I installed a larger pulley to slow down the pump speed and give less power input. Haven't driven it in 13 years but remember it was an improvement. I can't remember what it came from, found the specs on Ford Pump ID Chart
I think it was one of the 5-1/4" or larger ones.

 

Are you looking to get manual steering, power steering or kinda' power steering? A properly installed manual steering system works great with matching lower steering parts. Likewise, the same goes for power steering though I don't know why you'd want a "kinda" power steering. Isn't that like being "a little bit pregnant"?

 

If you're worried about power steering robbing power you can always do a electric power steering assist. Just like what did guy made.

 

did you get rid of the parking brake?

 

WHen I did an underdrive pulley set - small on the balancer, large on the pump, it was just right. I do think there is a way to change springs or something, Chock will know...

 

You are correct, most folks slow pump down with the big pulley on pump. I have heard of a pressure regulator installed on the system to reduce pressure, do not know a thing about these types of riggings.
All I can state is the poster has a 67 steering box (SMB B) which is 16 to 1. Lots of folks run this box and like the feel with manual steering.
If one does find it to hard to turn, then return to the manual steering box (HCC AT) 19 to 1 .

 

You could try switching to a roller bearing idler and that reduces felt resistance quite a bit I understand.

 

If you’re trying to reduce the overboosted feel of the factory PS, this adjustable flow valve may do the trick:

Heidts Adjustable Power Steering Valve

I was considering this for my ‘67 but the steering box is so worn out that I’m opting for a Borgeson box and a KRC pump, which has adjustable flow options built in

 

Travis,

I want enough power steering to be able to get in and out of parking spots or make a three point turn without getting a serious workout, but I don't want to go all the way to the stock Ford , turn with 1 finger, can't feel the road, level. If I had skinny tires it would be easier, but I think I have 205s. The car's at my dad's right now, as I try to figure out what up with the engine noise.

Chock,

How much easier would the 19:1 box make it able to turn at very low to no speed?

 

How big a boy are ya????

 

I checked, they are 215s all around. It's a pain to turn the wheel when not moving with that much rubber on the ground with a 16:1 steering box.

Oh, wait... was I supposed to bench 300lbs before driving the car? I didn't see that in the shop manual. Probably back in the specs section of the steering chapter.

 

Easily one of the top 10 most repetitively discussed topics on the VMF.

The first link is the most recent and the second one is more salient to your question on the P/S pulley itself.

63 to 85 Corvette Power Steering

I understand the dislike to some of the Vintage Mustang folks of the power steering used on our 64-70 Mustangs. But, why do the Corvette guy cherish the same system. Puzzles me? What is different? Someone please explain this anguish.

www.vintage-mustang.com

1966 power steering adjustment

I just installed a original style power steering setup. Everything works well. The only thing I'd like to do is make it a little stiffer. My question is can I achieve a stiffer wheel by adjusting the centering spring nut on the end of the control valve? Thanks for the insight

www.vintage-mustang.com

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

For people who who want to learn something after reading the post and not just make jokes, I found two things that made an noticable improvement to my manual steering. Make sure the tires are inflated well. At least 30psi. Mine were below that, but looked OK visually. Then, top up the grease in the steering box. It took a lot of pumps for it to start pushing out the old grease. I was going to do the math and figure out how much less friction 205s or 195s would have to resist turning, or the affect of different steering wheel sizes have, but I don't think this forum the audience for that sort of detail.

 

So simple auto maintenance 101 to start with ?

 

you maybe onto something with the tires.
i have no assist on idle. (750 RPMs) over 1000 and im fine. car rolling im fine, try and park it, and i have a problem
everything but the box is new. been through at least 3 pumps all the same issue.
I was thinking my 235/60/14 tires may be too much resistance for a stock system to handle

I wish i can find a pair of 195s to pop on there for an hour

I was thinking of putting on a smaller pulley buy where does one find that

 

Pump. That would be my first thought.
Where are you getting the pumps? They vary greatly in what is considered a "rebuilt" unit.
If the car has always been this way (since you've had it) It's possible at some point the valve has been worked on and
someone changed out the reaction valve springs. (the one's in my '66 GT were swapped because I open tracked that car
and didn't want much boost on the course..... it's about a dead dog for parallel parking though).
Even before I modded the steering I ran DOT sticky 225x50x16 on that car. The stock Bendix system easily handles turning
them at 0 mph.

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995