CarCrazyChemist

I was curious if this would be as straightforward as simply removing the engine bay power steering components?
I have already removed the A/C system (I never use A/C, plus it has the vented front windows), and I strongly prefer driving without power steering than with.
I tried to do some searching online, as well as on the forum, but I do not have a clear answer so far as to whether it would be safe and still handle like a non P/S equipped car.

tru-blue 442

I had a 67 C/S without p/s.
If you like a workout while driving...I hated it.
They made a non p/s box. May be hard to find though.

I wouldn't know how you could use yours without hoses
and not ruin it. Unless maybe run a line from the in to the
out to keep dirt out. I would not try to plug them.
Good question, maybe someone has a better answer.

66400

Remove the power steering belt and drive it around the block once to get a preview of effort involved with the power assist working.

The factory manual steering box has a different ratio to ease the effort.

Henry

MDchanic

... and to make steering it like steering a city bus.

- Eric

CarCrazyChemist

I will definitely try it out with the belt removed first.
And if it is not too bad, I will try to figure out how to loop the fluid input and output lines. I saw that it had been done on much newer vehicles which did not come with electrical assist. I appreciate the input so far guys!

rcdynamic88

I don't like power steering either, but just taking the belt off or looping the lines is not going to show you what it would be like with a real manual steering box. I have replaced the power steering on my last two Cutlass's with newer boxes from Borgeson. They have a better ratio than the original Saginaw manual box that would of been standard. The only time I ever even notice the lack of power assist is when turning the wheel at a complete stand still. Otherwise, when you are rolling, they turn just fine. I like the "feel" of manual steering, and I get to eliminate the PS pump, hoses, and belt. Makes the motor not look so cluttered.

jag1886

You can convert to a 12.7 gear box and it will feel totally different with PS, I did I like it. OE PS sucks a 12.7 box gives the feel of the car back and you can still get out of a parking place.

Oldsmaniac

My 67 has manual steering, it really isnt bad at all unless you need to manuver the front wheels while they arent rolling... Unless you are building a race car I would say leave it power.

hookem horns

Agree with jag1886, try a quicker ratio PS box since you really would have to change it anyway to go manual. You can buy a repop, have yours rebuilt or swap in a Jeep GC box (well documented, just search this site). Stock PS feels too sloppy for my tastes and luckily previous owner upgraded my car before I got it.