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By 54mainlinetim - 13 Years Ago
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Thanks to jeffb2 for finding out Borgeson's has came out with some new products, the 2nd and 3rd items down on this link
show a new power steering pump and bracket for y-blocks and also a bolt on power steering box for 52-64 fords..
http://webrodder.com/index.php?page=listProducts&CID=18&pageNum=0
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By miker - 13 Years Ago
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FWIW, I've had a Saginaw pump running a cavalier rack on the car for several years, and the steering's been very light. I just put a Height's valve in, and while I haven't driven the car on the road, it cut the boost back a lot just moving it around (the exhaust is off it). I was told that the rack's used a lower pressure pump, but have no way of verifying that.
From Speedway http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Adjustable-Power-Steering-Valve,14895.html
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By Rono - 13 Years Ago
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Hi Mike, how are you? I am also using a Cavalier power rack on my '56 with a stock Eaton PS pump and the steering was also very light. If I had it to do again though, I would go with this new Borgeson PS pump because I had to shim the rack downward and the motor upward (1/4" aluminum plates on the motor mounts) so that the oil pump wouldn't rest on the dust boot of the power rack. Did you have to make any mods like that? To compound my problem, I'm using 2&1/2" dropped Granada spindles so now I have only about 4" of clearance from the ground to the bolts on the tie rod center bracket. I've got to be really careful of big bumps and deep holes and there are lots of them up here in Maine. Rono.
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By PWH42 - 13 Years Ago
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According to Borgeson's ad,their setup won't work on a standard transmission car.Has anyone found a way around this?
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By miker - 13 Years Ago
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Hello, Ron, I'm alive and well, and retired now. My daughter-in-law is from Maine, so I heard all the stories. Her Dad was the local Chief of Police. Hope you brought the snow blower from Idaho.
On the 'bird, fitting the rack didn't present any problems with the frame or motor, but we welded an old manual steering center (drag link) to a piece of steel, and bolted above to the rack. You've got to trust your welder. That let me keep the rack up and maintain the original geometry on the tie rods. I am just installing a set of FPA headers, and that required bending the lines on the rack, and shifting the motor over 1/8 inch to clear the steering shaft. If I was starting from scratch, a little more column would have solve this, but the Red's headers were on when I did that, and it looked good at the time.
I've got a post above on the Aerostar springs, and how they came out on the 'bird. I don't know how much they lower a full size car, if any, but if you shimmed them up a bit for static ground clearance, the variable rate makes them stiffer real quick over the bumps, and that might help with the frost heaves. For 90 bucks from NAPA, nothing much is cheaper. Don't have any ideas about the potholes. Maybe a sack of cement in the trunk, and a jug of water, and go back and fill them up? That's about where we are in WA for road work.
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By oldcarmark - 13 Years Ago
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It also says column shift cars(which I assume includes automatics) will require extensive work to use the existing column.So what exactly does this setup work with?Sounds like a great idea but????
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By Rono - 13 Years Ago
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Oldcarmark; For my next build, chances are I'll go with a custom steering column and another T-5 conversion and floor shifter. I am wondering though, since we use an upgraded release fork, if anyone has tried using a hydraulic clutch set-up which would remove the bracket and linkage from the equation? Can it be done with the Y bellhousing?? Rono.
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By MarkMontereyBay - 13 Years Ago
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I have been wondering about the hydraulic clutch system for a T-5 conversion. Here is an informative article about doing this change on a 65-66 Mustang.
http://www.midnightdsigns.com/Mustang/HYD%20Clutch.htm
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By LordMrFord - 13 Years Ago
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I was already getting my Visa out the wallet, but then I saw the price.
$609 + $344
I got to get quickier steering and gypsies stole my Thunderbird front axle from frontyard of our hall.
Thinked it was metal junk.
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By Tom Compton - 13 Years Ago
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Helped a buddy some with his cavalier rack on 54 wagon and SBF/AOD. He wanted to stay with his column shift auto. I have T5 in the 56 and was concerned with Borgeson comment that the power box may not work with original clutch so emailed them. Quick response was that if clutch linkage was between the power box and the inner fender it would work other wise neeed cable or hydraulic. Still have to shorten the steering shaft 3". Wo0n't work with column shift linkage. Grady, he of the above 54 wagon, was at Good Guys this WE and saw several with the Borgeson unit. Available at Summit for less than $580 IIRC. Search 800115. Good luck.
