Thinking About Power Steering Now

[tundra2050]

I originally purchased a 289 kit with pin drive and manual steering. I'm trying to keep it as period correct as possible. However, it seems that power steering is the way to go since I don't plan to track the car. I just want to enjoy an occasional drive to work, around town, or a local car show. Is the PS rack from FFR recommended for pin drive, or does anyone recommend a kit from someplace like Summit, Jegs, NAPA, etc.?

Or is the manual rack really not that big of a problem? Is it really that difficult to muscle a 2200 lb car around a parking lot, gas station, etc.?

While I'm thinking about it, are front and rear sway bars recommended pin drive for just freeway and local driving? I can't imagine doing too much cornering on local freeway exits/streets. I guess I could always add later if needed.

It's too late to change my order as I was told the kit is in the packing phase as I was going to add some additional options. Turns out I can wait anyway.

Thanks!

[Stangrob]

After having recently restored an old Ford with manual steering I definitely wanted power steering for my 289 car. The steering wheel with the roadster is smaller, plus if you went with the wood wheel it’s pretty slick. We’ll also have fairly large front tires so power will help. Yes, I totally agree that it won’t look as original but I’m willing to take that hit.

Regarding sway bars, we spoke about that at the build class. The recommendation was to go without them to start with and add later if needed. The general feeling was that we wouldn’t need them, unless we reduced spring rates.

Rob

[cc2Arider]

The reason most often cited for the Power Steering is to permit a higher caster angle which most Builder's prefer when they've finished with the front-end alignment and start driving the car...

Craig C

[tundra2050]

Thanks for the comments. How difficult would it be to add a power steering rack and pump after the build has been fully completed? I'm sure someone has done that?

[jab351w]

Thanks for the comments. How difficult would it be to add a power steering rack and pump after the build has been fully completed? I'm sure someone has done that?

Been there, done that, not difficult. That said, I'll join the chorus suggesting just doing it now rather than adding it later. The GM type II-style pumps are small and don't look bad, especially with a remote reservoir.

[tundra2050]

Thanks. I'll probably end up going with FFRs power steering rack. I'm sure they can provide the necessary kit for the shortened pin drive setup. Unless anyone else knows of a better deal.

[Stangrob]

Thanks. I'll probably end up going with FFRs power steering rack. I'm sure they can provide the necessary kit for the shortened pin drive setup. Unless anyone else knows of a better deal.

My understanding is that we need to shorten the tie rods to fit with the narrowed front end but use the same rack (manual or PS). With my kit coming later this month I'll be figuring this out shortly :)

Rob

[Jphoenix]

My understanding is that we need to shorten the tie rods to fit with the narrowed front end but use the same rack (manual or PS). With my kit coming later this month I'll be figuring this out shortly :)

Rob

That’s correct, FFR PS rack will work fine with pin drives, shorten the tie-rods as needed.