My 1970 XR-7 351-4V convertible with power steering, FMX, Competition Suspension just got out of its four year stay in the shop. The following items were done:
Front Brake Rotors
Front Brake Pads
Rebuilt Front Brake Calipers
Front Wheel Bearings Inner & Outer (4)
Upper Control Arms
Lower Control Arms
Sway Bar Links and Bushings
Power Steering Hoses (5)
Steering Control Valve
Steering Ram
Power Steering Pump
Inner Tie Rod Ends (2)
Outer Tie Rod Ends (2)
Idler Arm
The steering is improved from terrible, but it still seems vague to me. The steering box had been sent out. I thought it had been rebuilt, but it turns out it was merely resealed.
As a first order of business, should I order a rebuilt SMB-K Steering Gear Box from WCCC, have it installed (and send back the core)?
If I’m getting a replacement steering box, and I’m open to restomod improvements, should I stick with the stock rebuild, or consider a quicker ratio, aftermarket types, etc?
I’d get someone to help you out inspecting the steering/suspension. The car needs to be up off the ground so that someone can examine what is sloppy or loose when another person moves the steering wheel. The power steering is harder to examine, so you may have to have the engine running for that. There’s a good video on the WCCC website that examines your situation.
I don’t use WCCC although they may be fine, I have used Chockostang to rebuild steering boxes and he has always done a wonderful job. I think he only uses the case and the worm / sector, all the bearings and the balls are new.
These Borgeson’s look nice, but I’ve viewed installation videos for the Borgeson, and it’s more involved than this shop I’m using can handle. I’ve got to keep this as simple as possible until I’m clear of this shop, who’s still on the hook for my steering and suspension.
I guess for now I should get a rebuilt SMB-K Steering gear box and consider the Borgeson down the road when I’m considering other resto-mod type improvements.
I guess the question is, can I and should I get a quicker ratio than 16:1?
Sounds like you should be looking for a different shop. If it took four years for them to do your initial list that’s about 3 1/2 years too long. Not sure what you mean by steering being “ vague” but I’d have current components checked before just tossing another steering box on it. Should check front end alignment and how old tires are and if they are balanced. A 70 Cougar should go down the road just fine if setup and aligned properly. A 2nd opinion is worth considering.
I tend to agree, hoping that shop had lots of other issues to do. You dont mention where you are. A different inspection as mentioned is absolutely needed.
I’m definitely going to find a different shop, but this steering is still an item on the work I just had done, so I’m looking to get this shop behind me with at least a car brought back to spec.
I’m sure it could use an inspection, but I’m limited to what this shop is capable of. Most everything else in the steering is replaced or rebuilt, so I doubt the other stuff is the problem.
By vague steering I mean it’s got a lot of play, and no road feel. I can turn the wheel a 1/4 turn with my finger, and nothing much happens.
I was puzzled by this until I learned that the steering box hadn’t been rebuilt. Now it seems to be exactly what’s expected with a 55 year old steering box.
It’s not that expensive to get a rebuilt steering box, and the shop might do the work as a warranty, so it seems to me a no brainer to order a rebuilt steering box, such as at WCCC.
The question is, is there another straight replacement steering box that I can get that might be better than stock, e.g. with a quicker ratio?
The SMB-K box has the same ratio ad the factory quick ratio manual box. I know you can buy a new box, its not a rebuilt. I know several people who swear by them after several failed rebuilt boxes.
I’ve talked to Dan at Chockostang, he can re-build a SMB-K today and send it to me tomorrow. I think for around $270, which is more than WCCC. Also, the core charge is dependent on my boxes unknown condition.
Dan says there’s no quicker ratio version of the 16:1 SMB-K, and it should be adequate.
I didn’t see any mention of the strut rod bushings in the list. That could be a contributing factor to the squirrely feel. Worth checking or asking after with the shop.
I would also support rebuilding by chockstang rather then other “new” options.
I rebuilt my oem box and do not regret it. I actually still use it with my epas system. Only other option I would suggest is a borgenson but its more involved then just rebuilding what you have.
The steering system is not all that bad when in good condition but it only takes one worn out component to make it feel sloppy. Add in more worn components and the issue keeps compounding on itself.
I just put in the order to Chockostang. Dan’s going to send it with a Pitman arm, charging $125 for the core, so that my shop won’t have to remove it, and mess that up.
It’ll be interesting to see what difference a rebuilt steering box makes, with an otherwise rebuilt suspension.
Don’t overlook the steering coupler (AKA rag joint) that connects the column to the steering box. A worn coupler can create a lot of slop in the steering.
If your car has a tilt column, there is a nylon bushing sandwiched between the telescoping halves of the steering column shafts. A broken or missing bushing there can also cause a lot of steering free play. I know those bushings are installed on the 71+ columns, not sure if they are used on the 70 and earlier units…
