06-02-2013, 08:46 PM
Ever since I've owned my 73, I haven't been happy with the way it steered.
I've replaced the entire front suspension, upgraded the front sway bar, fitted 610lb 1 1/2" lowered coil springs, new gas shockers.
It still tracked around the road like a lost sheep?
I had the p/steering pump rebuilt, rebuilt the p/s box, replaced the tie rod joints, drag link, re-routed the ps/ lines through the transmission cooler in the radiator. Fitted new tyres, and had a wheel alignment.
Yet, I wasn't happy with it - dreadful amount of play in the steering . It spoilt the pleasure of driving it.
In despiration, after MUCH trouble - I replaced the Pitman Arm [thanks Don] and fitted a new rubber bushe in the Idler Arm.
That was the problem - it actually steers like a new car!!!
I can now really enjoy the crazy power and torque the cleveland has on tap.
It's funny - the Pitman Arm didn't look or feel worn, and I could't feel any play in it when I pushed the wheels from lock to lock. Yet I had several inches of free play in the steering wheel. But, there you go - lesson learned. I've spent most of my auto years in cars with rack and pinion steering - this type of steering is new to me.
The steering is beautiful - people told me that old Mustangs have dreadful p/steering and to just get used to it. There is nothing wrong with the way this thing steers. And with the rear suspesnion lowered and beefed up, it handles like a true sports car.
I'm in love again!!
I've replaced the entire front suspension, upgraded the front sway bar, fitted 610lb 1 1/2" lowered coil springs, new gas shockers.
It still tracked around the road like a lost sheep?
I had the p/steering pump rebuilt, rebuilt the p/s box, replaced the tie rod joints, drag link, re-routed the ps/ lines through the transmission cooler in the radiator. Fitted new tyres, and had a wheel alignment.
Yet, I wasn't happy with it - dreadful amount of play in the steering . It spoilt the pleasure of driving it.
In despiration, after MUCH trouble - I replaced the Pitman Arm [thanks Don] and fitted a new rubber bushe in the Idler Arm.
That was the problem - it actually steers like a new car!!!
I can now really enjoy the crazy power and torque the cleveland has on tap.
It's funny - the Pitman Arm didn't look or feel worn, and I could't feel any play in it when I pushed the wheels from lock to lock. Yet I had several inches of free play in the steering wheel. But, there you go - lesson learned. I've spent most of my auto years in cars with rack and pinion steering - this type of steering is new to me.
The steering is beautiful - people told me that old Mustangs have dreadful p/steering and to just get used to it. There is nothing wrong with the way this thing steers. And with the rear suspesnion lowered and beefed up, it handles like a true sports car.
I'm in love again!!