I assume this would be a similar list across all classic Mopar platforms but if it matters, this is a '73 A-body.

I understand that the steering column/shaft (?) is longer for manual cars...but the adaptors (from Mancini, etc.) are a safe option, correct?

Will the power steering pitman arm still work?
What other linkage parts will need to be swapped?

Any advantages to going with a pricier/updated Flaming River or Firmfeel box rather than a rebuilt OEM unit?

Does anyone regret going with a "quick ratio" 16:1 box? Is it too heavy?

Anything else a fella should know?

Thanks for any info!!
-Mike

'73 Dart Sport here. My buddy gave me a manual box out of a '65 Sport Fury, which is a C-body, and it works great. No need to change the pitman arm. The column is another issue but I just lengthened mine as the '73's are collapsible. My stock coupler hit the TTI headers so I bought the high dollar Flaming River coupler and it works great. The big TTI headers with a low deck are a PITA but they do fit without any mods to them. I also had to buy a cable shifter because the headers don't allow for the column stuff to work. I would imagine you would need a hydraulic slave with a clutch car as well.

Interesting info, Dave. Thank you!

I'm surprised about the pitman arm being compatible...that's very good news.

I'm also working on a Dart Sport (picture attached). I have Doug's Headers which work fine with the linkage for the auto trans...it sounds like the Flaming River coupler might be a requirement for me too.

The cable shifter was only a requirement because of your headers, right? I can't imagine how the steering box would be relevant but just want to make sure I understood.

Right. Cable shifter due to the headers.

Is that buckets or a split bench? Nice car!

Depends on the year/model of the manual box donor.

The 73 A body has two different pitman arms depending on power or manual.

IIRC, C body (nd truck/van) manual boxes used the same sized output shaft as the A body power boxes, but the A body manual box used a smaller diameter output shaft, hence the need for a different pitman arm. I believe B bodies boxes follw the A body ones in output shaft sizing.

Thanks! It photographs better than it looks in person. Most of the paint is original and it shows. It has a split bench. The seats are in good shape...but I'm in the process of finding period-correct looking black vinyl sports car seats. This probably means 240/260z seats...which are all trashed by now! :p

How's your car set up?



Ah... this makes sense. Much appreciated!

Mine has the original bench but I seriously need to get the one you have.