Borgeson steering box installation problems

[sprecks]

I just got a new Borgeson steering box and tried to install it in my car. Has anyone ever installed one of these units in a car with a gen 2 Hemi? My car has stock exhaust manifolds and seems to be hitting the manifold at the backside of # 1 cylinder. I removed the manifold to install the box and can not get the manifold back on because of the clearance issue.

 

[Adam]

I have not done this mod, but can you post a pic? How much interference is there? Maybe relieve the exhaust manifold in that spot?; Taller motor mounts?

 

[sprecks]

Here's a pic. I am considering getting the grinder out and relieving the manifold a bit like you suggest. It looks like the manifold bolt holes need about 1/8 inch to line up. Like the engine needs to move forward about 1/8 inch.

 

[challenger6pak]

And what did Borgeson say?

 

[sprecks]

No reply from Borgeson yet. I just sent them a message a little bit ago. I doubt if they reply before Monday. Could be partly my fault for not asking them if it would fit a hemi car before I bought it. The description says all mopar 62 -79.

 

[challenger6pak]

I think they will have a solution. The hemi swap is getting popular.

 

[sprecks]

Just had a thought, how bad would it screw up my front end geometry if I made some 1/4 inch shims to put behind the steering box where it mounts to the k-frame? I think that would give me the clearance needed but I don't want to create a different problem.

 

[70chall440]

That might work, I have read where others have shimmed their steering boxes and made it work. A question, would moving the engine up help?

 

[tonysrt]

I have a 71 Cuda Gen 2 hemi and repro exhaust manifolds and the borgeson fit perfectly. I also have a hemi K frame with the original style motor mounts. By any chance are using the B k frame and the Schumacher mounts? I have that box in several years already and love it.

 

[sprecks]

I have a 71 Cuda Gen 2 hemi and repro exhaust manifolds and the borgeson fit perfectly. I also have a hemi K frame with the original style motor mounts. By any chance are using the B k frame and the Schumacher mounts? I have that box in several years already and love it.

I have a hemi k-frame with original style mounts and reproduction manifolds also.

 

[sprecks]

That might work, I have read where others have shimmed their steering boxes and made it work. A question, would moving the engine up help?

I don't think lifting the engine will work. It's more of a forward/aft issue. I have picked up the engine slightly to try to line up the manifold bolt holes with no success. Thanks for the thought though.

 

[tonysrt]

I just went and looked at my installation again. I have a lot of room, at least 1/2" and more from manifold. I also have the poly motor mounts, and total thickness looked about 11/4". I'm wondering if there is a difference in the boxes size. I did the Hemi install 18 years ago and the box about 5 years ago. I was just thinking about tranny install, I have a tremec 5 speed. Is tranny crossmember and mount good and installed? I'm just trying to cover some of the bases we don't always think of.

 

[sprecks]

I just went and looked at my installation again. I have a lot of room, at least 1/2" and more from manifold. I also have the poly motor mounts, and total thickness looked about 11/4". I'm wondering if there is a difference in the boxes size. I did the Hemi install 18 years ago and the box about 5 years ago. I was just thinking about tranny install, I have a tremec 5 speed. Is tranny crossmember and mount good and installed? I'm just trying to cover some of the bases we don't always think of.

My car has been running for years as well. I always had a manual box and decided to install power steering. I'm running an automatic and the mount is in good shape. My motor mounts are made of rubber and I just measured them to be 1-1/4 inch thick. I'm wondering if my k-frame mount is off a bit? It is a reproduction unit that Megaparts was selling about 15 years ago. If they were off by just a little it could make a lot of difference.

 

[sprecks]

I got it together. I ended up remounting the steering box with 1/4 inch thick shims between the box and k-frame. Bingo! The exhaust manifold bolted right up. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[challenger512]

Hello. I am also installing the same system. What type of oil do people use on borgeson power steering.

 

[sprecks]

Hello. I am also installing the same system. What type of oil do people use on borgeson power steering.

I'm planning on using ATF

 

[tonysrt]

He recommends power steering fluid only, no ATF.

 

[sprecks]

He recommends power steering fluid only, no ATF.

Thanks, I haven't put any ATF in it yet so I'll get the power steering fluid. I wish he would write that into the paper work that comes in the box with the unit. I didn't see anything saying what to use. I've used ATF in the factory stock units for 45 years with no issues.

 

[tonysrt]

I did my first install in 2013 and the paper work has a picture of the coupler on it and 2nd paragraph under it says "Do Not Use Transmission Fluid". I live about 10 miles from Pete Bergman so I pickup at the shop.

 

[sprecks]

I did my first install in 2013 and the paper work has a picture of the coupler on it and 2nd paragraph under it says "Do Not Use Transmission Fluid". I live about 10 miles from Pete Bergman so I pickup at the shop.

I relooked at my installation instructions and sure enough it says to use power steering fluid. My mistake. Instructions, who reads instructions.....lol. Thanks for keeping me from screwing up Tony.