Manual Steering

[UP Ranger]

I've never seen manual steering in a newer Ranger,maybe 93 or 94.Does anyone know in what year did Ford quit putting manual steering in Rangers(if they did)?I have that '98 2 wheel with power rack@pinion and would'nt mind converting it to manual.Its been my experience that the simpler you make a truck the less you have to fix and the easier it is to get to something that you need to when your out in the sticks(where I live).I've had a couple s-10's that way and they lasted for years. Thanks

 

[exbass94]

The last year for manual steering was 1997. In 1998 they switched to the rack and pinion setup which was power only. Honestly, if you're looking for something easy to fix in the middle of nowhere, a manual steering setup that was pretty uncommon (and therefore parts are HARDER to find) is the last thing you want.

 

[UP Ranger]

reply

Thanks for the info exbass94.That would be when they changed from the I-beam suspension.I guess I'm partial to the old manauls because in having a Toyota,s-10's and a Dodge I never had any problems

 

[adsm08]

Believe it or not, the Ranger steering system is the one area of the universe where "Less parts less problems" doesn't apply. The manual setup was actually more problematic.

 

[EMB1230]

Crap didn't want to hear that, like my sig says, my 96 doesn't have power steering, I do have a bit of slop in my steering, but it's not that bad. eek! just looked up the steering gear, a manual one costs a lot more than the power one.

 

[John Smith]

Hi there..

Believe it or not, the Ranger steering system is the one area of the universe where "Less parts less problems" doesn't apply. The manual setup was actually more problematic.

Can you elaborate on what might be issues with manual steering?.(other than being a little harder 2 steer)...Since I've converted my B2 to manual steering do I need a few spare parts?..

The steering itself works fine BTW..the little gearbox does look a little small but seems to do a great job even with my 215's..although for a serious off-roader..may be limiting to some

 

[brinker88]

I absolutely HATE my manual steering in the beater truck.

 

[adsm08]

Can you elaborate on what might be issues with manual steering?

Honestly, from my own 1st hand experience, I cannnot. I was not really around the business when those were a thing. I just know what I've been told by older guys. I think it had something to do with the balls in the manual box wearing out faster, but I'm not sure.

 

[John Smith]

I changed mine

Honestly, from my own 1st hand experience, I cannnot. I was not really around the business when those were a thing. I just know what I've been told by older guys. I think it had something to do with the balls in the manual box wearing out faster, but I'm not sure.

as an experiment to see how well it would drive and to get rid of the p/s oil mess. It made it possible to actually get at the fuel pump on this 2.8L as well. In the old days they needed to be serviced occasionally, but rarely, and are certainly easier to remove/replace..

well, a spare may be wise to keep around...it's actually a fun rebuild if you've got a little spare time..as well although not something the avid 4 wheeler would be interested in..