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1972 Ford Torino Steering Box - Quicker? |
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Ron Earp 
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Joined: 06-November-2010 Location: Cary NC Status: Offline Points: 260 |
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 Topic: 1972 Ford Torino Steering Box - Quicker?Posted: 27-November-2010 at 4:19AM |
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Check this out:
http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2007/09/01/hmn_feature21.html Great article covering various ways to get a quick ratio box using factory parts. Alas, according to the article it appears the 72 Torino has the less popular 605 box instead of the 800 box. This is denoted by the snap ring holding the pitman shaft cover on instead of a cover with bolts. The steering ratio on this car is abysmal and I need to correct it. Something along the lines of 12.7:1 ratio and around 2.25:1 turns lock to lock or quicker is what I'm after. Does anyone know of a source for steering box rebuilds that can do this job?  |
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Torinogts73c
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Posted: 27-November-2010 at 6:46AM |
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Try a Saginaw steering box out of 71-73 Mach 1 They are variable ratio boxes will work in Torinos with a few minor mods. I have had one in my car for 20yrs! Much quicker than the Ford box. I think the tag code is SPA-R . Also you will need hoses for a Torino with a Saginaw gear. There is a bow tie looking adapter to connect with your coupler that you will need as well.
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Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,18 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, Ford Ranger parts hauler
"Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
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lynchster
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Posted: 27-November-2010 at 6:52AM |
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I really wish I could find a quicker ratio manual steering box for my 72.
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Chuck
72 Gran Torino Sport 13 Taurus SHO "Mr Pig" |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 27-November-2010 at 1:23PM |
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I'm going to try these folks first:
http://www.powersteering.com/ Looks like if any company could help they could. |
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Torinogts73c
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Posted: 28-November-2010 at 4:45AM |
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Let me know how that works for you! I wouldn't mind upgrading my steering gear!
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Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,18 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, Ford Ranger parts hauler
"Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 28-November-2010 at 7:19AM |
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Well, as someone else wrote, no dice. They got back to me and said they can't rebuild that box for a quicker ratio. I'm sure someone could do it, but since the popularity is low nobody does it commercially.
They suggested I move to a Saignaw box in the Mustang as mentioned above. So I'm checking with them on the parts cost and might send them my box so they can have a look at the stock Torino arm and so on. I'll keep you posted. R |
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Torinogts73c
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Posted: 28-November-2010 at 9:13AM |
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The Saginaw is really the better box!! I had control valve problems with my Ford box and that was why I made the change.
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Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,18 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, Ford Ranger parts hauler
"Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
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TopGear (TG)
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Posted: 29-November-2010 at 11:48AM |
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I have a manual steering setup in my Nissan and wish sometimes I could convert my 76 to manual. If it's possible, how?
Yes, I know I will regret going to manual at times, but I mainly only drive this car on the highway.
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Regul8r
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Posted: 29-November-2010 at 2:31PM |
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I am going with a RACK AND PINION SET UP!
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Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 9:29AM |
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Torinogts73 (would be easier if you guys used names
 ), what did you have to do to convert to the Saginaw box? I'm still hitting dead ends for anyone who will touch a Ford box.I also looked at the Flaming River rear steer rack and might just go that route. I need to get the suspension on the car and at an approximate ride height to see if that will work or not. |
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Psquare75
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 9:33AM |
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#1.
SPA-T is a variable ratio 3 turn box from a 7-73 Mustang that will bolt into our cars. I have one in my car now. #2. Larescorp will rebuild your box with quicker internals. #3. A Jeep Grand Cherokee box will bolt in. Unsure of hose connections (minor detail) or stops (major detail). Chevelle guys have been using these for years. Junk the Ford box. |
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Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD* 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500 |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 9:43AM |
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Thanks for the information, great leads there. Any particular years I need to look for one the JGC? Lines and hoses are no big deal, like you say, but the stops could be.
I wouldn't mind using a Ford box rebuilt as it doesn't much matter what sort of box it is except that the ratio be quick. That SPA-T varies from like 18:1 to 14:1 doesn't it? |
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Psquare75
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 9:49AM |
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SPA-T, Something like that. It was a night and day difference in my Cougar. Love it. It uses Saginaw SAE lines, but so did some 72 Torinos.. I just bought new hoses.
