Manual Steering Rangers (ATTN. AllanD?)

[simpleman]

Ok,
I am doing a full frame-off restoration to a 1988 regular cab 2wd LB 2.3 5 speed.
I am looking to go as light as possible! I am moving battery to the back,Gas tank behind rear axle,Aluminum flatbed,Basic interior,No a/c,Convert to carb., Considering manual brakes?
Anyway.
I have aquired a couple manual steering boxes.I like light and simple.
I am thinking with all of the weight reduction and transfer,And running narrower tires than stock that steering effort should be resonable?
I would like to here some opinions from any that that drive manual steering rangers!
AllanD could you elaborate on your dislike for the manual steering gearbox?
Thanks
Mike

 

[John Smith]

there is an 85 4x4 4sale

that i have test driven. It is manual steering. I was surprised to notice that i think it would be manageable....on regular terrain at least....as a 2wd....not sure i would like a 4x4 for offroading with no ps..but this truck drove fine..I liked the no oil mess...and you had lots of room for the 2.3 service....kewl....

when u say manual brakes do you mean "drums"..?....I know my 66 bronco had front drums...i think if mpg is your goal drum brakes would be better..

I'l be curious as to the answers you get..did they offer different steering box ratios in the 80's for RBV rigs?...for manual steering and did the manual steering rigs use a larger steering wheel?..it WOULD make a difference..

 

[The purple one]

My 93 2.3 has no p/s and it turns fine. A little hard in tight parking lots but by no meens hard. I have 235/75 15 all the way around. and haul scrap with it.

 

[John Smith]

actually prolly good workout for the pecs..

My 93 2.3 has no p/s and it turns fine. A little hard in tight parking lots but by no meens hard. I have 235/75 15 all the way around. and haul scrap with it.

Might start new trend....

REAL men Don't need assist.....


Interesting

 

[simpleman]

I don't believe the ratios were ever any different.
They fit a ranger from 1982-1997.
They were also the same box for F150,F250,F350,Etc. So It seems they are overbuilt for a ranger!
The weight difference is amazing(They make kits to convert the mustangs to manual steering at a weight savings of 40 lbs.)
Not to mention the drag.(It obviously must add up to something since Ford puts in a relay to increase the rpm for the power steering on the 2.3)!The fact it is near impossible to access the hoses.It takes up alot more space.I have never seen a ranger without a powersteering leak.
I believe there is no difference in steering wheel size.
Although mabye a larger aftermarket wheel would help.

 

[simpleman]

Well with 235/75 15's your not really talkin a small tire.So I think if I am going even smaller tire width wise and at the same time transfering more weight to the rear I should be fine.Not to mention the 40 lbs. reduction for getting rid of the PS in the first place.
Thank you for the responses!!!

 

[simpleman]

Sorry missed the manual brake point.
By manual brakes I mean non-vacuum assisted.(NO brake booster)
Also an option up until 97.

 

[John Smith]

I'm going to have to look into a manual steering box

I don't believe the ratios were ever any different.
They fit a ranger from 1982-1997.
They were also the same box for F150,F250,F350,Etc. So It seems they are overbuilt for a ranger!
The weight difference is amazing(They make kits to convert the mustangs to manual steering at a weight savings of 40 lbs.)
Not to mention the drag.(It obviously must add up to something since Ford puts in a relay to increase the rpm for the power steering on the 2.3)!The fact it is near impossible to access the hoses.It takes up alot more space.I have never seen a ranger without a powersteering leak.
I believe there is no difference in steering wheel size.
Although mabye a larger aftermarket wheel would help.

Since i plan to run a NA 2.3L for the most part...in a b2..i think it would steer better than a longer ranger which i have driven

 

[Foxracin]

Mine steers just fine with the manual box in it. Not hard at all.

 

[exbass94]

I recently drove a 92 Mazda B2200 with manual steering. Granted, the older Mazdas are completely different from Rangers, but there was no problem steering it. It required some effort when the truck was completely stopped, but was still managable. If the truck was moving at all, it was pretty easy.

You can pick up a new (reman'd) manual steering box from the parts store. They may or may not accept your power box as a core.