from power to manual stering conversion

[the horse]

i have removed the power steering pump from my 85 elco and could use some advise, thinking it would drive like manual steering. wrong! is their a manual box that that i could bolt on to replace the power steering box. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Pappy]

The manual steering box and pitman arm from 1982 Thru 1991 S10 will work. I have done this on a 1984 Cutlass, a 1984 El Camino and a 1986 Regal. Should be able to find one at the junkyard.

 

[the horse]

The manual steering box and pitman arm from 1982 Thru 1991 S10 will work. I have done this on a 1984 Cutlass, a 1984 El Camino and a 1986 Regal. Should be able to find one at the junkyard.

thanku pappy for your info i found one on line for 169.00 do u happen to know the length of the steering colum on 85 elco thinking i might replace it with new disconect wheel type colum thanks again

 

[5spdCab]

The manual steering box and pitman arm from 1982 Thru 1991 S10 will work. I have done this on a 1984 Cutlass, a 1984 El Camino and a 1986 Regal. Should be able to find one at the junkyard.

I am glad that I ran across your answer to this guy's question. I have a 78 Caballero and the power steering is way too easy. If I sneeze too hard I am nearly thrown into the next lane. Is there a way to reduce the power steering
effect or would going manual be better?

 

[MrSony]

I am glad that I ran across your answer to this guy's question. I have a 78 Caballero and the power steering is way too easy. If I sneeze too hard I am nearly thrown into the next lane. Is there a way too reduce the power steering
effect or would going manual be better?

have you had your alignment checked? These cars have floaty power steering but it shouldn't shoot you into the next lane as you describe.

 

[5spdCab]

have you had your alignment checked? These cars have floaty power steering but it shouldn't shoot you into the next lane as you describe.

I probably over exaggerated somewhat, but the steering really is too easy, and yes, I have had an alignment immediately following the purchase of 4 brand new tires.

 

[gnvair]

I am glad that I ran across your answer to this guy's question. I have a 78 Caballero and the power steering is way too easy. If I sneeze too hard I am nearly thrown into the next lane. Is there a way too reduce the power steering
effect or would going manual be better?

Try finding a third Gen F body steering box from an Iroc or WS6 Trans Am. The torsion bar assembly inside the steering box is what determines how much power assist a steering box has.

 

[Olgambler84]

The manual steering box and pitman arm from 1982 Thru 1991 S10 will work. I have done this on a 1984 Cutlass, a 1984 El Camino and a 1986 Regal. Should be able to find one at the junkyard.

This one?

 

[pontiacgp]

I probably over exaggerated somewhat, but the steering really is too easy, and yes, I have had an alignment immediately following the purchase of 4 brand new tires.

if you had no issues before the wheel alignment I would go back to where I got the wheel alignment done, It sounds like your car can use more caster. I have never seen anyone complain the stock steering box is too light and quick. I don't think you'll be happy with manual steering if you are using the car on the streets

 

[Bonnewagon]

I once worked on a '78 NOVA that had super fast power steering. Breath on the wheel and the car lurched over. Scary. So they are out there. As for the manual box just about any year Saginaw manual box will bolt up. The rag joint may be different on older models. The Pitman arm is different from power to manual. 800 series Pitman shaft is bigger than the 600 series and manual shaft. Grab a Pitman arm off a 600 series A or G body. It has the snap ring top cover while the 800 has the 4 bolt top cover.