Powers Steering survey

When I got my a100 pickup it was in need of engine work. So I really have not gotten to really drive it ( well around the block once).
So for those of you that have LIVED with you A100s I have a survey question about Power Steering.
1 How tough is the manual steering.
2 do you think it PS needed?
3 If you could add PS would you?
I know that PS was an option, and hard to find. These question are just for future improvements
Tell me what you think.
Thanks

Non power is part of the experience,
1 Manual steering is not a problem for me, but i'm sure my wife would disagree
2 No i do not think it's needed
3 no i would not install it,
my thinking is less rubber on the pavment less stress on the steering
, so i'm running a 185 x 14 on the front.
Just my 2 cents

Rusty .... you have asked the million dollar question. Dix has probably given you the best answer possible but I do have a slightly different point of view.

1) The non power box's on our A100's are actually quite easy on the arms for what they are and steer well as long as they have been adjusted properly.

2) Power steering is definitely not needed on these. They are reasonably light weight and the factory tires as well as the steering geometry and ratio make them relatively easy to drive. As Dix mentioned .... it is part of the experience of driving pure American history.

3) With all of that being said, I have installed power steering on mine. I retrofitted a Toyota gear to my truck. The idea to do this began because I installed a 99 Magnum motor in my truck and it had all of the accessories bolted on, so I figured what the heck .... may as well have P/S and A/C. Now I am very happy that I have done it (even though it took a ton of research and work and fabrication) because I can run some fat Cooper Cobra's on the front and the steering ratio on my new box is a lot less than the original so it only takes a couple of turns lock to lock.

hoffy09 wrote:Rusty .... you have asked the million dollar question. Dix has probably given you the best answer possible but I do have a slightly different point of view.

1) The non power box's on our A100's are actually quite easy on the arms for what they are and steer well as long as they have been adjusted properly.

2) Power steering is definitely not needed on these. They are reasonably light weight and the factory tires as well as the steering geometry and ratio make them relatively easy to drive. As Dix mentioned .... it is part of the experience of driving pure American history.

3) With all of that being said, I have installed power steering on mine. I retrofitted a Toyota gear to my truck. The idea to do this began because I installed a 99 Magnum motor in my truck and it had all of the accessories bolted on, so I figured what the heck .... may as well have P/S and A/C. Now I am very happy that I have done it (even though it took a ton of research and work and fabrication) because I can run some fat Cooper Cobra's on the front and the steering ratio on my new box is a lot less than the original so it only takes a couple of turns lock to lock.

I agree about the history aspect . Like I said since my A100 needed work, I was not able to drive it of much time or distance. My father had a 108 van when I was about 14. I drove it some ( but have NO idea if it had PS) but I do not remember much about how well it was to drive..I was 14. He only owned it alittle over a year.

Not being a = a owner = gm only  here's my take!!   anyone over 60 age - do the power steering!! I know i need it already!!.  I like  especially when i park or must turn in parking lots & slow close quarters!!  Im also a fan of automatic trannys too.  

Twinpilot001 wrote:Not being a = a owner = gm only  here's my take!!   anyone over 60 age - do the power steering!! I know i need it already!!.  I like  especially when i park or must turn in parking lots & slow close quarters!!  Im also a fan of automatic trannys too.  

I understand. When I bought my last NEW car. The only things that were a must were, PS, PB, AIR/ heat, Automatic, cruise that's all I need. I'm 57

Sorry, I don't agree with the age thing. I am 59. I have 31x10.5x15 tires all the way around. My rack n pinion steering does make it a little easier, but mostly makes it dance around less.

dan nachel wrote:Sorry, I don't agree with the age thing. I am 59. I have 31x10.5x15 tires all the way around. My rack n pinion steering does make it a little easier, but mostly makes it dance around less.

How did you install a rack n pinion ?

I mounted the rack to the axle, reversed the spindles to move steering arms to front, and used a "v" gearbox out of an izusu rodeo at the bottom of steering shaft and a telescoping shaft back to the rack

any photos , I'd like to see this.

I have owned 4 A's over the years.  My current A has power steering.  It's the first I've ever seen or owned with that option.  It's a 69 A108.
My 2c.  If it were me, my money, time, and energy are better spent in other areas.  Things like front disc, engine/tranny, body/paint, seats, seals, and gas money.   

dan nachel wrote:I mounted the rack to the axle, reversed the spindles to move steering arms to front, and used a "v" gearbox out of an izusu rodeo at the bottom of steering shaft and a telescoping shaft back to the rack

Yes, pictures please. That sounds like r&d and improvisation. Love both!  

If you dont like the original steering wheel and would like to swap for smaller and you like beefy front tires then put the PS in. If you can find either the original or modifiable parts. I've got 195s up front and some more weight than normal up front and I can live with the stock steering wheel just fine.

Like said above, this is not the most important thing to do.

I'm old,fat and lazy. Give p/s,a/t,and a/c.If I can drive a cool A100 with comfort and a cold beverage, my little slice of heaven on earth.I'm even looking at power windows and locks.

if my wife drove it or I had to use it in down town new York it would have to have power steering, but I love the old steering like a truck feeling, after all it is a vintage van !!

remember = many of us here are older than the "VINTAGE" van we have!! We are "Vintage" = driving a vintage van!!  Fat is for tires & skinny & young is for women!!   

This unit came with the my van, not sure if it is correct.

playnpossum wrote:
This unit came with the my van, not sure if it is correct.

That is a stone age nightmare!  

I wouldn't mind buying a set if one of them would surface to be available. I don't need it but it'd be nice. Then again I'd have no idea where to fit that kit in the engine compartment, it is totally full. Price would have to be right.

BvrWally wrote:Was an "Optional" item in 1967 only!

According to the Sportman Factory Brochure that I have they said that it was a new option for the '69 model year and available in late Oct. '68 for the '69 models. Right or wrong that's all the info/input I have regarding availability. Scott...

I Have trying to piece a P/S system together for years for my '68.I have most of the parts.In the Picture I do not believe Harmonic Bal.& Crankshaft pulleys were part of the p/s package. What is missing is the Tie-Rod, For p/s The tie rod had a recessed (Indented) area for the two clamps at the end of the p/s Ram.The Carb linkage pivot/lever & bracket assy. on the front of the Engine (318) is Different for P/S too.That's according to my '69-'71 Dodge truck parts book. If you want to sell or trade your P/S parts please P/M me.

My 69 A108 has manual steering & is the worse thing about my van.
Its just so so heavy.
its a 318 V8 Auto & the suspension is sitting at the factory height.
it has a 15" Grant steering wheel (quite big).
The ally wheels are off a late 70's Ford Thunderbird.
The tyres are pretty big (225/75x15's I think).
Honestly its soooooo hard to park in a tight gap.
Im a big strong lad, but wow is it heavy.
Do you recon the tyres are the probable cause ?