If i get a PS box for my 66 f100, how hard is it to put in? Is it a bolt in or is there some fab work?

Also will any of the steering linkage need to be changed out?

Anyone know where I might find a tilt steering column?

 

Keep in mind that this is the "short" answer. The PS box will bolt in. There are two boxes Ford used. One, the most common, will require the column to be shortened or changed. Linkage is the same from the box on out to the wheels. You will need a pump, pulleys, belts and hoses. Plan carefully. Easiest is find a (up to 1979) donor with the same engine and transmission as your truck and get everything. Rebuild the column, core the box and paint and clean all the pulleys. Take your time and have fun. Many here have done this so help and advice is available. IMHO.

 

I'd love to find a donor truck, the issue is finding one with my motor in it. I have a 351W in it that was pulled out of a car. I want to find a tilt steering column as well and have it shortened so I can fit behind the wheel.

 

Richard, Find a 73-79 with a 302 in it, there were no 351Ws installed until after 79. That should have the correct ps pump bracket. Find a tilt wheel in a 78-79 Lariat for matching fit, or van or other Ford and modify the length for fit. Column modification isn't the worst thing to have to do.

Most folk want to do a power disc brake upgrade and it is really best to do it all at once.


John

 

Bendix P/S: 1966/68 F100/250 2WD / 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001.

Ford/Saginaw P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001 / 1970/79 F100/250 2WD & F350.

Both types of P/S use a shorter steering column.

If an FE engine is present, the Ford P/S pump used 1978/79 will not work.

1965/77 Ford P/S pumps have a steel reservoir, the P/S pressure hose threads on.

1978/79 Ford P/S pumps have a plastic reservoir, are a different shape than the steel reservoir pumps. P/S pressure hose attaches w/a qwik connect fitting.

Since FE engines were cancelled at the end of the 1976 model run, there are no FE P/S pump mounting brackets that'll fit the plastic reservoir pump.

Tilt column introduced in 1978 F100/350. Tilt mechanism operated by pressing the T/S handle forward.

If an A/T: 1965/77 NSS located on the steering column / 1978/79: NSS located on the transmission.

 

Just a note, you can use any bracket and pump off of any windsor but you may have to fab up the hoses, most parts stores can make the hoses. The return lines are generally push on, but the pressure line might need an end changed.

I'm doing the swap to a 390 , I couldn't find a donor for the brackets so I just used a pump I had that had the pump half of the 3 hole adjustable bracket already with it,and I fabbed the engine end of the bracket.

 

Mr. Wilson, please provide more info on the last sentence. I am aware of about 2 1/3" difference in the standard/Saginaw column length.

I have known about the issues with the Bendix and never dealt with one, but was not aware that the non power column couldn't be used. 1st hearing this for me.


John

 

Having shortened several Ford tilt columns I would recommend you consider the CPP tilt. For a floor shift they are less than 300 bucks. I know they look like cheeeevee parts but for less than 300 bucks I'd be tempted. If you decide to convert a Ford tilt to fit your 66 post back. We can help. I have posted several times on this subject and I'll help. The used columns show up on ebay and junk yards have them. I use column shifters and column hazard switch and column neutral start. If you have a floor shifter this will be a bit easier. Post back.

 

I am doing mine without a donor truck. The angle on the steering arm box was different than the angle on the manual box. I had to order linkage for a later model truck (72?) with power steering which came to around 80 bucks. I purchased a tilt wheel from a bronco but I am thinking of not doing the tilt now. I do not really like the looks of the column and do not like that newer style steering wheel. I am thinking that with power steering I can go to a 13" steering wheel and gain the belly room. I really like the original wheel with the horn ring but do need the belly room and can not figure out how to use the original with the horn ring on a tilt column anyway. Any other options I would consider if anyone else has any thoughts on this. Thanks

 

Don't know what you saw different, all 2wd Ford pickups from 65-79 are the same. The later Saginaw gear has fluid connectors on top moving the connect point towards the firewall, but angle and bolt holes are same.


John

 

You are correct. The power steeing box bolt holes lined up perfectly and the box sat at exactly the same angle. The only thing I had to do there was replace the drivers side motor perch with one with an offset. The angle I was referring to is the one at the end of the pitman arm and the arm off the standard box is not interchangeable with the power steering box.

 

Think you have to get the pitman arm from the donor also the drag link and so forth might be easier to go to oriellys or such get them new and not have to do it again. Its a shame I have all this stuff new including disc just going to waste in my house since I did the cv swap.

 

I battled the "belly room" issue and considered many options. Including drinking less beer. All had other issues and I really like beer. I wound up with a 13 inch aftermarket wheel (6 hole Grant) on a 78 F250 Tilt, shortened 2 inches, connecting to a D-Ford spline Borgeson insulated U joint. Looks nice, plenty of belly room, column shift, all safety switches in place and the TS cancel works. This deal uses almost 100% Ford parts so later I can fix it. You can buy a shorter spline to six hole adapter now that will move the wheel away a bit more. Aftermarket has many nice six hole wheels to choose from. IMHO.