Would like to know the best (price also) route to take in putting power steering on my 56 F 100? i have seen the kits out there, is that the best way and best price to go with one of those? Also looking to lower it, what size wheels and tires can i get under these fenders without to many issues? Thanks in advance. Haroldmac

 

IMO the Toyota PS box is the way to go with the strait axle set-up.

 

Would you go with one of the kits or come out better getting everything together myself? Thanks

 

I bought the box off a buy and sell site, and the pitman arm and U-joint from CPP. I'll get the hoses made locally. I also bought some reversed eye frt main leaf springs replaced all bushing's, king pin's, tie-rod's etc. added frt disc brake kit and power brake booster assy. for just over $1000.00 I bought most of the stuff during the winter when the truck is put away. I have time in the winter to shop the site's and find deal's and when spring comes, I install what I bought. Worked for me.

 

Thanks for the info. I,m doing my home work now. Do you know what year model Toyota boxes work? I seen those from web site for around $400, will check local junk yards if i know what year model. I also read where you use the 4x4 model box. Thanks again for your help.

 

I believe 79 - 85 4X4. do a forum search for toyota steering, it'll answer a lot of you questions. I paid $100.00 for my box and the guy through in a pump and hoses (which I'm not using and sold for $25.00)

 

Ok thanks. I might go with a chevy pump. My 56 has 350 engine in it. I just know with the small steering wheel and no power steering its a hand full on slow speed turns. Next step is lowering. Thanks HaroldMac

 

Here is a pic from a tutorial on making the mount.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...234607&width=0

The 79-85 box is what you want. It is from the solid front axle models. The later model is from an IFS system (some call it a hi-steer) and it won't work. I just picked up a box for $40, and they are getting hard to find.

As far as the pump goes, they say just about any standard pump will work, just stay away from some of the high pressure pumps like Lincoln's.

Be sure to get the hoses if at all possible too. The return hose is an oddball size fitting that can be very hard to find.

 

Thanks guys. I,m already on the phone looking for one of the boxes. If anyone has one let me know. I will be back on here asking questions when i start the lowering. Guess i need to do that before my choice on rims and tires. Thanks again HaroldMac

 

The boxes can be found used, they don't have a high wear rate, so a used box is likely to be fine, for 40-150.00 Check you local off-roaders club, the Toyota guys change them out when they put lift kits on their trucks, and sometimes have a couple of them laying around their garage. If you are in a hurry, you can do a search here: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market for one.
Here's an article I co-wrote on the steering options: https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...60_Trucks.html
There is an addendum: the conversion pitman arm sold for the PS box does also fit the Toyota manual box of the same years.
If you don't want to fab your own, the mount Mid Fifty sells Mid Fifty F-100 Parts - Home bolts in, and they sell it separately, or as part of a complete kit, with or without a rebuilt box. If you don't already have one, call Mid Fifty (link above) and request one of their print catalogs, it's free and is packed with information and drawings in addition to any parts you might need, that makes it better than a factory manual. You'll refer to it often! Also Sy and the gals at MF are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and understand customer service. Plus they pack tootsie rolls in every order!