Cardone
Steering Gear

Cardone 97-6539GB Steering Gear

Brand Cardone 97-6539GB
Color Black
E-Waste No
Hose Port Type Seat
Input Shaft Diameter (in) 0.88
Input Shaft Diameter (mm) 22.225
Input Shaft Spline Count 31
Input Shaft Type Splined, Grooved
Number of Mounting Holes 3
Output Shaft Diameter (in) 1.25
Output Shaft Diameter (mm) 31.75
Package Contents Gear instruction sheet, Flushing instruction, Instruction tag
Pitman Arm Included No
Pressure Port Thread Size 11/16 x 18
Product Condition New
Pump Rotation Standard
Return Port ID Size 0
Return Port Thread Size 5/8 x 18
Steering Box Type Power Steering
Total Turns Lock to Lock 4 1/8 (+/- 1/8)
Product line Steering Gear
Fits Ford and Mercury · 21 vehicles

OE form, fit, and function. Meets or exceeds original performance standards for a direct replacement.

Computerized load testing. Verifies reliable performance and consistent steering feel.

O.E.-grade seals and boots. Helps deliver lasting sealing performance and longevity.

$352.43Free shipping
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Cardone Steering Gear for Classic Ford and Mercury

Cardone 97-6539GB is a new power steering gear box engineered for select Ford and Mercury vehicles with Saginaw gear applications. It is built to restore steering response, returnability, and sealing performance with OE-style fit and function.

For drivers searching for a replacement steering gear for a 1971-1973 Ford Mustang, 1974-1979 Mercury Cougar, or 1977-1979 Ford Thunderbird, this unit is designed to deliver consistent steering feel and dependable operation.

Key Features

  • 100% computerized testing at load for reliable performance
  • Computerized spool valve balancing for consistent steering feel and returnability
  • Meets or exceeds OE form, fit, and function
  • Environmentally friendly black coating helps resist rust and maintain a clean appearance
  • Supplied with OE-grade seals and O-rings for sealing performance and longevity
  • New power steering gear box, not a remanufactured unit
  • Part number: 97-6539GB

Product Details

Cardone’s Steering Gear line is built from extensive reverse-engineering experience and focuses on correcting original design weaknesses found in steering components. The 97-6539GB steering gear uses hardened, ground, and polished rotating and actuating components to support long-term durability. It is computer spool valve balanced and load tested before release, helping maintain predictable steering response in daily driving and restoration use. This part number, 97-6539GB, is a direct-fit style replacement for select classic Ford and Mercury power steering gear applications.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Fix

  • Loose or vague steering feel
  • Steering gear leakage from worn seals or O-rings
  • Uneven or inconsistent steering return
  • Excessive play in the steering system
  • Noise or poor response from a worn power steering gear

Installation Notes

  • Fits 1971-1973 Ford Mustang, steering gear
  • Fits 1974-1979 Mercury Cougar, steering gear
  • Fits 1977-1979 Ford Thunderbird, steering gear
  • Fits 1967-1969 Ford LTD, steering gear
  • Fits 1965 Mercury Colony Park, steering gear
  • Fits 1965 Mercury Marauder, steering gear
  • Fits 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar, steering gear
  • Fits 1975 Mercury Montego, steering gear
  • Use the recommended OE fluid and flush the system during installation
  • An in-line filter is recommended or available on listed Saginaw gear applications for warranty-related service guidance
  • Package contents include a gear instruction sheet, flushing instruction, and instruction tag

Quality Assurance

Each Cardone steering gear is tested at load and balanced electronically to verify operation before shipment. The unit is supplied with OE-grade sealing components and is designed to meet OE-level form, fit, and function for the listed Ford and Mercury applications.

This part fits 21 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelPositionNotes
1979FordThunderbirdN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1979MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1978FordThunderbirdN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1978MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1977FordThunderbirdN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1977MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1976MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1975MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1975MercuryMontegoN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1974MercuryCougarN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1973FordMustangN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1973MercuryCougarN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1972FordMustangN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1972MercuryCougarN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1971FordMustangN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1971MercuryCougarN/AIn-Line Filter recommended for warranty purposes with OE Fluid and system flush when installing Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1969FordLTDN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1968FordLTDN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1967FordLTDN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1965MercuryColony ParkN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear
1965MercuryMarauderN/Awith Saginaw Gear; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Power Steering Gear; Steering Gear