Steering Box for a 1969 Mach 1

[Thirsty428]

Hi Guys,

Either going to reco or replace my steering box in my 1969 Mach 1.  (Non power steering)

Whats the recommended option ?
If reco-ing is the go , Has anyone got a recommendation?

If replacing, any suggestions on where to buy the replacement or has someone got one for sale?

Kind Regards,
John

[Macka]

go powered...

[ND69]

replace it with  a borgenson

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/catalog/19651970_Mustang_Power_Steering_Conversion_Kits-orderby_0-p-1-c-104.html

[Thirsty428]

replace it with  a borgenson

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/catalog/19651970_Mustang_Power_Steering_Conversion_Kits-orderby_0-p-1-c-104.html

Looks good, but should mention its a 428

[Thirsty428]

Found this link.

If I keep manual steering, will my 428 have a 1" or 1 1/8 Sector and I am tipping a 20:1 ratio will be easy to turn with such a hunk of iron under the bonnet?

[GLENN 70]

Yep a 20 to 1 would be the go ,but i think they are 19 to 1 in mustangs .20.1 are aussi cars .

[69candy]

I thought the 428 was 16.1 same as the power steer box in 69. I have non power on my 428. Not to bad if not parking it all day. Fine out the road and cruising around town. All in the wheel alignment. Need to get mine looked at as well.
 

[GLENN 70]

Yes power steering ratio is 16.1 ,manual is 19.1 in mustangs unless hi performance models they are 16.1 in manuals .Falcons were also 16.1 power steering and in GTs and GTHOs manual boxs  ,20.1 in std falcons .

[Thirsty428]

Ok, so reading the above, there is a little room for clarification so I'll show my take on it below.

69candy is confirming his 428 is 16.1
GLENN 70 is advising Manual steering is 19.1 except for performance models that were 16.1 in manuals.

Going by that, I have a factory 428 Mach 1, 4 speed close ratio top ratio toploader. I'd decsribe that as a "performance model" so I am tipping 16.1 is what I'm after?

Also, the borgenson steering boxes come in either 16.1 or 20.1. See my link above.
Why would they make a 20.1 ratio for a manual box mustang replacement if they were actually 19.1?

[skip70]

If your happy with the overall drivability of the current set up just rebuild the one you have. Bearing kits etc are available from selected suppliers. Just check the top plate and see if the tag is still attached, you can then confirm what box you have. If you are going pwr and are still left hook I would look carefully into a Borgeson kit.

[GLENN 70]

I meant manual steering not manual g/box .As far as i can remember mustangs with manual steering boxs were 19.1 other than the hi performance models 16.1 .If you want lighter steering go for the 19.1 ,if you want to stay original 16.1 .Or after market box with 20.1 .

[69candy]

I meant manual steering not manual g/box .As far as i can remember mustangs with manual steering boxs were 19.1 other than the hi performance models 16.1 .If you want lighter steering go for the 19.1 ,if you want to stay original 16.1 .Or after market box with 20.1 .

Correct , and the power steer ones were also 16.1 also as far as I know

[GLENN 70]

Yes the power steering ones are also 16.1 .There is a difference between the 16.1 power box and the manual 16.1 box ,think it is the manual box has heavy duty bearings . My 66 was power steering but i converted it to manual steering and left the power box in ,its a bit heavy to steer for parking but thats it .

[shaunp]

Pretty sure You cant run a Borgenson on a big block with factory clutch linkage, only if you convert to hydraulic, a mate has just done one. No issue with an internal slave cylinder though, just to dent one pipe on the headers to clear the pitman at full lock. Big Al will know he sold the unit to Mat.

[Pinto Pete]

I've got a 19:1 box small cash adjustment it's yours   
as long you dont mind spinning the wheel about 5 turns lock to lock.....

[Thirsty428]

Pete - PM sent.

428, no power steering. Thinking 19.1 wouldn't be a bad idea.