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By henryperez123 - 13 Years Ago
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Hi tom, wanted to ask can a normal wheel drive be converted into power wheel drive by proper modifications, can you suggest the modifications needed if it is possible.
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By Grizzly - 12 Years Ago
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To add to this topic. I like the look of the borgeson set up as it is recirculating ball not rack and pinion. Yes rack and pinion is great but most have variable ratio which I hate. Minimal changes under the KISS system is intelligent. Borgeson use a Aisin power steering box borrowed from a range of Isuzu and other japanese SUV's. I found this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/150827114092?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 on ebay item 150827114092 which is a adaptor plate which would be a lot cheaper and also avoid the welding of cast iron. There is a far bit of positive feed back from mustang forums on the borgeson unit. For Me I need RHD so the information and plate will serve as a template and hopefully I can find the same steering box mirror imaged for Australian use. I've ordered the plate and it will take me a good while to get on with the conversion. Cheers Warren
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By LordMrFord - 12 Years Ago
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That is good to know. Here is plenty of those old Isuzu's in junkyards, so I must start calling my friends if they can locate one good donor.
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By LordMrFord - 12 Years Ago
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BTW. Can you use Ford Pitman arm with Isuzu?
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By Grizzly - 12 Years Ago
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Lordmrford, This is a problem that I have yet to completely sort. I'm in no way associated with the sale on ebay I did however contact the seller and ask the same question about getting a pitman arm. He suggested heating and bending the isuzu arms, removing the spline and installing it into the Ford one. Cutting the head off one arm and welding it to the other. Internet research suggests that the ford one can be heated and stretched onto a spare shaft. This suggests that the ford spline is smaller than the isuzu one so it might be possible to cut the isuzu spline into the ford arm. There is also custom pitman arms available through hot rod or 4WD sources. Australia has restrictive athorities so changing things like pitman arms is difficult. I'll try to attach the sellers email on another posting. Cheers Warren
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By Grizzly - 12 Years Ago
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Quote,Hi,Here are pics of several different pitman arm mods to connect the Ford arm to the Isuzugear. 1, 2, 3: Grind down or drill out stock splines, turn down Isuzu splines, clock, insert andweld on top and bottom. 4: Modified Isuzu short arm. Cut off top piece. Put in a press, heat and bend 5: Modified Isuzu long arm. Cut off top piece. Put in a press, heat and bend 6, 7, 8: Cut Isuzu am. Cut Ford arm. Weld together |
 
 
 
 
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By LordMrFord - 12 Years Ago
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Grizzly (7/20/2012)
Lordmrford,
Australia has restrictive athorities so changing things like pitman arms is difficult. I'll try to attach the sellers email on another posting.
I think you can get in jail in Finland, if DIY Pitman arm breaks in action. Everything is illegal in nowdays...
Interesting stuff you got.
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By Grizzly - 12 Years Ago
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lordmrford, there will be a way to sort out the pitman arm issue but it will be the right way, the safe way and the leagle way. the swap makes a lot of sense as the right hand worm gears are scarce and a weak point to start with. cheers Warren
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By 5d6fairlane - 12 Years Ago
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I just ordered the gear box so I can get it mounted before motor goes in.
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By Rono - 12 Years Ago
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What about a Unisteer unit? Anyone tried one? They advertise that they are made specific for Y-Blocks and will work, (I Think) with a standard transmission. You do have ti cut down your stock steering column, but you can use a custom column if you tell them in advance, before ordering the kit. CHeck out their site; http://www.unisteer.com/?gclid=CJKZuuvisLICFQcTNAodpn0AXw Rono
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By Grizzly - 12 Years Ago
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Guy's, This project is far from being on my front burner but I have this additional information. For those who have a rack fitted which is too light I am aware of these two solutions http://www.heidts.com/_uploaded_files/in-064.pdf which has already been mentioned and http://borgeson.com/instructions/899001. I have bought in the adaptor plate which I mentioned earlier. The right hand drive aisin power steering box which is the mirror image of the one used the the borgeson kit was available in Australia in a Holden Jackaroo (1999) attached are photo's of the box with the adaptor plate attached. 
cheers Warren
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By grandpas4dr56 - 12 Years Ago
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I am using a rack and pinion out of an early model grand am and made my own brackets. I cut the column just below the shifter bracket on the 56 big car. As for the shifter i am using a cable shifter from b and m on the aod. For the power steering pump i am going to go with an electric pump and mount it under the car so it cannot be seen. Thats if i cannot find a manual steering rack and pinion. The car around the neighborhood without the ps pump steers greateven around the driveway it steers with one finger. I would imagine if i can find a manual rack just like the ps one it would be great. Just my experience.
