I lost the belt on my '85 once and I could immediately tell the
difference.  It sounds like your power steering wasn't working right
before you lost the belt.

If my power steering rack ever goes out I'll definitely repair or
replace with another power steering rack.

The geometry is different with the power steering models.  If you put in
a standard rack and don't change the steering knuckles the van will be
harder to steer than factory standard steering models.  Also, the
coupler from the steering shaft to the rack is different and would have
to be changed.

If one should go the other way and change a standard rack to a power
rack and leave the standard steering knuckles in there ... the van will
be a bit easier to steer than a factory power steering model (more turns
of the steering wheel from lock to lock).

Mike

Edward Maglott wrote:
> To switch from power steering to manual on a 86+ van, what do you need to
> replace other than the rack?  Is it just the tie rods?
>
> BTW, I had my belt fly off on a trip a few years ago.  I drove about 300
> miles and didnt' even notice that it was missing.  Even in parking lots.
> The thing that clued me in was the lack of whining from the PS pump that
> I've had since owning the van.
>
> Thanks,
> Edward
>
>
>
>>You can put the manual type (larger) steering wheel on a van equiped
>>with power steering.  It'll actually make steering a bit easier as
>>there's more leverage.
>>
>>Mike
>>'84 GL 7 pass (standard steering)
>>'85 GL Westy (power steering)
>>
>>
>>Mike Frost wrote:
>>
>>>Ok now I am starting to think manual steering is a good idea. I have
>>>always
>
>