just wanted to know what you think about your cars that have power steering deleted. what front wheels and tires are you running? I just want to get rid of the pump and a/c to clean the engine bay up. thanks,

 

I got rid of my powersteering only for I run a unique setup valve cover wise and have a alternator relocation kit.

Other than that...I would have kept it.

 

When I put a V-8 into my 2.8 1985 firebird I mounted the alt. in the p/s location and got myself a vega style manual p/s steering box (made for 3rd gen f-bodys) from flaming river (summit racing catalog) I was really pleased with it. It was not hard to steer at all and only weighed 12 pounds compared to over 50lbs plus pulley drag for the P/S setup. I had 235/60 R 15 on the front I think. I just went to sears and told them to put on the biggest widest tires that would not rub when turning the wheel. I had 255/70 R-15 on the back (biggest that would fit on the rear) for the raked look and other reasons. It was only hard to steer when at a complete stop. Once you got rolling even a little it was much easier (although still harder than P/S) but not bad at all. Still a whole lot easier than a P/S box with the pump not connected (which I tried at first) Like I said I was pleased and it was not really that hard to steer and I loved the better "feel" and feedback of the road through the wheel. I recommend it. You would have to check if they make one for the 4th gen since its it rack and pinion steering. I think I saw a manual 4th gen style steering in the summit catalog. You may want to check it out. I would definatly recommend a manual box instead of just taking the pump off as the gear ratios are different to make it easier to turn.

 

Oh I did find the part numbers Sum makes the cheapest one Part number SUM-770600 (pinto style) SUM-770601 Mustang II style (either one is 169.95) Well worth the price IMHO. These are universal and may require modifaction I'm not sure of that. You can also buy mounting brackets to help Part number QMX-203107 ($82.69) If you do this and install them let me know how it went. I may one day do this to my 96 camaro if the rack needs replacing or the P/S goes out seeing that this is probally cheaper than buting a rack at a parts store and the engine compartment would be cleaner.

 

thanks for the info, i was hoping I wouldn't have to buy something like that and I could just take the pump off but its never that easy. My pump leaks just enough to get a little sludge on motor and inner fender but not enough to get low on fluid. I'll see how much a new pump costs compared to the gear box, and go from there, I'd love to have the alt down low though it would be so much cleaner looking and I could get nice valve covers and not have to spend forever working on stuff that shouldn't take that long seems like you have to take the alternator off to do anything to these cars.

 

Depends on how hard core you are. And if its a daily driver or not.
I have the alternator low mounted with the stock steering rack and yeah its a bitch to turn, almost impossible if your not moving. Once rolling its much better but you still need some guns to turn it.
Good thing I work on it more than I drive it.

 

yea sounds like me seems like since i started adding power to this thing it just keeps breaking and sitting. I'd like to drive one and see what its like just taking the pump off. Or figure out how to just put the alt in the a/c place and run a belt around it and keep p/s.

 

If you want to see what it is like with out the power steering you could always take of the drive belt and got for a spin around the block. The car wont overheat because the water pump is chain driven, but keep in mind the car will only run till the battery dies. so dont go too far from home.

 

My first car was a 90 geo tracker. It didnt have power steering or brakes. The steering wasnt a problem but the brakes sucked

 

I used to take my power steering belt off all the time.... if you don't have strong arms, it's not gonna work for ya.

 

and take turns from a stop like a trucker..

 

Go neutral and shut the engine down in motion.

 

I have to admit I am getting used to it, maybe cause I know its coming when I go to turn and I am compensating for it by getting set up to make the turn.
Its becoming just another part of the driving eperience for me now like the manual valve body.

 

Noones said anything really good about it yet or if your running very big front tires, I may try to just put the alt in place of a/c and make the belt work around the p/s with an extra pulley or something. anyone else got any pictures of something like this? thanks,

 

My pumps crapped out on me twice and those days I still had to drive before I had the time to put in a new one were horrible. I could get by, but 3 point turns became 8, and if something jumped out in front of me I doubt I'd be able to have much effect.

In fact, I think my steering wheel's a little loose from all the abuse I gave it.


And I have the 17" 275s up front.