manual steering help!!!

[1961 dodge]

so some dumbass, (me) converted my 61 dart from powersteering to manual a long time ago, this steering is hard to turn, are there any options to make this pig steer easier??

 

[413]

Make sure there is lube in the steering box, some say 90wt, some say fill with grease.

Lube the fittings in the steering linkage. Jack it up and cycle the steering, is there a stiff part in the system?

The idler arm has a replaceable bushing. Maybe it's bound up?

Less caster makes it easier to turn.

 

[bronze turbine]

Make sure everything's lubed good as stated above. If possible, have the car aligned with specs for manual steering. Make sure you have enough air in the tires. Skinnier tires will turn easier. Also, bias ply will turn easier than radials.

 

[CBODY67]

As power steering cars usually had about .75* positive caster, manual steer cars usually had -.75* caster. Every little bit helps!

Why removal of the power steering system? Just curious.

CBODY67

 

[Xcudame]

California Highway Patrol used manual steering on the mighty 69 Polara. Made it a work out to parallel park, but was more stable at 90+ mph!! So lubing everything properly and dialing in the chamber and caster can really help!