1956 power steering change

[Mr. Bill]

can I change an original power steering unit on my 1956 thunderbird with a 312 cu. inch engine and change it to a rack and pinion steering unit? how expensive would this be ? Should I just rebuild the power steering unit, or replace it?

 

[biddle]

Please include the model year of your car in the subject on future posts. Thank you for posting.

 

[fordrodsteven]

can I change an original power steering unit on my 1956 thunderbird with a 312 cu. inch engine and change it to a rack and pinion steering unit? how expensive would this be ? Should I just rebuild the power steering unit, or replace it?

Yes you can buy a rack set up. FLaming River sells kits that will hook to your original column or you can change out the steering column with their kits. They range on price from $3500 to $4000. It's a bolt in change out. If you are comfortable rebuilding your original and you have the tools that would, of course, be the most economical solution. If you buy replacements it will bolt right in. Cost would be more than you rebuilding your own but less than changing to rack and pinion set up.

 

[Birdman57]

can I change an original power steering unit on my 1956 thunderbird with a 312 cu. inch engine and change it to a rack and pinion steering unit? how expensive would this be ? Should I just rebuild the power steering unit, or replace it?

I looked in of the same project there’s a lot of s Rack and Pinion sets out there There seems to be a lot of fabrication that needs to be done and you know how expensive labor is that’s my opinion

 

[woodeye]

I rebuilt the power steering cylinder on my 56 TB but didn't work. I read some where that there is an aftermarket rack and pinion setup that will go in without too much difficulty.
Is anyone familiar with this swap and where to get it?
Thanks Jeff

 

[biddle]

I rebuilt the power steering cylinder on my 56 TB but didn't work. I read some where that there is an aftermarket rack and pinion setup that will go in without too much difficulty.
Is anyone familiar with this swap and where to get it?
Thanks Jeff

See post above. This is it-

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[SWinner]

I installed the Unisteer R & P. See the thread below. There is a lot of discussion on the subject.

Borgeson Power Steering Gear Box Conversion for 1957

Hello, Once again I bring my novice self to ask for some experience expertise. I am having my 57 worked on at a local restoration shop here in as Vegas. They work on vintage and muscle cars from Auburns and concourse class Packards and up. The work they have done on my car, as well as some...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

Good luck,
Steve