Upgrade Your Classic 1965-1970 Mustang Power Steering — Crisp, Modern Feel with a Classic Fit

Why Upgrade Your Classic Mustang Steering?

If you’re working on a classic 1965 1970 Mustang and you’ve ever felt that the steering just doesn’t respond the way you’d like — too much play, slow feedback, mushy feel — you’re not alone. Older power-steering systems often suffer from worn linkages, aging control valves, and mechanical compromises that become glaring relative to modern driving.
That’s why we want to highlight the Borgeson Integral Power Steering Conversion Kits available at Stang-Aholics. They are designed specifically for the 1965-1970 Classic Mustang with small-block V8 and Inline 6 Cylinder engines and offer a meaningful upgrade without sacrificing the classic look. (Yes — you’re still in vintage Mustang territory, but with improved drive feel.)

The factory power steering system on 1960s era Mustangs used a separate ram and control valve setup — effective for its time, but prone to leaks and excessive play. The Borgeson system replaces all of that with a modern, integrated power steering box that delivers a quick 14:1 steering ratio and dramatically tighter response.

•  Eliminate leaks from the original control valve and hoses
•  Gain a modern power-assist feel without losing your car’s vintage engine bay looks
•  Maintain factory mounting points at frame and pitman steering arm compatibility
•  Improve safety and driver confidence — especially at highway speeds

Fitment & Compatibility Notes (Important!)

Because you’re dealing with a classic car, details matter. Before ordering your parts, you should check the following:

• Confirm your pitman arm/sector shaft size: Here is a good rule of thumb: 1965 - EARLY67 Mustangs use a 1-inch sector shaft. Late 1967-70 Year Mustangs use a 1-1/8" sector shaft. We ALWAYS advise people to double-check their Pitman arm and steering box output shaft diameter first, and not to assume their system's size.

• Check your Steering Column Connection: If your steering column does not have a rag joint between the steering column and the steering gearbox (i.e., the column is the solid shaft version), you will need a 1965- EARLY1967 year Kit. If your steering Column has a rag joint, you will need the Late 1967–1970-year kits with the Rag Joint included. 

• If you have a manual transmission and the stock Z-bar (equalizer bar) is still in place, you will need to buy the modified version we offer (65-66 Years Only), or you will have to modify your bar (67-70 Years) to clear the new hoses. If you have an automatic transmission, this does not apply.

• If your factory Ford power steering pump is old/poorly performing: The factory Ford pump “works fine" above idle but will offer very little power assist under 800 RPMs. With that being said, you may want to consider pairing this kit with a modern Saginaw pump (available in some kits) for better low-RPM assist.

• Check your Engine Crank Pulley: Make sure you have a Dual or Triple Groove Crank Pulley to be able to run a belt to your Power Steering Pump if your car did not have Power Steering prior.  
  
  
• Check Engine Exhaust Header Clearances: Since this integral steering box is slightly larger than a stock steering box, some aftermarket long tube and shorty exhaust headers MAY not clear. Look at your stock steering box and current headers to see how much room you have between the box and the headers. If it's already tight, your current headers may not fit. We offer aftermarket long tube headers, which are designed specifically to clear this larger integral box. 

Installation Tips & What to Expect

• Before installation: Remove the old steering box, control valve, any leaking hoses, and any worn-out components. While you’re under the car, inspect the pitman arm, idler arm, tie rod ends, and general steering linkage condition — new steering feel helps best when the rest of the system is in good condition and tight.

• For this Borgeson kit:

  • Bolt the new box into the stock mount location on the frame rail — no shock tower modifications should be necessary if you're using correct fitment.

  • Re-install the pitman arm onto the sector shaft (confirm correct match with the new box shaft diameter to pitman arm).

  • Route the power steering hoses carefully, avoiding rubbing or touching anything hot and/or interfering with other components (especially with a manual transmission Z-bar, if present).

  • If you’re still using the stock Ford pump, check for flow and assist at idle. If low assist bothers you (e.g., for stop-and-go driving), consider the new Saginaw pump we offer (separately or with some kits).

  • After installation, bleed the system properly and check for play or lash in the steering — the new steering gear should reduce slack/looseness significantly.

• What you’ll notice: The steering wheel should feel far more solid, direct. Instead of a “dead zone” on center, you’ll likely sense better road feedback. The 14:1 ratio means quicker response — good for spirited driving, but keep in mind that it requires good working linkages and alignment for safety.

• Don’t forget: After the install, re-check everything after the first drive (hose routing, fasteners, fluid level). And if you have old or worn steering/suspension components, consider refreshing them (tie rods, idler arm, center link) to maximize the benefit of your new steering gear.

Final Thoughts

“It feels like a modern performance car, but still looks like my classic Mustang.” — Customer review, Stang-Aholics