Hello everyone, I'm new here but have been browsing quite a bit of your forum looking at all of your great builds and information. I have a 74 that has been in the family since it's birth and am looking at restoring it a bit this summer so that I can bring her back to her former glory.

My question is; what are some MUST haves for these trucks? I've been looking at things like steering conversions, speaker locations, etc. and a lot of it looks really nice but I'm wondering what you all would consider things that you could not live without in your trucks.

Appreciate all answers and comments in advance. Amazing trucks you all have.

-RG

 

I have read that the best swap out there is the old style ram assist p/s steering set up to a newer 78/79 style box.

Not that the garrison design is bad, just problematic if not maintained well.

 

My current ram assist is shot, the shock absorber looking thing blew the seals so it doesn't hold fluid and I haven't been able to find a replacement.

I've been looking at the replacement system from benchwork, but not sure how popular it is.

 

They are not as popular as you might think. One member had their system on his truck then took it off to sale....

I have seen rebuild kits out there somewhere?

mikeo0o0o0 or number dummy should be able to track one down?

 

Must haves in my opinion:

• Power steering
• Power brakes
• Comfortable seat(s)
• Headlight relay harness upgrade
• Auxiliary driving lights

 

GARRISON Power Assist P/S: 1973 F250 4WD - 1974 F250 4WD before serial number T80,001 / 1973/75 F100 4WD - 1975 F150 4WD

BENDIX Power Assist P/S: 1974 F250 4WD from serial number T80,001 - 1975/76 F250 4WD - 1977 F250 4WD before serial number Y20,001.

Ford did not offer a complete rebuild kit, offered the control valve seal kit, ram seal kit, ram mounting bushing kit for both types of Power Assist.

Bendix Power Assist also has a ball stud repair kit for the control valve where it attaches to the Pitman Arm.

The only kit available from Ford: D3TZ-3C590-A .. Hydraulic Ram Bushing Mounting Kit for both types of Power Assist.

All the other kits are obsolete. The Bendix control valve seal kit (D4TZ-3A650-A) and the ram seal kit (D4TZ-3A764-A) are almost non existent.

 

Here's a Benchworks kit which allows ditching the troublesome factory power steering system: Ford F250 Conversion

 

NATIONAL PARTS DEPOY Have the ram & control valve and all related parts.
I have never had any problems with mine and I have had the truck since
day1
I am now rebuilding the truck and wanted to go back with stock.

 

All I see in NPD's online catalog are rebuilt Power Assist P/S control valves and rams that are sold on an exchange basis only.

No individual parts are listed...except the Bendix ram seal kit, but they are out of stock at the present time.

The ram mounting bushing kit is EZ to find as it's available from Ford. All the others parts are obsolete, very hard to find NOS. And some are non existant!

 

as for speakers just put some 6 inchers in the doors the hole is already there. some will say ditch the in cab tank but i feel it is unnessary and to much work for very little reward. as for the power steering finding parts is next to impossible. find a 77/79 3/4 ton 4x4 truck and take the steering box off. takes a little welding and fab work but it seems to be the best swap for the money. good luck with the rebuild.

 

I currently have a 4 speed with 1st gear granny. In great working order.
I need an automatic transmission because i cant use the clutch do to leg problems.
Im looking to buy a C6 Transmission from a 4x4 and steering column or trade out what I have.
I have heard 67-79 C^ 4x4 will work but not sure
Thanks
Martin
310-227-6860
EM: mecone@aol.com

 

C6: 1973/76 F100/250 360 4WD only.

 

I rebuilt my power steering ram. Depending on whats wrong with the ram, you should be able to fix it yourself. Pop the snap ring off and replace the flat rubber oring/washer. If your shaft is scored/nicked anywhere, it should be replaced. Your local machine shop can help you, or pm me for more info if you're interested.

 

I'll take a look at it next chance I get. I don't think the ram or shaft itself is damaged, it just leaks all the fluid out.

Other than that, I know that I need to redo the clutch and brakes and pull the motor to either rebuild it or swap. I don't see myself removing the in-cab gas tank unless I feel the need to fit something back there.

I'll check out the links, thanks guys.

 

If it was mine, I'd would leave it bone stock. I've seen too many of these trucks being molested by the aftermarket world, and finding a nice stock example is hard to find nowadays. Plus, a nice stock "Hiboy/Highboy" will retain a much higher resale value if you decide to sell it someday.