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By tarheel - 11 Years Ago
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I have a question I'd like to ask - I'm thinking about using the Borgeson box in my '56 but one thing has me stumped. I'd really like to use the original column ( I know it will have to be shortened) and the original steering wheel, but the horn wire running through the steering mast and the steering box is a problem. Has anyone converted a 50s Ford steering wheel to the scrub type of connection where the wire runs outside the steering mast and uses a sliding connection to a conductive plate on the steering wheel? I don't like the idea of having a horn button on the column or the dash.
Larry
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By oldcarmark - 11 Years Ago
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Hello Larry! You might want to look at the "Unisteer" rack and pinion kit fror 55-56 Ford Cars.They have a horn wire connection that uses the original top half of the steering column.Might give you an idea how to use the original horn wire.Unisteer has a website.
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By lyonroad - 11 Years Ago
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Larry, I have. In my '56 Merc M100 with the Toyota steering box. I made two copper plates attached to 1/16" (or 1/8" I can't remember) ABS plastic. They sit above the signal switch. One plate is connected to the horn lead that enters the steering column along with the signal light wires. The upper plate is wired to the steering wheel adapter where the horn button contacts it. I have an after market steering wheel and I had to remove a bit of material on the underside of the adapter to make room. I also had to attach some tabs to the bell on the steering column and some notches in the lower abs plate to keep it from turning. I am installing the Borgeson power box on my '55 Fairlane and I will do the same thing. I plan to use the stock steering wheel and may have to remove some material on the under side of it to make room. If you are interested I can take the one on the pick up it apart and take some pictures.
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By LordMrFord - 11 Years Ago
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Omega's steering gear what is used by some local early Mustang folk. Those say that is better than the Flaming River gear. Looks like same size, but needs adapter plate, modding some headers and stuff. Biggest mystery is gonna be adapting the pitman arm.
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By aussiebill - 11 Years Ago
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Grizzly (10/2/2012)
Guy's,This project is far from being on my front burner but I have this additional information. For those who have a rack fitted which is too light I am aware of these two solutions http://www.heidts.com/_uploaded_files/in-064.pdf which has already been mentioned and http://borgeson.com/instructions/899001. I have bought in the adaptor plate which I mentioned earlier. The right hand drive aisin power steering box which is the mirror image of the one used the the borgeson kit was available in Australia in a Holden Jackaroo (1999) attached are photo's of the box with the adaptor plate attached. cheers Warren Warren, yes previously that great compact long sector box was in the old toyota cressidas and crown, i used them to convert 65 T bird to RHD, they are long gone so good to know they are in something more available here. I like the plate bolted to s/box, i had seen some similar adaption offered but plate was welded to box and that makes me nervous.
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By PF Arcand - 11 Years Ago
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Larry: The outside the column horn feed wasn't just a G. M. design. Fords from 1958 on use a similar setup, c/w recirculating ball bearing inards in the box. A complete 58 column setup can be converted to a 57 car, but I don't know if it would work without substantial mods on a 1956.
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By Grizzly - 11 Years Ago
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Bill,
So you recognise this box from your previous conversions? If you do it gives me some of piece of mind. what were you using for pitman arms?
regards
Warren
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By aussiebill - 11 Years Ago
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Grizzly (6/11/2013)
Bill,
So you recognise this box from your previous conversions? If you do it gives me some of piece of mind. what were you using for pitman arms?
regards
Warren
Warren, i used it on 64 65 T Birds, i,m guessing you havent offered it up on chassis yet to see how pitman arm goes, check if splines are same as cusso? regards bill
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By Grizzly - 11 Years Ago
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Bill,
I've been told that these are different and was given the options shown on an earlier post.
A tip I got of one of the hot rod forums. I'll check out one of the hot rod places that specialise in building steering componentry. That way they can do the xraying and certification required.
cheers
Warren Adams
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By LordMrFord - 11 Years Ago
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Here is that Opel gear in place. Pitman arm was about one millimeter tight, but after two hours hard filing it fits fine. Gear can be bolted without adapter plates.
Steering shaft is still in progress but it looks no hard job.
Steering will be more faster (5 rounds to 3,75 rounds) and it is power steering.
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By LordMrFord - 11 Years Ago
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And gear is bolted. I think same gear used in Cadillac Catera.
Steering axle and shaftpipe was shortened and bolted in place. I still have to make lower fastening point between the pipe and firewall.
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