Mach 1 Club

Full Version: Major Win Today - Happy Now
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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!!
Great news...I am happy to hear your steering problem is fixed!!

I had a 65 Mustang that had really tight steering but the handling was not all that great. It had the same front lowering springs you have and a nice set of Edelbrock shocks. I ended up swapping out the rear springs with a set of Grab-A-Trak reverse eye lowering leaf springs and WOW!! It was like having a new car. It handled great, corrected the stance and no longer went BANG when I hit a bump in the road. Like you, it actually felt like I bought a new car!

Thanks for sharing the success stories. These will help the rest of us in our efforts to keep on track as well!

Thanks to Don for steering you in the right direction! Applied knowledge is power controlled.

Now - ENJOY!
Thanks Guys.
The Pitman Arm is absolutly shot. I put the splined end in a vice, and put a length of water pipe over the mounting bolt - the amount of free play was impressive.

It has tight spots, which don't allow movement - but once it starts to move, I can rotate the thing around at silly angles.

I'm looking for reasons just to drive it now - it is so much fun.