Just pondering my options. Header is hitting steering box so im thinking of making my own headers. Also considering a box that sits on the frame or moves location of steering box (like old crow had talked about).

The mount to straight axle rack/pinion style make me nervous as the shaft has to move in out with the suspension on the steering column. Id assume eventually that part would get dirty or clog up?

Anyone seen a write up on the style where the box sits on the frame? I couldnt find a good write up.

Any thoughts?

Id go toyota box but that puts it right back in the way of the header in the swap.

Anyway, thoughts on rack/pinion on straight axle?
Thoughts or links on the frame mount style power steering box or other styles for straight axle that move the steering box?
im fine with installing aftermarket column.
Changing steering geometry does make me nervous a bit. Id like to see someone whoes done it.

 

Here's a link to the Photobucket album I made of the pics I took. Might give you an idea of how the CPP 400 box sits in the frame.

61 Ford by Wallis Crow | Photobucket

The exhaust are stock '82 F150 single exhaust manifolds and there aren't any clearance issues. I'm not really sure what headers would fit, never did get anyone to answer that question back in '09 when I first put this motor in the truck.

 

awesome, thank you sir

 

Here is a front Steer i did on a 64 using a 65 box. Setup would be similar to use a PS box.



This used a 65 column relocated to the firewall with some Borgeson joints and a double D shaft.



Here is a shot of the simple drag link



Here is the frame mods necessary



Another shot of the box mounted.

Garbz

 

Damn I love that Garbz - would love to do something like that to my '66 that I just got - but hoping I can get a relative drop without needing that much fab work - sorry, didnt want to hijack thread

 

The Toyota box is mounted to the top of the frame on Toyota 4x4's...if the drag link lines up okay put it up there. You are going to have to fab steering column/drag link anyway.....put it where it fits best.

 

Gentlemen, I have no doubt the solution to my problem is in here. Thanks for all the help. Thats why I love this site.

I found this for refrence to the cpp 400 box size



Not responsible for any incorrect info. Ill post a link to this thread in my build thread in case it ever helps anyone out and try to get dimensions posted of the stock box.

Not sure which way ill go yet, but at least i have options now. Thanks guys.

 

Next question, where might someone find this box?

 

would you think the kit would work on a 1961 f100 4x4 I know the kit says 1957 to 1960

 

Yes the Gemmer box can be replaced by the toybox similarly

Garbz

 

sound good I will have to check into it more thanks

 

I just used the CPP 400 kit for the 57-60 on my '61. Only slight mods of the kit required.
You have to move the big hole in the frame where the pitman shaft goes through down about 1 1/2". I used a hole saw and then welded the piece I'd drilled out into the old hole. You have to clock the bracket that screws to the CPP box one screw hole CCW from how it comes.
My steering column was shot(in addition to being wrong for the trans I'm running now), so I replaced my column with one from a '76 truck. In addition, that gave me hazard flashers after I wired up another flasher.

Make sure when you order the kit, you get a "column saver" bearing for the bottom of the column, and I used 2 universal joints and a short length(3")of double D shaft to make the connection between the column and the box.

Here's a link to my crappy pictures which might help you some:

61 Ford by Wallis Crow | Photobucket

I've got 700 or 800 miles on the truck since the mods, and I really like the steering. It feels like the truck came with it, not way too many turns lock to lock like some of the conversions I've driven.

 

I looked at your pics looked good my shaft is busted of so I need to replace the column any way

 

Since I've got a C6 in the truck with a floor shifter that I like, I got the column from a 4 speed truck. Nice and clean, no extra bumps or linkage showing. If you wanted, you could probably get one from an automatic truck and hook up the column shift.
I also took the opportunity to slide the column down in the dash bracket to pull the steering wheel away from my chest. I think I lowered the wheel 1 1/2"(distance from the dash mount to the top of the column).

 

it is all stock but the tires and lift