Has anyone done a power steering upgrade or swap with one of the Borgenson units? I have a 73 LDO that needs a new or rebuild valve unit so thinking about a newer P/S setup. Also would like to put headers on car but have auto column shift and most I have seen say they will not work(fit)?
The only thing I don't like about the Borgenson conversion is that the power steering hoses run right next to the exhaust manifold (or header). There really isn't anwhere else to route them...
I've had Borgenson kit for about 12 years. And yes, hoses for the V8 ran to close to the headers.I wound up replacing them with 6 Cyl. replacements which are little longer. If your going to use Ford, Thompson pump you may be able to have hoses made. If I recall the hoses for Borg are specific for their setup.
I have Doug Thorley's on my Column shift Comet, clear shift linkage but are too close to steering sector. Rebuilding the P/S valve is a piece of cake. OK I'm kiddin' but have rebuilt the one on Comet and two additional units for my Fairlane & Cobra. Those two were factory manual so required full system installs. https://www.mmb.maverick.to/attachments/69fairlaneps3-003-jpg.126911/
I did this conversion years ago, i even did a whole writeup on it but all the pics were on photobucket. I was probably one of the first people to do it to a maverick because the first gearbox they sent me was the wrong ratio and they had to make and send me a replacement. You can check out this link, mine is referenced in it but his still has pictures Anybody using one of these power steering conversion kits? | Maverick/Comet Forums
First restoration I just put it back to factory with the hanging hydraulics but never liked the feel of the steering and with headers I had to use a drop bracket to clear the factory center link which caused horrible bump steer since hydraulic cylinder and center link were not parallel. When i did the cowl repair and took motor out I took opportunity to do the Borgenson retrofit. Used hoses from Borgenson. I dont like how close the hoses are to the headers so I wrapped the hoses with fiberglass hi heat wrap. Steering feel is much better, bumpsteer is gone BUT I dont have good return to center after making a turn. Return to center is based on alignment Caster setting and with 15" front wheels I dont have enough caster to get it to return to center after a turn. If I dial in more caster the wheels hit the wheel wells. So in the end I am not really satisfied with either solution. Maybe Rack and pinion are the way to go, will pick up a lottery ticket on way home tonight......
