77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

I have a 77 F250 High Boy which I just swapped in a rebuilt 400. Runs great, I have power assist steering, but it is intermittent. it's easy, then hard, then easy, then hard. I am not sure if I should bleed the system or put in a rebuilt unit. Has anyone experienced this or done a power steering swap?

Thanks,

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

probably just need to bleed the system would be my guess just like a bubble in a hydrolic clutch line

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

if theres play in the steering before the pitman arm, then it can cause problems too. Mine has a sloppy column, and does exactly that.

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

You can get air out of the system by making sure the reservoir is full and then turning the steering back and forth to the stops several times with the truck running. Be careful not to hold the steering at the stops for any extended time as this may damage the Gearbox/pump.

Also recommend checking any U-joints in the steering shaft for looseness and/or binding. Notorious for steering problems.

Tony C.

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

Dod you replace the column? How did you fix it? Appreciate all the responses.

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

I havent replaced my column yet. I have a cab that Im going to drop on my frame, whenver I get some more money. From there, Ill probably replace it with a Borgeson unit.

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

I have p/s conversion info.
Steve

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

Steve,

I will send you an E-Mail.
Thanks,
John

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

be sure to raise teh front tires off the ground when you are bleading the steering system. i dotn remember why but i remember its a good thing to do lol

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

I have p/s conversion info.
Steve

Is there any reason why you won't just post it here?

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

Steve has been very helpful, and responded immediately. I am sure that he will post the info as he was very helpful and gave me the info. He is a true Ford Truck Enthusiast!

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

I did a power steering conversion on my '74 highboy about 16 years ago. The kit was from a guy in Iowa named Scott Ibeling. It uses a 73-79 2wd power box that can be cheap to find. Simple setup that works excellent and has more clearance at the drag link side for wide tires. My dad bought this truck new and the power steering was junk from day one, it used to get so stiff in our Minnesota winters that he cracked the steering wheel trying to turn it. I can post the kit info if anyone's interested.

77 F250 HighBoy Steering
 

Not sure if I can post phone numbers here, but I will anyway. Ibeling Repair Service (319)347-2491. Scott knows everything about power steering, and has made these kits for 20 years! I have a 71F1004x4 and a 68F2504x4 both with the kits. Worth every penny.

Make sure you don't have a bad axle U joint. When one freezes up it will steer just like you describe.