V8 conversion

When changing my 64 Comet from the 200CID to a 289, is it necessary to change anything with regards to the steering system? I know about the Granada spindles and tie rod ends for disc brakes. It is the actual steering linkage I need to know about. Thanks

Originally Posted by CanuckComet

When changing my 64 Comet from the 200CID to a 289, is it necessary to change anything with regards to the steering system? I know about the Granada spindles and tie rod ends for disc brakes. It is the actual steering linkage I need to know about. Thanks

No , and if you have the power steering that came with some 6 cy. like my 64 falcon was , then the granada tie rod ends should screw in to the couplings as mine did on my falcon . non power may be different . I never found this out until I bought a custom tie rod for $ 90/00 that never fit . Later I got the V 8 power steering and the granada tie rod ends fit it to . If you don't have power I would suggest you get the 65 as it is more avalible , the 64 is obslete . I'm believe the falcon and comet were the same in 64 as to parts .

I don't have power stearing and actually prefer to keep it that way (then my wife won't want to dive it). Nice to know there is one less thing to worry about during the change over.

Originally Posted by CanuckComet

I don't have power stearing and actually prefer to keep it that way (then my wife won't want to dive it). Nice to know there is one less thing to worry about during the change over.

Yeah I understand L.O.L. , the falcon , comet are light weights and don't really need power steering , you will gain a little weight but not much . Mine came with power so I left it and they are a problem sometimes . the bad thing about them is to remove the power you need to change the steering gear to as it is a different ratio than standard . you can add power to a standard gear and be ok but not the other way around , it is harder to turn than one that came with standard steering . I had another falcon with a v/8 and standard steering and it was ok . I realize you don't need any of this information for what you are doing , I thought this might be a opportunity to pass this information along to others that can make use of it . Good luck on your project and keep us up to date on it . JIM

Originally Posted by 64 futura

Yeah I understand L.O.L. , the falcon , comet are light weights and don't really need power steering , you will gain a little weight but not much . Mine came with power so I left it and they are a problem sometimes . the bad thing about them is to remove the power you need to change the steering gear to as it is a different ratio than standard . you can add power to a standard gear and be ok but not the other way around , it is harder to turn than one that came with standard steering . I had another falcon with a v/8 and standard steering and it was ok . I realize you don't need any of this information for what you are doing , I thought this might be a opportunity to pass this information along to others that can make use of it . Good luck on your project and keep us up to date on it . JIM

Actually I hate to say it but the last post is wrong.
If you have power, you DONT need to change the steering gear(box) to go to manual steering. You DO need to change to a manual steering adapter that takes the place of the steering valve assembly. The steering box doesnt matter. The steering assembly will work just fine. The tie rods are completely DIFFERENT for the LH inner and LH outer for a manual vs power set-up. And it differs from early 1965 to late 1965 (up to June 65/after June 65.) The 1965 rods are avail from specialty places, both kinds, but make sure you specify your cars build date from the Door plate.
If you have trouble turning the wheel with a manual 1965 set-up, first check the Idler arm. Is it original stock if you can tell? The stock originals were designed to bring your steering wheel back to center after a turn. The new designed Idlers DONT, and are made to make turning easier and smoother. Thats often a mistake shops make in diagnosing a faulty front suspension.
I hope this info can help save you from doing things that are unnecessary or myths that have been passed on.
Have fun!

I knew they changed the steering components in June of 64, but didn't know they changed them again in 65.

Originally Posted by retyler

I knew they changed the steering components in June of 64, but didn't know they changed them again in 65.

I meant 1964, as you said. My bad. 1965 is the same as 1964 steering wise.

Originally Posted by 65 BFX

Actually I hate to say it but the last post is wrong.
If you have power, you DONT need to change the steering gear(box) to go to manual steering. You DO need to change to a manual steering adapter that takes the place of the steering valve assembly. The steering box doesnt matter. The steering assembly will work just fine. The tie rods are completely DIFFERENT for the LH inner and LH outer for a manual vs power set-up. And it differs from early 1965 to late 1965 (up to June 65/after June 65.) The 1965 rods are avail from specialty places, both kinds, but make sure you specify your cars build date from the Door plate.
If you have trouble turning the wheel with a manual 1965 set-up, first check the Idler arm. Is it original stock if you can tell? The stock originals were designed to bring your steering wheel back to center after a turn. The new designed Idlers DONT, and are made to make turning easier and smoother. Thats often a mistake shops make in diagnosing a faulty front suspension.
I hope this info can help save you from doing things that are unnecessary or myths that have been passed on.
Have fun!

The manual and power box are different ratio . it is not a myth , order a new one and listen to the first thing they will ask " is it power or manual " thats what they will ask because I just went though that .You can use either one with power . It may mater to some as it will be harder to turn sitting still with the different gear ratio . I know all power steering is not that way as my 56 ford uses the same gear for both , so I guess it depends on how hard you want it to turn when you want to parllel park .I know the power and manual set up are not the same If you go back and check you will see I brought that up .my 64 falcon I bought new in 64 came with power steering and a 170 6/cy engine . the granada outer tie rod ends screwed in . I later installed a 289 engine and changed all of the power steering to the parts that came on the 64 v/8 falcons , which are a little different than the 65 falcon . the same granada outer tie rod ends screwed in . The custom tie rod you are talking about will not fit . Beings I bought my falcon new and have had it apart many, many times , I believe I know what fits and don't fit . With all of the new replacement parts ,which is every thing in the front suspension that I have just replaced , It steers as good if not better than it did when it was a new car . I don't know how you can say I am wrong with out looking under my car . I know he was asking about a comet ,I thought I made It clear I was talking about a 64 falcon , not a 65 . I know about the manual steering adapter . I new he had manual steering , I just wanted anybody that had a [ 64 ] falcon . with power , 6/ cy or v/ 8 , they never had to buy custom outer tie rod ends as the granadas will fit . I have a $90.00 one that will not fit power steering , manual maybe , but not power . The 65 power set up will fit the 64 as I stated before and is the best of the poorly designed ford power steering unit . There was [ 3 ] different steering setups for the late 63 and early 64 falcon , one manual , one v/8 power , one 6/cy power and I have owned all three . As I said, gear ratio is not a myth and have you ever tried it .

Originally Posted by 65 BFX

I meant 1964, as you said. My bad. 1965 is the same as 1964 steering wise.

They are not the same but the 65 setup will fit the 64 . the 65 has a solid cross link and the 63 ,64 have a two part cross link . The 64 uses [ 4 ] different steering set ups . one 6/cy manual with its tie rods , one v/8 manual with its tie rods , one power setup v/8 with its tie rods and rarest of all one power setup 6/cy with its tie rods . Manual steering gear , ratio , [19:1 ] and the power steering uses a [ 16: 1 ] . I know you think that is a myth but the part # are [ C4dz-3504-A ] and [C4dz-3504-B ] . Falcon parts . com . Falcon Interprises ,north highlands , CA. phone 916 -339 2818 . Dont take my word for it check it out before you say something is a myth . Or just order one like I started to do, only $450.00 .