I posted on the JGC box before. Edited by Psquare75 - 06-December-2010 at 9:50AM |
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Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD* 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500 |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 10:16AM |
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I'll check that out.
Will a damn Saginaw box bolt on to the frame? Dime a dozen in quick ratios for like $350. |
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Torinogts73c
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 10:27AM |
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I had to change the hoses (Ford used Saginaw boxes on Torinos) 73-76 Torino Montego Etc, There is an adapter from the box to the coupler to complete the install. BTW my name is Gary!!
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Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,18 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, Ford Ranger parts hauler
"Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 12:02PM |
So you just used a Saginaw box? Did it bolt in the same position with the addition of holes in the frame? If that is all it takes I'm sold. Lines are no problem - I'm not using a Ford pump anyhow and have no lines, so I'll have to have some made no matter what steering box I use. Any problems with the pitman arm and linkage? R |
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Psquare75
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Posted: 06-December-2010 at 2:13PM |
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Same holes in the frame. I used the pitman arm from my car on it. (Regarding the Mustang Saginaw box). I got my SPA-T box on ebay for $50 a few years ago. Larescorp has em for $275 I think.
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Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD* 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500 |
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Torinogts73c
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Posted: 07-December-2010 at 12:15AM |
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Ditto, I bolted mine right on used the same pitman arm as well. My box came off of a 71 Boss 351 Mustang. SPA T Eliminated all the grief from my Ford box!
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Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,18 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, Ford Ranger parts hauler
"Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
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iangj
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Posted: 07-December-2010 at 1:19AM |
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There are a couple of them on eBay right now.
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Ian Glyn-Jones
Fonthill, Ontario, Canada Wish I had My Baby Back Montego GT Registry Forum; http://mmgt.forumchitchat.com/ |
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Ron Earp
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Posted: 08-December-2010 at 7:26AM |
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UPDATE:
Larescorp was the ticket. Called those guys and they crossed referenced to a 800 series Saginaw box that they can rebuild with three turns lock to lock and around a 12.5 ratio, as well as firm it up. $275 for a newly rebuilt box that they can ship by the end of the week. Uses the stock Ford Pitman arm, needs a $35 coupler that they offer, and uses the same three bolt mounting holes. Thanks for the help, I'll report back how it works out! R |
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stuck
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Posted: 08-December-2010 at 6:07PM |
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this company may have info and should be good to deal with http://www.borgeson.com/
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michigan
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stuck
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Posted: 08-December-2010 at 6:14PM |
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i missed page 2 never mind what i said ,thanks for the update
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michigan
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bigblocktisdale
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 10:08AM |
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1972 Gran Torino Sport : 10.30 @ 131 mph NA
1991 mustang : 11.38 @ 123 mph sold 91 and bought a 67 mustang |
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Psquare75
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 10:36AM |
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I had a link here that detail a R*P install in a 64 Galaxie, which is close, frame-wise, to a Torino.
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Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD* 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500 |
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Regul8r
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 3:34PM |
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putting an Explorer rack in the rear steer set up.
Looks like it will fit.
I am using the whole Accessory brackets, alt, A/C compressor, PS Pump, and water pump so stock lines for the Explorer will work.
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Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
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Regul8r
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 3:36PM |
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Anyone have the SPECS for the tie rod end?
I am looking for the taper degree and length on the 72 and then compare it to the 96 Explorer.
IF that is not the same then I might may need to look into a different tie rod end OR cut the spindle to match the taper of the Explorer.
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Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
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Eliteman76
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 4:46PM |
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Well, my thoughts if you are converting to the rack system, something I have seen on a couple conversions for the mopar crowd, is doing a bump steer elimination kit, reaming out the tie rods for hem joints with new hardware, and done. Only issue is no returning the spindles back one you ream them out to fit a straight shaft bolt setup.
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 Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed RestomodPondering: #99Problems |
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Regul8r
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 4:56PM |
Still looking to see about that.
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Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
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Psquare75
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Posted: 09-December-2010 at 5:37PM |
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http://web.archive.org/web/20040104071115/http://home.pacbell.net/ssixto/automotive/R&P/HowTo.html
Edited by Psquare75 - 09-December-2010 at 5:38PM |
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Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD* 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500 |
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Regul8r
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Posted: 10-December-2010 at 1:35AM |
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Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
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Torinogts73c wrote: