Had the stuff to install the chevy saginaw gear on the truck but i came across a 79 F-350 4x4 gear that i could not pass up. I got it cheaper than core charges and the guy said it didnt look like it was leaking when it was pulled. Ill post some pics when it finally shows up. Looks like i finally have an excuse to do cross over steering.

 

Here's a source for brackets to mount a Saginaw PS pump to an FE: Ford FE Saginaw Power Steering Bracket (390, 427 & 428)

 

What is the benefit of using the Saginaw pump over the ford one? Also is there a serpentine system I could retrofit onto these old FE motors?

 

A later model Saginaw pump will be better matched to the late steering gear. I did a Bronco PS swap on my 73 4x4 but kept the Ford pump and it is a bit under-driven. Meaning, it has a little lag until a touch more RPMs to get the pressure up. It's OK cuz I have a 4-speed but it might be annoying with an automatic.

As far as a serpentine conversion, March offers a system but it definitely ain't cheap: March Ford FE Serpentine Conversion Kits - JEGS

 

I saw that and the price almost killed me, I was wondering if you could retrofit something but I guess since it hasnt been done in all these years it can't be done. Back on the pump. Is there a way to just make the bracket instead of buying one? I guess what I'm asking do you think there is a write up on this swap around on here? I would do the search but I'm out on campus right now and the iPhone is being buggy right now.

 

Yeah it can be done. Haven't seen a write up.

Basically, it be a matter of cutting and fabbing from raw stock or somehow marrying a Ford pump bracket to a Saginaw pump bracket. 'Takes a bit of time and a welder however.

Or if you're the entrepeneurial type, buy a set of Saginaw-to-FE brackets for a template and use them to make your own plus a few extra. Sell the extras to recoup the time and material ya got in 'em. I figure a set of engineered drawings, access to a PlasmaCam or waterjet, and ya could be turning them out with a push of a button.

 

Would be good if i was just one more semester ahead. We get access to the CNC and Water jet machines junior and senior year for our design class over here at Baylor.

 

Well, I guess you've already got a project penciled in! Get in good with the professor/instructor for some midnight machining and turn out however many want.