I have always been perfectly happy with the manual steering on my '66 F250 4X4. I have rebuilt the original box - it still has a little bit of slack but the truck drives fantastic. That said, I am going to be swapping in an engine that weighs almost twice as much - that, and the fact that I like to build/design/modify things.

There are a few options out there:

-Stiff axle Toyota box (never seen it done on a 4X4)
-Power assist from a newer highboy (never seen it done on a slick)
-'78/'79 4X4 steering box mounted in front of the axle
-Dodge/Chevy Saginaw box mounted in front of the axle outside of the frame

But what fun would it be to just copy what has already been proven to work? My first thought was the Toyota box. I am a major fan of swapping parts from most any make and model, but I don't know if I could bring myself to use Toyota parts. Still preferring to keep the steering box in the stock location, I started searching and ran across this:

The '61-'71 Dodge Sweptline Truck Forum #25

It is for a Dodge, but we have a similar setup.

My question is, what box are they using? It is for a Ford, but can anyone tell what box it is from the pictures?

It kinda looks like the box used on any F250 or F350 4X4 through the '80's and most of the '90's...

 

Keep us posted on your decision. I am looking at options myself

 

I could just use a little help with the steering box id but I'm pretty sure it is for the application that I mentioned above. If I ever get time to get around to my engine swap I will definitely take some pics of the steering swap. It's looking like it will have to be postponed until next winter though.

 

Swapping in power assist will give you PS, but it will also take your money and ruin your parking space in short order. Mine currently only assists to the right now, too. I don't really recommend it.

 

I would take a good working power assist setup over an integral setup any day. The one's used on later highboy's work great - but after forty years, they just need some TLC.

 

I feel like you make a good point. When working, it really DOES work well, and other than the small glitch I am having now, it has been pretty good to me. Just a little leaky, despite being re-sealed a time of two.

 

Nah, it's just part of the highly advanced undercarriage rust prevention system that these trucks were equipped with.

 

You might not need it. You're going to a 4BT, yes? My plan exactly but I can't find a motor right now. My research indicates that the little Cummins weighs about the same as a 460 and that you can ameliorate the effects of the weight increase over that of the FE by using skinnier tires, relocating the battery, and finding aluminum versions of all the under-hood parts. Also, remember it's called MANual steering.
Eric

 

Negatory - I am using a 6BT. I don't need power steering. It's just something else to engineer and build - which is what I love to do.

As for skinnier tires, I'm running 7.50R16's. Doubtful that I can get any skinnier than that.

Aluminum parts - the pistons, alternator, turbo compressor housing,valve covers - not sure what else could be aluminum.

Battery - where do you want me to relocate it to? Up in the engine compartment? I think that would make it worse...















(The battery came under the floorboard from the factory.)

 

I forgot the anatomy of the '66 3/4 4x4 is different. I'm moving my battery from over the nose to under the box. I thought you had the same option.
That 6BT is big. This will be interesting!
Eric

 

I like the way you think!

Finally managed to get mine to quit leaking and work properly, actually.

 

I have found over the years that, for the most part, Ford engineers did a pretty decent job with the trucks.

With that being said, and owning a '78 F-250 4x4, I would cast my vote for the '78-'79 F-250 power steering box swap. Copy what Ford did and you will have a decent power steering set up.

Good luck.

 

The thing is, this isn't a vote. This is just me taking the road less traveled. There are also some disadvantages to the '78/'79 power steering swap. I come from the First Gen Dodge world where they have problems cracking frames from the constant twisting of the steering box. If you lay the box down so the steering shaft is horizontal and perpendicular to the frame rails, this problem disappears.

Also, clearance up front on the driver's side is a little lacking when you stuff a Cummins under the hood. The '78/'79 gearbox is close to the radiator and can get in the way of the fan.

Unless anybody can assure me what box was being used HERE, I will hopefully be able to make a run to the junkyard to grab a '80's or '90's gearbox.

 

Might not be correct, but it looks like the engineering numbers on that steering box are D9AC-AA - A search of that on FTE turned up one thread with a guy talking about a 1992 Econoline E350.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ease-help.html




A search on eBay turned up this


1979 97 Ford F150 Superduty E Series Steering Gear D9AC AA | eBay


Looks visually the same to me as the Dodge forum pictures, I *think*.

.

 

You are correct. It turns out that to use these you have to machine the box. I think a '72 - '77 4X4 Dodge box may be an even more viable option.

I also found another more expensive option that may work. Details to follow...