Power steering setup

It looks like the front track width isn't the same.
And I know the brackets that hold the PS pump onto the waterpump & head are not the same. Although the T-Bird brackets may(?) fit in a full-sized car, but not the other way.

The T-Bird idler arm for PS and its mounting bracket to the frame are not the same as the manual versions, I suspect the pitman arm is different as well. Those parts in a full-sized '55 Ford likely have a similar difference (PS vs. non-PS).

These two links say the '55 & '56 T-Bird front tread width is 56 inches ('57 Bird is the same)
http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird/prod1955tbird.html
http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird/prod1956tbird.html

This link for a '55 Fairlane shows the front track width is 58 inches.
https://www.conceptcarz.com/s2073/ford-fairlane.aspx
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As far as the overall width, you could use your original manual steering tie-rod arms, sleeves and ends on the T-bird steering sector-to-idler arm rod as they might be longer than the T-Bird tie-rod arms. I will post length of one of these arms later.
There is no difference between the full-size car tie-rod arms regardless of whether the car had power steering or not. Just not sure if T-Bird had different ones.
I do know that the Mercury full-size car tie-rod arms will not work on a Ford steering system.
Not sure why the power steering brackets from the T-Bird wont work on a full-size Ford. May have something to do with the different power steering pulley on the crankshaft damper on T-Birds being closer to the radiator, which means the power steering belt would not line up. I don't think you can use the T-Bird crankshaft damper on a full-size Ford anyway, can you? Something to consider.
You can buy a new idler arm and bushings from one of the repro parts suppliers, but the idler arm bracket from the T-Bird won't work on a full-size frame.
I think I got an extra sector arm out there too that I could measure so you can compare it with the T-Bird arm.
 
Is there a company that sells a complete power steering system for a full size Ford using new components ?
 
Daves55Sedan said:
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Not sure why the power steering brackets from the T-Bird wont work on a full-size Ford. May have something to do with the different power steering pulley on the crankshaft damper on T-Birds being closer to the radiator, which means the power steering belt would not line up.
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Click to expand...
The T-Bird PS pump is held up slightly higher and closer to the waterpump to clear the left front upper control arm mounting shaft, since the frame is narrower.
Yes, the belts & pulleys on the front of the T-Bird engine are a bit farther forward than in a full-sized car. There is a 1 inch spacer between the timing cover and waterpump on a '55/'57 Bird, and the longer crank damper pulley.
 
I have looked into electric power steering, simple set up no belts pulleys the unit is
hidden under the dash, only problem is, it is 12 volts. sam
 
zoegrant said:
Is there a company that sells a complete power steering system for a full size Ford using new components ?
Click to expand...



Yes, Borgeson. Their kit is complete, need to modify the steering column to take a rag joint or coupler. It is as close to bolt-in as there is on the market.
 
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