We recently had the opportunity to install a quicker 16:1 ratio manual steering box in place of the factory 20:1 ratio steering box in a 1964 Falcon Ranchero to improve steering response. Power steering equipped models and high performance Mustang models came with the faster 16:1 ratio from the factory. Because the steering box was manual, the faster ratio would also increase steering effort. To offset this, our customer selected and provided a roller bearing idler arm.
The steering box in this vehicle is more challenging to replace because the steering shaft is rigid and is integrated with the steering box. This makes removal and installation more complex, requiring disassembly of the steering column. Here we can see the old and new steering boxes.
The 1964 Ranchero was available with several six cylinder engine options and one 260 cubic V8. This particular car had a 351W swapped in, and the shock towers had been sectioned and rewelded to provide room for the V8 by a previous owner. Once the steering box was unbolted from the frame, and the steering column disassembled and removed from its mount so the box could pivot away from the frame, we found that the exhaust manifold and motor mount on the driver side prevented the box from being removed, so the engine was supported, the exhaust pipes, manifold, and engine mount were removed.
With the pitman arm also disconnected, the steering box was removed and replaced, the idler arm swapped, and then everything was reassembled. While the steering column was apart, we had an opportunity to address another issue identified by the owner, the turn signals did not turn off as expected when the wheel was straightened following a turn. There is a plastic cam assembly on the left side of the column in alignment with the turn signal lever and there area pair of prongs attached to a ring that are supposed to engage them. These were found to have been installed to the right, 180 degrees from where they needed to be, during some prior service work in the column. The collar supporting the prongs was pulled and correctly re-indexed and the column and steering wheel re-assembled.
Following reassembly, the Ranchero was aligned setting caster and camber, and resetting toe. We hope the improved steering responsiveness adds to the pleasure of driving this 351W powered, 4 speed manual shifted classic Ford. The amazing paint and American classic wheels make this a real head turner!