Posts: 831
Threads: 49
Joined: Sep 2014
Just a constructive pointer for mounting a steering box when new holes are drilled.
PLEASE insert a tube for the bolt to mount through. The tube needs to be welded into place, preferably at both ends. Also on the non box side use some method of spreading the load over a substantial area of the chassis rail.
I have seen (after I drove it) a Mustang where the chassis rail deformed and then straightened as the steering wheel was turned.
Not a good look or feel.
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
I think you are referring to the hydraulic cylinder that attaches to the steering center link and to the frame. I have seen the extended frame mounts (Drop Bracket) for the hydraulic cylinder, that is needed to provide clearance for headers, tear the nut inserts from the frame like you are describing. If you're in a situation to need one of those Drop Brackets, West Coast Classic Cougar has the best designed piece I've seen.
http://www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/e5h21.html
I am eliminating all the original power steering components and installing a power steering box and pump from Borgeson. Classic Performance Products also offers a similar setup. This eliminates the original control valve and hydraulic cylinder attached to the steering linkage. I already have a steering center link, idler arm, and steering arm for factory manual steering to replace the components for the original power steering. The new holes I drilled were in a thick mounting plate for that comes with the new power steering pump. I only did this to move the pump closer to the engine and still use the original length belt.
Here is a link below to a complete kit. Summit Racing sells them at a lower cost. I bought the power steering box, the power steering pump, and not a complete kit. The thought was I will likely need to have hoses made and Borgeson told me the original steering coupler fits their steering box. The steering box in the picture is their first style, a modified Toyota box. They now sell a compete new steering box including the housing.
http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.ph...104&page=1
You'll notice the kit mentions will not fit the factory clutch linkage Z-bar. Borgeson informed me how to modify the Z-bar. Sounded simple. We'll see.
Regards,
Mike
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
Update, I sorted out mounting the power steering pump. The bracket in the kit is nice but hangs the pump out in left field so far it hit my MSD ignition box on the left inner fender panel. I had to drill new mounting holes in it, countersink one for a 3/8" flat head bolt, and trim off some excess material. It now is mounted so as to reuse the original belt. Painted the OEM grey/blue color, the Saginaw power steering pump look like it belongs there.
I got sidetracked with the radiator fan (other thread). Next is the power steering box. Hopefully this weekend it will go in without issues.
Mike
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
Update and FYI for anybody considering a Borgeson power steering box.
If your Mustang has this shock tower reinforcement kit installed.
http://opentrackerracing.com/product/sho...1967-1970/
Which consists of 7 plates of various shapes welded to the lower portion of each shock tower. One of the 90 deg angle plates interferes with the Borgeson steering box. Two of the three bolt mounting holes are off by the thickness of the plate, about 3/16" of an inch. Might try to trim the plate in the interference area, not sure yet.
Mike
Posts: 2,305
Threads: 44
Joined: May 2012
Thanks for the FYI...is it fair to say your car has the shock tower reinforcement plates?
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
Yes, my car needed shock towers. During body and paint, I had the shock towers replaced and also had the welder install a shock tower reinforcement kit. One of the small 90 degree angle braces (not shown in that link in my previous post) interfered with the power steering box by the thickness of the material, about 3/16". After many hours with a Dremel and cut off wheels I managed to cut through the welds and remove that brace. Then I dressed it up with sanding disks and scotchbrite disks on a die grinder. The steering box now fits perfectly. I need to prime and paint a small area where that brace was.
I didn't want to use a cutoff wheel on a die grinder for fear I would accidentally cut too far when going through a weld. Also, the larger diameter cutoff disks for die grinders don't fit in that area as easily.
Mike
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
Steering box is in, linkage is connected to the new steering box, power steering lines are sorted out. Needed to have the pressure line made at a local store to get a length I was happy with. Trimmed the steering column 1" and collapsed the shaft 3.5" so it now connects to the new Borgeson power steering box.
Basically, I have sorted through everything but the Z-bar modification for the clutch linkage. Borgeson told me what has to be done but had no detailed dimensions etc. for 1967 thru 1970 Mustangs. So far it makes for a nice clean install compared to the original power steering setup with the ram, control valve, and all the hoses attached to the steering linkage.
Mike
Posts: 1,330
Threads: 34
Joined: Feb 2015
I updated this progress in my thread for the fan clutch.
Regards,
Mike