Manual steering to power steering conversion

[cudaed_1917]

I have a 71 'Cuda with manual steering that I want to convert to power steering. Besides the gearbox and adding a pump What other changes need to be made?  And can any other body type gearbox work? Also converting from manual drum brakes to power disc. I have the spindles rotors power brake booster master cylinder and the portioning valve. Is there anything I missed.

Thanks for your help

[crocha617]

Steering - I think your column might be too long??? Never done the conversion but I know the manual steering box is much smaller the the power steering box. Maybe it will collapse enough - Not sure.....

Brakes - Do you have the calipers, backing plates, pads....?

[brads70]

Also be aware there are 2 sizes of sector shafts with Mopar steering boxes. ...therefore 2 different pitman arms as well.
Do you have the caliper to spindle brakets? If not go for the big rotor conversion. Read up on it here.
http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive/disc-main.html

[dodj]

Steering - I think your column might be too long???

You need a shorter one for power steering.

[ShelbyDogg]

I 've converted my manual steering cars and friends cars to power steering by using the same column and just tapping the end on the shaft up to shorten it. The shaft collapses to the right length.  You have to change the coupler to the more common power steering one, so get that too when you get your Power steering gear. You just need the empty coupler housing and can use your coupler joint guts.

[dodj]

I 've converted my manual steering cars and friends cars to power steering by using the same column and just tapping the end on the shaft up to shorten it. The shaft collapses to the right length.

I've always wondered if you could do that. Knew they were collapsible, but thought it was a one time thing. Thanks for posting that.

[Chryco Psycho]

they are collapsable but this is not the correct way to do it . The column is designed to collapse in an accident but it has nylon shear pins to keep the column length , once you break the shear pins the column can continue to shorten & could disconnect from the steering coupler , slim chance I am sure but still !!

[ShelbyDogg]

I've always wondered if you could do that. Knew they were collapsible, but thought it was a one time thing. Thanks for posting that.

   As long as the coupler has the lock pin installed  and the coupler joint is centered in it's housing, it will not come apart. I did my 1st challenger over 30 years ago and drive it thousands of miles every year. Maybe the factory just had a hole for the shear pin in a different, shorter location and used the same shafts.