Coupling/ Manual steering-to-rack. 1982-89

[12Ounce]

TRYING TO CONVERT FROM POWER TO MANUAL STEERING ON 1983 ESCORT WAGON

I know, I know ... this ain't what folks usually want to do. But I'm tired of the fluid leaks on the power steering racks. If I get a rebuilt one, they usually go a year or so before starting to leak. So I would like to convert my power steering to manual. I have a reman manual rack, but much to my surprise the input splined shaft to the two racks are different. So my old coupling that hooks the rack to the steering column doesn't work.

Anyone know where I can obtain a coupling ... column to rack ....manual steering???? It's about a foot long, has female spline coupling on each end, and has two swivel/universal joints in its mid-section.

????

I already walked thru a large scrap yard ... no luck.

[Will Help]

May have to order form Ford. This item is typically not a parts store item. The problem may be that parts were redesigned and the manual one has an outdated/updated version spline. The steering column spline will be the same as the power unit spline. May have to switch steering columns as you will not find the link with 2 different splines on each end. Or you can exchange back to the power unit and install power steering conditioner in with the new fluid to keep seals pliable.

[12Ounce]

Thanks for reply. Ford has discontinued any part older than 1990, per my local dealer. So they are no help.

Yes the column spline is the same, power or manual. But the input on the manual racks and the power racks is indeed different ... therefore there are two couplings ...one for power, one for manual.

I am going to look in a couple of old bone yards.

[mightymoose_22]

You have been to local boneyards with no luck... have you tried any online?
Google is your friend. Lots of yards will take your request for a part and check their inventory.