manual vs power steering ( please help?)

[tjsdelivery]

I'm with 55mike. I like it simple and less maintenance or things to break down, leaks, etc.
Why do you say your box is shot? It may be fine with a rebuild, which would cost you less than $100 (done yourself). Did mine and it is good to go. I considered mine shot.

[Dawgboy]

i think its shot because the play in the wheel is extremely loose. Driving the car is like .......hmmm......like having hold of an old clipper ships wheel during a hurricane. It is a chore just driving straight down the road--have to be careful. It is my first 55, so not sure if it is normal...but, the wheel goes about 4-5 turns to the left or right. Also, I have tried to adjust the box, but it must have already been tried, because it did not improve.

So, This is why I am a bit lost here. I don't have anything to compare to--seeing this is my first tri-5. I want to have the steering tighter and not have to turn the wheel so much. Can I get this with a new or rebuilt manual? or should I add power steering?

thanks for everyone's help.

[tjsdelivery]

You can fix this with a rebuild. Mine was the same way. Now it's tight and no play. Try it. It's a cheap fix.

[Dawgboy]

if i stay with a manual steering box, can I still switch my stock steering wheel to a smaller grant type wheel? Any one have this set up.....and is it ok?

thanks

[airmentbob]

i'm on board with mike. manual all the way. no leaks to prevent.

[mickster02]

I am running a smaller Grant wheel with my standard steering and don't have a problem with it. I was lucky and got most of the slop out of the box by adjusting, but there's still a little left. I'm sure at some point I will rebuild the box because I'm with you, i want to keep it simple without all the extra stuff under the hood. Good Luck!

[wraplock]

anyone got a link to the poor mans power steering? Never mind I found them Thanks!

Don

[USA1]

My 56 hardtop has manual steering with a stock steering wheel with 15x6 rallys with Goodyear Eagle GTs and it is a little tough to manage in a tight spot. When I built my 55 150 with the BBC 4 speed I realized that I was not tough enough to handle this thing one handed. I dont think I am that big of wimp because I think power brake conversions are unnecessary. THe CCP 500 works well with a BBC with 67 Camaro 396 brackets, hoses, & pulleys.

[pistoncan]

This may seem obvious but nobody has mentioned it. Your wandering steering may only be front end alignment and not an issue of your steering box.

[Dawgboy]

Thanks for all the great help/advice!

as far as "the poor mans PS" I know where to purchase it.....but, does anyone know if there is a link of how to install it?

Thanks again