Codybones
Active Member
I'm wondering how hard it is to add power steering to a 72 dodge dart swinger with a 318, I just purchased one with no power steering or brakes. Any ideas would help.
power steering
- Thread starter Codybones
- Start date
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Off the top of my head since I just went the opposite direction on my 70 Swinger.
1. Steering box
2. Pump, engine brackets and longer bolts.
3. Power steering column or you might be able to shorten your current shaft. Can’t remember if the shafts are different diameters between the two as I have a universal joint with adapter in mine. I’m sure someone will chime in on the shaft diameter.
4. Pulleys and belt unless your crank pulley has the provision for two belts then just the belt.
1. Steering box
2. Pump, engine brackets and longer bolts.
3. Power steering column or you might be able to shorten your current shaft. Can’t remember if the shafts are different diameters between the two as I have a universal joint with adapter in mine. I’m sure someone will chime in on the shaft diameter.
4. Pulleys and belt unless your crank pulley has the provision for two belts then just the belt.
I believe on a 72 Dart with no PS there is a single belt that hits the water pump, crank pulley and alternator (where the adjustment is). On a PS car there is a small single belt that hits the crank pulley and the PS pump (where the adjustment is), so 2 groove crank pulley, and the PS only belt would be all that is needed. There's no A on this car, right? If there is that a whole 'nother kettle of fish.
PS: now would be the time to get a power steering box with a firmer response, there are a few companies out there who will rebuild a core with a less sloppy response - it really does make a big difference. Red Cap is somewhere near Seattle and they did a great job on one of mine. Chrysler made Firm Feel boxes for cop cars, so that is what they are replicating. Firm Feel Inc. in Vancouver, WA also does this work.
Codybones
Active Member
Thank you for the info? I’m very new at this so I’m sure this is a stupid question but you asked if the car had an A, I’m not sure what you are referring to by A?
Codybones
Active Member
Thank you this all helps
Air conditioning ?
Codybones
Active Member
ESP47
Well-Known Member
Do you really dislike manual steering that much? I personally don't like the feel of the factory power steering at all. I put an updated Borgeson box on my car and am happy with it but if I had to do it all over, I think I would have just stuck with the manual steering to save time and money. There's also way less that can go wrong with manual steering.
Codybones
Active Member
No its not that I dislike manual steering that much I just like power steering a little bit better for my wife to drive. I've been looking at the Borgeson set up, was that fairly straight forward to install?
The trick is just to get the car rolling first, then steer. And this is true for going in reverse also.
ESP47
Well-Known Member
It's not the easiest thing to install if you're a beginner. The first reply in this thread goes over what you'll need to do. Steering column modification to get the steering coupler installed is the more difficult part for the Borgeson box. There's videos on youtube that cover that. You'll also likely need a crank pulley with an extra groove unless yours already has one.
Codybones
Active Member
Thank you
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