1956 ford Power Steering

[JimT]

I know I have read how to put a rack & pinion steering on a 56 ford. Where can I buy a kit to complete this project?

[Merc Cruzer]

If it is the original power steering, it used a ram. If so, check out his prior post.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...RhwPUGJ1GqEwv0

[paul2748]

In some of the articles I have read about installing a R & P, the owners have complained about an increased turning radius. Besure to check this out.

[craig]

I did a R & P setup about 20 years ago, worked ok, but as mentioned the turning radius was terrible, took a football field to turn a circle

[miker98038]

I did that rack conversion on my 55 bird many years ago. It offered little if any improvement over the stock power steering with a properly rebuilt 3 sector ford box. There was no kit in those days. I’ve still got it, works just fine, was not worth the time or money. I wouldn’t do it again

There’s suddenly a bunch of steering discussions going on here at at yblocksforever. Wonder why? What are you trying to accomplish? Repair, replace, power conversion. Just curious.

[JimT]

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I don't have power now but would like to install power steering in my 56 Fairlane

[craig]

Take a look at Borgeson Universal Company. p/n 800115. This is a full power box, not a R & P system and no draglink assist. It's designed to fit a '52-'64 full siize Ford. It's going to take some fabrication with the steering column. I have one, different p/n, on a '65 Mustang, works great

[miker98038]

I get it, at 73 with the usual aches and pains, I’ve got to have power to enjoy the car. I’m glad to here Craig’s comments, they fit with what I’ve heard from others about the Borgeson products.

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by craig

Take a look at Borgeson Universal Company. p/n 800115. This is a full power box, not a R & P system and no draglink assist. It's designed to fit a '52-'64 full siize Ford. It's going to take some fabrication with the steering column. I have one, different p/n, on a '65 Mustang, works great

The Borgeson conversion looks like the best overall value. That slave thing that Ford used up through first series Mustangs was prone to leak. I think my Mustang leaked the whole time I had it.

[evintho]

For any steering discussion, I have to bring this up. I keep posting about this cuz it's awesome, cheap and works really well! EPS!
https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/e...4-ford.526435/

[craig]

I think EPS is great and a good project that can be done fairly cheap. My only concern is when you get done you'll probably still have a sloppy/worn out steering gear box

[Abe Lugo]

Hi, anyone have PS hoses part number converted to modern jobbers? the small ones and the main pump ones, will share if I find some, otherwise its to the 30.00 each hoses.

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by craig

I did a R & P setup about 20 years ago, worked ok, but as mentioned the turning radius was terrible, took a football field to turn a circle

The company that made kits is no longer in business it shut down about 15 years ago when the owner passed away, those kits were based on using the Chevy Cavalier rack and pinion which caused the increased turning radius, a better upgrade is to do this: https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/e...4-ford.526435/

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by craig

I think EPS is great and a good project that can be done fairly cheap. My only concern is when you get done you'll probably still have a sloppy/worn out steering gear box

Two useful links: https://leepowersteering.com/product...ebuild-service And https://www.hemmings.com/stories/how...ering-gearbox/ You will also need this. https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/car...ox-rebuild-kit

[craig]

Actually the kit I used came from Fatman Fabrications, they are still in business. However, they did discontinue the kits sometime ago. As mentioned I think the EPS idea is great.

[Abe Lugo]

The kit Jeff is talking about is the is the Wurthit R&P kit.

EVery one seems to be doing the borgeson box
But that requires cutting the column adding a hearing and shortening, then using a U-joint.
Also you lose your column shift. But some people get crafty.

BTW I found most of the parts I needed for my 57 power ram rebuild.
About 40.00 them there is the hoses. About 50 on the smaller one and another 50 on the ones to the pump.
I did go to a place called Master Steering and was quoted 225-250 for the control valve rebuild and 175 for the Ram rebuild.
And they jumbled about having the hose or making custom hoses.

I told them I would come back. Whatever. I did my own read each and found them all

Found all hoses online. Will report back if people want the part numbers.
Also found the control cable seal kit and the Ram seal kit. Will also report back.

[Indomwe]

I am trying to install a borgeson box on my 1961 fairlane and want to keep the original column and column shifter. I know there is a modification needed to get the rag joint to fit. Does anyone know the details of this modification ?

I really need some help here. I am stumped

[Abe Lugo]

For the column shortening it involves a cutting and shaping the bottom of the main shaft to accept the rag joint or u joint connector. Once that is done you will see how much room is left for the column shift arm. I believe it leaves it so short that it would end up inside the interior side of the firewall.
I would say at that point your only chance might be a cable operated shifter. Or maybe measure a later 62-64 Fairlane column. Maybe. But note you would also have to shorten the sleeve or shaft that holds the column shift arm also.