Power Steering Conversion for a 66 Dart 270

[BBEG]

Hey all, I'm brand new to FABO and excited to be here and learn/share. I just recently bought a 66 Dart 270 with a 4spd manual and a 273. It doesn't have power steering, although I believe it was an option for the car back in the day. I would like to add power steering to my dart but I am having trouble figuring out exactly which kit to go with.

I'm finding parts galore for 67-74 Darts, but it's hard to find anything for a 66. I know that many of the engine parts are compatible with later years and/or the 318/340/360. I just am not sure which power steering conversion kit will work for my 66 with the 273. Can anyone point me to the right kit?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Professor Fate]

In general, look for parts/kits for pre-'70 A bodies with a 273/318/340.
Power steering also requires a shorter steering column, so a swap to a PS column (I believe up to '66, floor shift) will be required, or shortening of your current one. Many people go the opposite route, changing from power to manual, so you may be able to work out a trade on that...

 

[plymouth4onthefloor]

If originality is not the target, you can use the borgeson kit, relocate the pump from the bottom to the top with the mancini bracket kit.
Hardest part is the crankshaft poulie, hard to find in stock ratio. We made our own from billet aluminium.
Marco

 

[BBEG]

If originality is not the target, you can use the borgeson kit, relocate the pump from the bottom to the top with the mancini bracket kit.
Hardest part is the crankshaft poulie, hard to find in stock ratio. We made our own from billet aluminium.
Marco

Here's a dumb question... why would I need to modify anything with the crankshaft if the Borgeson kit and bracket just bolt on? Honestly wondering, I'm not much of a gearhead yet.

 

[BBEG]

In general, look for parts/kits for pre-'70 A bodies with a 273/318/340.
Power steering also requires a shorter steering column, so a swap to a PS column (I believe up to '66, floor shift) will be required, or shortening of your current one. Many people go the opposite route, changing from power to manual, so you may be able to work out a trade on that...

It looks like Borgeson has a coupler that allows one to use the existing steering column without having to cut it. Do you have any knowledge of that? I think it would be a good option if I ever decided to go back to original.

I appreciate the quick reply by the way, I'm pretty new to this world.

 

[Professor Fate]

It looks like Borgeson has a coupler that allows one to use the existing steering column without having to cut it. Do you have any knowledge of that? I think it would be a good option if I ever decided to go back to original.

I appreciate the quick reply by the way, I'm pretty new to this world.

My comments were regarding a factory or factory-type setup. Borgeson is a completely different animal. Use what they or Bergman (aka BAC, a Borgeson vendor and advertiser on this site- see upper right corner of this page) recommend.

 

[plymouth4onthefloor]

Here's a dumb question... why would I need to modify anything with the crankshaft if the Borgeson kit and bracket just bolt on? Honestly wondering, I'm not much of a gearhead yet.

Not the crankshaft and the damper, you need a double groove pulley for two belts, waterpump/ alternator and a additional groove for the steering pump.