W123 manual Steering box opinions
 

Hi everyone.

I have a 1983 300TD

It’s a mess but I’m rehabbing

I’ve been swapping all “power” items;

Windows
Sunroof
Locks
240d 4spd manual coming soon

-To manual low tech options.

I found a 240d with manual steering box at wrecker and am wondering if anyone has driven the heavier 300 with a manual box?
I’m also planning to run taller/wider tires than stock

I’d like to remove the (minimal) power drain of the pump from the engine and go with the Armstrong brand of steering if that’s not too ridiculous.
I also don’t enjoy the overly assisted feel of the power steering I have.

All opinions welcomed.
Tech advice especially welcomed.

Should I go pull this manual box?

Thank you

Side question, why does the throttle linkage on this 240d have a stabilizer/strut/oil shock?

I wouldn't do the PS swap to manual IF, the car it is coming from is over 200K due to wear, if there will be a lot of around town driving or lastly if any drivers of the car aren't strong enough for manual steering.

Had a 115 manual steer when I was young and wouldn't want it today.

Taller sidewalls will make the car less stable, wider tires may make steering harder.

Good luck, if you do the swap please post the results.

Thanks for this. I will be the primary driver and driven Volvo 142/145 cars for years with many different tires sizes and no power steering.

Not concerned about the stability as don’t drive this yacht all sport style.

I’m currently using Metris wheels and stock hankook tires on it. Pretty large H&R wheel spacer/adapters front and rear.
They are 26.5” outside diameter and I think 225 width. I’m planning to do a mild lift and some 27x8.50r14 on the 14x6” 300 “Steelie” aluminum wheels.

Certainly not for purists. But it’s probably a temporary setup while I’m just keeping up on the current fads.

I’ll give that steering box a good wiggle before I pull it. I don’t know the mileage on the car. Someone pulled the gauges and the shift assembly before I found it.
This will also depend on what the yard is asking for it.
I really need to concentrate on the 240d 4spd swap before I worry about he steering. But I like to have the parts prepped and waiting when I get time to play with the car.

I love my manual steering box. Make sure you get the lower shaft and pittman arm and grommet

Manual Steering
 

You'll find it seriously hard to steer at low speeds being a wagon and all .

Where you live is not good to have wider tires, they will make for heavier steering .

I like to slap my graymarket wagon around the canyons above you and it does fine on the stock width tires .

Alloy disc wheels are very nice indeed, I have a full set of 5 stock ones for sale if you want .

Wider tires are almost never a good idea .

As long as you don't mind the reduction in acceleration I think taller tires are the way to go .

Everyone has their specific tastes and needs .

I say do it ! Make it a "man's car". I drove a 220D without PS years ago...it worked just fine. I have a big block corvette without PS, had it 40 years, and it works just fine. My 300D has PS, but I would go without if needed. I've moved my battery to the trunk with the 300D, it transfers weight for better handling. You could consider doing that to your TD...takes some weight off the front and not that hard to do.

Yes!

Listen it’s not that I’m only hearing what I want to.

Why the Pittman and all? Different steering arm length?

Looks like I’m going out Wednesday to get parts. I hope the car is still there.

I’ll measure up all mine to be somewhat sure of fit

ALSO, I’ll still have the PS gear for re-installation.

so far I’m not dissuaded

I know wider is harder to turn with manual box, but the much wider Metris rubber has been great for driving about
The weedy 195/14 are not going to cut it for me

My tires will be a General Grabber ATX. Basically copies of the BFG KO AT tire. Keeping them sized so they’ll fit without cutting. But I like to go out and play on dirt roads and dry lakes. A little off-road traction and taller profile are where it’s at for me.

I will update if/when I get parts

I like a manual steer on a 240 but love the stock tires. Precise handling and good ride is what a 240 was designed to do. Big tires and heavy wheels will make it ride like a fifties truck. ....actually that seems to be your goal. To each his own....

I suspect it will be a little more truck like but not so bad. I’ve owned many 60’s trucks w/o PS and they were fine. I’m a big fella and can muscle the wheel as needed.

I’m not looking for better street handling with this setup. It will be for dirt road hijinx.

Basically lite duty emulation of the white wagon from a Jalopnic article or that semi-famous mustard color TD that went to Africa

I like to take family overnight to the dry lakes around SoCal and do a little forest road exploration when things aren’t on fire this should be a fun car for that

Thanks