rack and pinoin vs 605 gearhead

[wolfpupsdad]

 i'm planing on doing something to impove the steering on my ol ranchwagon , the old 64 kenworth log truck i drove steered easier.
heres the question , after doin alil research i've found out the rack and pinion set ups i've checked out they say ya can't use a manual transmission. my wagon is a 390 4 speed and plan on keeping it that way. i'm still waiting for a reply from gearheads on this issue , what have some of you folks done??? ya'll can't be automatic nutz.

[bagboy]

Hi, had both systems.R&P drives great[ google gearheads see link to HRBB]  .the support bearing locates st clutch cross shaft.Hyd system would be the way to go.Again, read customer reviews at HRBB{HOT RODDERS BUL.BOARD] 

[wolfpupsdad]

 boy makes one wonder about gearheads 605 system. 

[bagboy]

I saw on web an AOD to FE adapter ,if you like good gas milegage.my 57 351w gets 20mpg on the road. O yea, no wonder just the facts!!

[wolfpupsdad]

BTW bagboy ya didn't say anything about your experience with the 605 steering box. does anyone else have any imput??

[bagboy]

Hi, did you go to HRBB? enter 57 ford /gm 605, sums it up.

[bagboy]

If you want your wagon to drive like a few years old car,go for the rack and work out the clutch problem.I have had three friends drive my wagon,all were impressed.

[wolfpupsdad]

thanks bag boy , i read the posts on the other forum , not to impressive. i think the rack and pinion route is the way to go, my wife says if i take out the 4 speed shes divorcing me. i'd love to see a real good close up shot of the final installation to see if that center steering support bearing is need.
  a few years ago i put a complete amc pacer clip under a 56 sudebaker hawk , worked out great, was told bye the guys that set it up that as long as you stayed under 15 degrees a center support wasn't needed. anyone have some good close up photos???

[bagboy]

Why not call Rick at  wurth-it and talk.HE'S A GREAT GUY 970-434-7123.And I'll bet Gearheads takes a while to reply too. Tell  rick tom sent you.

[wolfpupsdad]

 well bagboy thats the number i've called for the last week now and all i get is some recording asking for my pass word. will keep trying tho .

[bagboy]

At times he has to deal with his wife's illness [web site  sums it up]. keep trying it's worth it [no pun]

[RAWms]

I agree with bagboy, keep trying.  His wife's issue was an accidental fall of some 5-6' a year ago+ and the bones will not mend and several surgeries; another about right now.  Rick is a good guy and stands behind his product.  r

[wolfpupsdad]

 UPDATE!!!!!!!! , just finished talking to rick at wurth-it. his rack and pinion can be used with a manual transmission  ya just have to go to a floor shift. the original columnshift linkage has to be deleted for the shaft modifications. the center support bracket he makes is different between automatic and manual, the manual bracke has a provision for the pivot ball for the clutch cross shaft. wolfie is a happy camper and will be order his unit next month.

[60tbirdrick]

Please do yourself a favor and stay away from this particular 605 conversion. I have one in my 60 Thunderbird and I absolutely hate it (not to mention the problems with it). This subject has been discused in pretty good detail on this link.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/57-ford-gm-605-p-s-wanders-bad-95741.html
I don't want to say that the 605 box itself is junk. It may be a good way to go if it is engineered correctly.