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!

 

[3C's & a D?]

Convert back to power?

 

[Glider]

I did the same on my -70 Satellite & it worked just fine, must be poor lubing that causes the problem..?

 

[Just Carbs]

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??

Your manual steering gear has no reaction springs like power steering so no play to be taken up before the tires begin to turn, so, it "should" have less free play at the steering wheel than power steering. Really nice on the hwy.
Personally, I think a 61 dart is an excellent car for manual steering. But I do understand the longing for power steering around town.

Less positive camber (maybe even a little negative) will reduce the kingpin inclination self-centering effect and steering effort thus providing a little (very little) relief in parking lots. Even less over 20 mph. Not detrimental at any speed.

A little negative caster will not be noticed under 1 mph, will help from 2 to 20, and "can" become slightly unstable over 50 mph. But, it will reduce unwanted reactions to wind and crown.

And yep, 35 psi in skinny tires is the best recipe. And manual cars respond really well to sway bars.

Loved my 64 and 66 manual steering 6-cylinder 225 motor 3 on the tree stick shift Darts.