4X4 Power Steering (Except '66 F100)
#1
4X4 Power Steering (Except '66 F100)
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...
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...
#3
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.
#4
#5
#6
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.
#7
Trending Topics
#8
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
Eric
#9
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
Eric
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.)
#10
#11
#12
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.
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.
#13
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.
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.
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.
#14
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*.
.
#15
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*.
.
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*.
.
I also found another more expensive option that may work. Details to follow...