I know this is probably a stupid question, but what would I need to convert my power assist to a manual steering on a 76 highboy?

I've had the cylinder rebuilt, new pump, new hoses, nothing takes the play out of the wheel and I hate it. I actually like man steering as I've always driven old trucks and I wouldn't mind just swapping it at this point. I've looked into switching to a true crossover steering system and I don't feel confident to notch my frame and do the work myself - no one in my area will take on the project.

Would I just need to find a man. drag link and install that, or is there something else I'll need to pick up? Is there a market for selling my power assist gear if I decide to do this? Anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks guys, this forum has been a huge help

 

Well yes there is a market for your old parts if they are functional. Someone somwhere will need your parts, it just may take a while to sell them. Im not sure exactly what would be needed to convert this. If any 73-79 came from the factory with manual steering, then i would research how that is set up and go from there. (Im not sure if they all had factory power steering or if manual steering was standard at some point.) If I had to guess i would say at least some of the earlier ones in this year range had factory manual steering.
Anyway research that to see how it is set up and what components are different.
There's got to be a way to fix that play in the steering wheel though, its just a matter of finding it. But if you're dead set on converting it that's how i would start.

 

Sorry...no help, but if it's the bedix style system (not garrison), I call dibs if you're wanting to sell.

 

If you want manual steering just drain your fluid, remove your lines, and take off the hydraulic ram from the draglink. What I'm saying is the hydro assist is the same setup as the manual just with a hydraulic system to help it along. If there is no leak in your system then I would look at the condition of the everything between the column and gearbox. I have about 1/2" of play and it's in the gearbox.
I'm not sure you really want to drive one of these manually. Parking is a pain in the @$$. If working correctly the hydro assist is pretty good as long as you're not subjecting it to big articulation where the steering geometry gets bad.

 

My advice is to swap to the integral PS and ditch the hose-monster that is the Bendix/Garrison system...

Heres' a link to what may save your sanity:
Ford F250 Conversion

....sell your take-offs to 704 Dentside Man and recoup some of the cost.

 

Hey guys. I have a 1975 Ford F100 with serious power steering issues and I am a minimalist that wouldnt mind the extra effort it would take to operate a manual steering setup.

Can you really just seal everything up on a power steering system and PRESTO!!! You have manual steering!?

I dont think they have a manual steering box for a 75.

Any suggestions?

 

1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys) with Power Assist uses the manual steering gearbox, because it has nothing to do with the P/S!