Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I want to install power steering in my 55 Panama. Is the steering pump the same in the Monroe system and the Bendix system. The best info I can find makes me believe the Monroe was used in the 55 Panama and not the Bendix. I also noticed the the steering gear box has a different part number comparing standard to power steering. The number of turns, lock to lock is different. Has anyone done this conversion?

The pumps are different. Monroe pumps have a higher output pressure.

There have been a few conversions and while the steering ratio is slightly different and slower on manual cars, I don't believe it was found to be a problem when used with power. Changing the box on a 55 is much more difficult than on the 56 and at least one person felt it was not worth the trouble.

Best is to get a complete power assist assy from a parts car to ensure you have all the correct brackets and linkage. I believe most prefer the Monroe for it's simplicity and personally, I think it has a better feel. It was used a lot more in 56 & was even on some seniors.

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I believe the Monroe-equipped cars have a restriction orifice installed (15.844) and that orifice raises the pressure to the requirement for the Monroe cylinder. The pumps are identical otherwise. I had a Monroe system on my first 400 and liked it very much. It had a positive feel. The Bendix unit unit has too many hoses and moving parts. The Monroe system gets rid of the idler lever/bushing and the attendant slop. I converted my 400 over using the pump and cylinder from my parts car which had a Monroe system. I converted the Caribbean to Monroe using a NOS cylinder and used parts from Mike D. I just like the feel better than the Bendix.
I believe the Monroe system was used on a lot of senior cars in 56. You can find Bendix and Monroe systems on both Jr. and Sr. cars in the last year.