Re: [FWDLK] 55 Desoto Power Steering

[Nathan Nuttall <nnuttall@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have been looking into this alternator w/power steering conversion as well. The maximum pressure the steering system on the 55-56 Plymouth/Dodge is rated for is 750 to 800 psi and 2 Gal/min @ 3000 rpm. The pumps from the 60s and 70s (at least the Saginaw versions) put out 1000 to 1200 psi at around the same rpm. This could be a problem, leading to blown seals and very touchy steering. There are a number of routes around this problem that I have found, but I haven't tried any of them to give an opinion from experience. Possible solutions:

1. Use an early model pump from say a 57-59 Chrysler product that is separate from the generator. I have not verified what pressures these cars use but it may be close to the 55-56. Can anyone verify this who has a service manual for these cars?

2. Use a pressure regulator inline with the pump. These work well, but require you to cut and splice both lines to your pump. I am a little hesitant to do that to my high pressure line. I worry about how reliable it will be. These are sold by Heidt's. Apparently, the Mustang II rack is a low pressure system as well, and all those hot rodders who use the Pinto suspension with a small block GM run into trouble. They have a write-up about it on their site http://www.heidts.com/images/art1.pdf

3. Use a Pinto/Mustang II pump or possibly other pump from a rack & pinion car. Maybe a Chevette for GM, or a non-mitsubishi made Dodge car (can't think of any).

All options will require custom mounting brackets and all probably require custom pressure lines. After looking into it in more detail, I have come to the conclusion that I like my manual steering. My wife isn't likely to drive my car much anyway.

Let me know what you come up with.
Nathan Nuttall
56 Savoy
68 Barracuda




-----Original Message-----
From: Scott H [mailto:kneedrager@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2004 6:35 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] 55 Desoto Power Steering


John,
I am doing the same conversion on my 56 Dodge. A ps pump from a LA engine
usingthe original PS box.  I was told by one of the steering box rebuilders
(one of the better guys that have been around a while, I forget exactly
which one) that the pressure would not be a problem. The biggest headache is
having the correct hoses made.

Can you please pass on anything that you might learn from your post.

Thanks,

Scott





----Original Message Follows----
From: desotojohn <desotojohn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: desotojohn <desotojohn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] 55 Desoto Power Steering
Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 22:09:34 -0700

Does anyone on the list have experience connecting a 55 Desoto Power
Steering column to a more modern Mopar power steering pump?  Any problems
with pressure, volume?

Or, has anyone completely replaced the steering with a modern aftermarket
unit?

  Thanks

John Compton

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