Eh guys, I'm just about to get my Starliner on the road. We got it lowered and the damn idler arm is just about in the dirt. Its power assist steering and the idler hangs too low to drive it safely. Does anyone know of an update or interchange that will get one thats not as low? Like a more modern box and pump? TIA! -Shiny
Yeah, that power steering control valve can be a pain on really low full size Fords of those years... There is a rack and pinion conversion out there for your car. http://www.wurthitdesigns.com/60-64FordRack.htm Also, a couple friends just put a Jeep Cherokee (I think) power steering gear into a '57 Ranchero. I guess it was a fairly easy swap. The front suspension on the Ranchero is nearly the same as your car. Might be worth looking into. They bought a rebuilt gearbox from a chain auto parts store. Malcolm
Thanks man! So its a Cherokee steering box swap then? I just so happen to have a Cherokee getting stripped on my property right now! -Shiny
Well, perfect then! Keep the steering gear out of it and compare it to your Ford. It's worth a shot at least...
If that doesn't work someone locally is swapping in a 77-79 ford f150 2 wheel drive steering box. i havn't seen it yet
29EHV8, torchman, Please post pics and notes of mods and/or difficulties w either of these swaps please. I'll be doin Granada spindles this winter on dad's '60 and any tips will help plan this for a quicker re-do. Also, while the Starliner topic is current, have you guys converted to PDB? What MC and booster are you using if so?
I am using a SSBC booster and master made originally for a 56 ford; 8 inch around, single diaphragm; 4 bolt. I am using this booster to clear a 429 with AC coming into the firewall on that side of the motor. There are some other ones out there; and, on my previous galaxie; I found that a 1966 Fairlane or Galaxie booster, a little larger in diameter, was a bolt in to stock PDB cars and got rid of the unsightly vacuum canister on the fender stock for a 1960. The 1966 fairlane booster I chose as it was avialable at any parts store, no core required; and reasonably priced. Side note; it also clears an FE or Y block. Use the master cylinder of of the Granada, and proportioning valve; also readily available at a parts store.
My son & I installed 2.5 droped spindles in his 59 T-bird. With the FE and Power steering the PS cylinder hits the oil pan. If you have installed the steering setup & have an FE also look for problems there. I built a dropped Idler arm bracket but that dropped the cross shafts in the "dirt" as well. With a 58-60 T-bird & a C-6 there is no room to raise the engine. Maybe in your '60 Fullsize you could raise the engine 1" and adjust mounts accordingly. Just a thought & precaution. Movin/on
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