| If
you are wanting to add power steering to your
1970 Mustang, there are some issues regarding the
centerlink and tie rod parts that you need to be
aware of. There are
differences in the sizes of the studs in the ends
of the tie rods and the mounting holes for the
ends in the centerlinks between 1969 and 1970.
Interchangeability is not cut and dried. In 1969,
generally both mustangs and cougars used tie rods
and centerlinks with smaller studs and mounting
holes. In 1969, the Boss Mustang and Cougar
Eliminator used tie rods with larger studs in the
ends and centerlinks with larger mounting holes.
In 1970, this carried over so that all mustangs
and cougars used the larger tie rod studs and
centerlink mounting holes. This also pertains to
the holes for the tie rod ends on the spindles
used in these cars. This also means that the
centerlink bar diameters are different. The
regular 1969 bars are smaller than the 69
Boss/Eliminator and all 70 Mustang bars.
To sum up:
- Smaller sizes for 1969
Mustang and Cougar (except Boss and Eliminator)
- Larger sizes for 1969 Boss
and Eliminator and ALL 1970 Mustangs and Cougars.
This information is verifed
through the Ford Master Parts Catalog, research
on Cougars through a Ford Dealership parts
department, and by others who unfortunately have
tried to install the centerlinks with the smaller
holes on their 1970 Mustangs. The tie rods won't
fit. So if you want to add power steering to your
70 Mustang, you must use a (D0ZZ-3304-B) 70
Mustang only center link (or a 69 Boss or
Eliminator). The 70 Mustang centerlinks measure
23 1/2 inches from the stud for the idler arm to
the hole at the end. Contrary to some opinions,
there is no distinction between big block and
small block engines. The engine size does not
matter pertaining to these parts. The idler arm
should be a power steering version 67 to 70
Mustang. The pitman arm, connecting the draglink
control valve to the steering gear box, should be
the power steering version for the 67 to 70
Mustang with the 1 1/8 inch sector shaft. You
will know a power steering pitman arm because it
has holes on both ends. I recommend just getting
a new or rebuilt control valve and power
cylinder.
Hopefully this information will
keep anyone from acquiring incorrect parts and
then finding out at installation that things
won't fit.
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