers a complete kit to make the conversions for about $600.
( http://www.fatmanfab.com/ )
Wrench Safe
Jason
Classic Car Restoration Club
I have a 66 Ford F100 with manual steering 352 engine I would like to convert to power steering .Is there a kit available complet 2 grove crank pully,pump + bracket to fit 352 and steering box+ hoses?
Hi Karl,
Thank for your patience, here is the experts response:
We are not aware of a full kit replacement for your truck, but here is a link to a site that may have the answers you’re looking for:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm
also Mac’s and Speedway Motors offer a Electric conversion, although it’s not cheap either at $1,350.
Wrench SaFe
Mark
Need best replacement steering for a 1989 gmc sierra with a rag joint. Cannot find it separately at auto parts stores.
picked a work in progress. A 1947 Chevy Fleetline with a 402BBChevy I removed the Chevy van column the past owner installed and replacing it with a 36in Summit street rod column. I intend to cu down the column to 23in and use 3/4DD universals to the now rack and pinion steering unit. this allows the actual steering shaft to clear the header and the 34in DD universal clears the header past to the connection to the steering rack 3/4inDD universal.
I want to upgrade manual steering to a rack and pinion system. What gear ratios can I consider. I have a 1970 Ford f100
Hello,
Rack-n-pinion systems are often spec’d by rack length and turns lock to lock.
I prefer a rack to be in the 4-turn lock to lock range similar to most aftermarket Mustang II racks.
I hope this helps,
Mark
Classic Car Restoration Club Video Membership
I am restoring a 1945 GMC pickup. I got an S-10 chassis under it. Using a 350 engine to power it. Bought the S-10 conversion kit complete with proper shorty headers. My problem is where the steering shaft runs through the headers to the firewall. There is about a 5” offset between steering column shaft and the shaft through the headers along with only 4” depth between firewall and shaft from steering column. Is there a design possible for this application?
Thanks
Andre
Hello Andre,
When building street rods and customs, there are more often those “Head Scratching” moments.
Let’s face it you’re re-engineering a complete car.
Situations like yours can be overcome with additional steering joints, intermediate shafts, hanger bearings, etc… and don’t assume you won’t have to modify your headers as well.
Try to keep your steering as “Simple as Possible” to avoid binding issues, and be creative… I have seen many solve the same type of issue as you have, and there is no ONE WAY to get the job done.
Rather than cut up a bunch of Double D rod while planning out your steering system, I like to use wooden dowel as it is inexpensive, it can be easily be cut and fitted to you U-joints. Once you’e happy with the layout the wooden dowels can serve as a template to cut the steel rod.
Wrench Safe,
Mark
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I would like to know what type of power steering would work on a 1962 chevy impala 4 door with a v8 350 installed
I would like to know what type of power steering I should use in a 1962 chevy belair 4dr with a v8 350 installed. Presently 6cylinder with manual steering
Hello Allan,
Borgeson makes a great kit to make this conversion, and includes all of the brackets, hoses, steering gear, pump and more.
Here is one source that could supply this kit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-999014/overview/year/1962/make/chevrolet/model/impala
Wrench Safe,
Mark Classic Club Restoration Club Video Membership
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How do I know how long steering column should be how do you measure it thanks. I have a 39 Chevy sedan stock firewall 350 motor and 700 r 4 on 75 carmaro z-28 sub frame Greg
Hello Gregory,
For most late 30s street rods, I look for a steering column between 32″ and 34″ length.
In my ’35 Chevrolet Master, (which is very close to your ’39 in dimensions), I used a 34″ column, and have been pleased with the fit.
Wrench Safe,
Mark Classic Car Restoration Club Video Membership
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how do I put power or assisted steering on my 30 Ford Model A pickup
Hello David,
I am not aware of a power assist unit that will bolt up to a ford 4-cylinder and the stock steering box location.
Wrench Safe,
Mark CCRC Video Membership
ELECTRIC STEERING FROM FLAMING RIVER
i am putting a 454 chevy i am trying to put a 454 chevy in a 1948 ford pu fi the problem is the sterring box it hits the exhaust any ideas thanks gary
Hello Gary,
One of the biggest problems for many when stuffing a Big Block engine into an older engine compartment is dealing with the steering. Generally the complaint I hear is the exhaust is in the way to prevent a direct connection from the column to the gearbox which is often best resolved with a series of steering joints, shafts, and support bearings. If the gearbox itself is in the way, you may need to relocate the engine either higher/lower or further forward/back until it clears.
If all else fails you could look into a more compact steering gear like “Rack and Pinion” or even replacing the front suspension with a compact but efficient Mustang II based system.
Wrench Safe,
Mark CCRC Video Membership
I have a 1950 Cadillac 62 Series. I want power steering. What do I need?
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Thanks!
What parts do I need to convert from manual to power steering in a 1957 Chevy pickup 1/2 ton model 3100
Hello Eddie,
You’ll need a power steering gear box, a pump, pump brackets for your motor, hoses, pitman arm, etc… it is easier to use an assembled kit with all of the components you’ll need.
Check out the offerings from cpp (www.classicperform.com)
They offer basic to deluxe conversion kits starting at just over $100.
Wrench Safe,
Mark
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I have 1937 Buick 40 special and I am trying figure what rack and pinion is I stalled …..how can I tell
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Thanks!