Ive looked for quite some time. My steering box went out of my 1979 ford f-150 4x4 351m. I was wondering if anyone knew if a 1979 f-150 2wd steering box will work. Thanks in advance.

 

My guess is ... "not so easily".

2WD box mounts inside the frame rail I think. (Imagine turned around)



4WD box mounts on outside of frame.



Bolt pattern is different as well, there may be other differences. Maybe someone knows better?

I know that if you can swing it, a Red Head Steering remanufactured steering box is something special.

 

You could probably make it work, but it'd take some effort. I just so happen to be parting out a 79 F150 4x4....if you are interested in the steering box let me know.

 

The 2wd box is completely different and IMHO it would be a mistake to go that route. The F-150 4wd box uses three mounting bolts whereas the F-250 and F-350 4wd steering boxes use four bolts.

A couple of months ago there was a group buy on Red Head steering boxes. I realize that won't do you any good, but I think it's fair to say the general consensus is those rebuilt boxes are the best. They're more expensive than the generic "rebuilt" steering boxes but the rebuild process is significantly more thorough. They add a bearing to the sector shaft which involves machine work to the box. I don't know of any other firm that does this.

This is just my opinion but the Red Head boxes are worth the money...