I am considering a rack and pinion steering conversion in my 2007 4 liter V6 Ranger to manual from power, but am wondering a few things.

First, is the extra steering effort with manual control. I tried with having the engine off and put the gearshift into neutral and try turning the wheel. That was a rough turn, but I wonder how close that would be after conversion.

Then, I considered the routing of the drive belt after pump removal. I have already removed all air conditioning components, so the compressor is no longer installed. Regarding the conversion, all i'd be left with are the coolant pump, idler and alternator. Based on routing without the compressor or power steering pump, would the idler pulley create enough additional tension to 'grab' the coolant pump pulley and alternator pulley? --I would rather not add an additional pulley to the system.

And finally what options would there be for a manual rack and pinion that would be compatible with the 2007? Are there kits available in a manual set that would work for a 2007? From the research that i've done, Ford didn't offer the Ranger in this model year without power steering.

If you're wondering why I am considering this, it would be for drag reduction on the accessory belt. For weight reduction, and improved gasoline mileage, however minute. And further, there is nothing wrong with my current steering system.

 

Maybe rig up an electric motor to turn the steering pump, and so save the drag on the crank?

I grew up driving a '63 Chevy truck, straight-6/manual 3 spd trans with manual steering/manual brakes. It was work to park it, or maneuver in tight places. Parallel parking was a nightmare. Tthe steering wheel will wear from the extra effort. Consider this before you rip out your pump. :D

Have you considered an underdrive pulley for the crank?

 

thank you m angelo for your input here. i'm a rather amateur and beginner with most of this stuff, so i dont know what you mean by 'drag on the crank', or what an underdrive pulley is.

if you mean crankshaft by crank, i would think thered be less drag on that with removing the power steering pump for the manual steering. but what is this 'underdrive pulley'?

i do know about wear on the steering wheel though. i have a bit of that already.

but, regarding putting in an electric pump instead, i would still rather go without any pump. when i do switch to a manual steering rack, from the pictures ive seen, they dont look like they have connections on them for a pump.