This is the Borgeson 16:1...
This is the Borgeson 16:1 power steering unit for '65-'70 Mustangs. It takes the "drip" out of vintage Mustang steering with an efficient compact design and simple bolt-on performance. There are no control valves, power rams, or pesky hoses to mess with. Bolt it on, install two hoses and a manual steering linkage, and you're ready for action.
I am so over leaky Bendix power steering for classic Mustangs. So over it, in fact, I ordered a new Borgeson integral power steering system for my high school sweetheart-a '67 Mustang hardtop I've owned since 1974. When my father bought this 289-powered Sport Sprint as a second car for my mother, it was a well-worn $400 beater with 80,000 miles, 19:1 ratio manual steering, drum brakes that didn't work, Sears Dynaglas tires, and a bashed-in quarter-panel.
Thirty-six years later, the car is reaching the conclusion of a long restoration. I've installed four-wheel disc brakes from Stainless Steel Brakes, Flowmaster mufflers, bench seat, a groovy Mini-Tach from Retro-Gauge in Australia, Custom Autosound system with CD and amp, warmed up 289 with a roller cam and Cobra dress-up kit from Tony Branda, and a set of American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. I've gotten the car just the way I want it except for the power steering fluid all over my garage floor.
When I was just about at my wit's end with the drippy factory Bendix power steering, Borgeson called and asked if I'd like to try its new integral worm-and-sector power steering system for '65-'70 Mustangs. I willingly obliged, glad to remove the old Bendix system and try something refreshing in a classic Mustang.
This is what makes the Borgeson...
This is what makes the Borgeson power steering gear such a terrific compact design. The control (spool) valve is built into the worm shaft. When you steer, the spool valve directs pressure internally to an actuator piston at the sector shaft. The only hoses to the pump are for pressure and return.
The Borgeson system bolts right in without major modifications and with simple hand tools. The Borgeson box isn't a new steering gear, but instead it's a proven remanufactured unit available off the shelf with a sporty 16:1 steering ratio. It's an affordable alternative to manual power-assisted worm-and-sector or aftermarket rack-and-pinion steering. Best of all, it maintains that classic Mustang feel.
We have to clarify the unique nature of our '67 Mustang's steering column, which gave us problems unrelated to the Borgeson system. During the restoration, we installed a '68-'69 collapsible steering column to improve safety, adapting it to the '67 collar and turn signal switch, which works fine with a stock steering gear or rack-and-pinion. It will not fit the Borgeson unit without modifications (column tube must be cut 1/2 to 1 inch shorter to clear).
When the Borgeson power steering installation is complete, inspect your work thoroughly. Make sure tie-rod ends are torqued and secured with cotter pins. Service the power steering pump with Borgeson's recommended fluid specification. Start the engine and run the steering wheel from lock to lock to bleed air out of the system. Visit a trusted alignment shop for a precision front-end alignment. While you're at it, have the alignment shop inspect your work.
Two sector shaft sizes are...
Two sector shaft sizes are available-1 inch and 1 1/4 inches. If you're installing in a '65-'66 or early '67 Mustang, order a 1-inch sector shaft and Pitman arm. A larger 1 1/4-inch sector shaft was phased in early in the '67 model year. A manual steering Pitman and idler arm should be used for this application.
Although you can use the Ford/Thompson...
Although you can use the Ford/Thompson or Eaton power steering pump with the Borgeson steering gear, it is suggested that you use the Borgeson GM Saginaw pump because it provides better control pressure at idle than either of the original equipment pumps.
During the restoration of...
During the restoration of our '67 hardtop, we opted for a 16:1 manual steering box, which is an excellent piece. But to get rid of the leaky Bendix system, we have to remove the manual box.
In theory, the Bendix power-assist...
In theory, the Bendix power-assist steering system should work well, and this one does just fine. However, it's a leaker no matter what we do with lines and fittings. We're choosing to replace it with the Borgeson integral 16:1 power box, which greatly simplifies Mustang power steering and gets rid of all this plumbing.
Removal begins where the Pitman...
Removal begins where the Pitman arm joins the Bendix power steering control valve. Remove this cotter pin and drive the stud out with a drift. Don't use a splitter fork.
With the Borgeson box, you...
With the Borgeson box, you have two choices. You can use the power steering center link with an adaptor link available from Mustangs Plus. Or you can go with a manual steering center link, Pitman arm, and idler arm. For the latter, inner tie-rod ends must be disconnected. Gently use a ball-joint/tie-rod end splitter fork. Now is a good time to replace worn tie-rod ends and boots.