Manual Steering Conversion

[327power]

What do I need to do to convert my truck to manual steering besides get the box? Can I just bolt on the manual box and connect the pitman arm and go? I like Manual steering because it simple and clean.

[VileZambonie]

Yeah but have you ever driven one of these trucks with manual steering? I would advise against this down grade.

[CoggedBelt75]

x2 on that!! When I put the blower on, I also thought I would "clean things up" by going to manual. Went to the salvage yard and found a box, arm, and rag joint and swapped everything out. Big mistake!!! Even tho it did look cleaner, no pump and pulley, no belt, no hoses, but it sure was a royal pain in the butt to drive. Didn't take long to swap back either. I highly advise not to go this route.

[Layne]

when I got my truck all rigged up with a new motor and trans, I was as, or more excited for my new power steering!

[327power]

lol...It's ok. I've had a bunch of manual steering trucks. No problem. I don't mind. I just never converted one, which is why I inquired. Thanks.

[CoggedBelt75]

In that case, if you're pulling a used box, be sure to get the arm and rag joint that is on it. They have an entirely different shaft and spline than the power one. If new, just get the matching ones. Other than that, pretty straight forward swap. Wasn't trying to rain on your parade, just offering up my experience on the matter . But to each his own, that is what keeps everything different. Once you make the swap, come back and give your thoughts on it.

[327power]

Thanks, CoggedBelt75. I know a lot of guys love their power steering. I don't mind it either, but manual steering has been preferred to me for its simplicity. Like I said, I never had any problem with a little more resistance in the steering wheel.
So the box, rag joint and pitman arm and I'm ready to go? Thanks!

[CoggedBelt75]

Yeah, other than a good pair of arms ,that's all you will need. I had plenty to choose from since there are plenty of old farm trucks in our area yards. If going used, look for one that is nice and tight and doesn't have any binding or sloppiness when rotating the pitman arm. Maybe the only other thing you will need is the rubber on the rag joint, which I did replace, since most are weather rotted pretty bad. But O'reilly auto parts carrys that item in their help section.

[Captkaos]

May want to hold on to your Power stuff also.  If you haven't driven one of these 73-87's with manual in a while, you will be changing it back.  On top of the fact that the power steering box has a faster ratio.