Steering Brace
 

Like so many of these old trucks, mine needs a plate to stop the frame from flexing when the wheels turn.

For such a common problem why is there such a lack of information about it in the forum?

Can someone direct me to a link or site that has info regarding this? The little bit I have found mentions nothing about steering geometry, measurements, etc. I need details.

Is your frame cracked adjacent to the steering gear box? If so, this was a somewhat common problem that affected all 1967/79 F100/350's.

The factory installed bolts were too short, didn't have lock nuts on them. The nuts began to back off, the box began to wiggle, it wasn't too long after that the frame cracked.

Ford dealer "fixum." Weld the crack, weld heavy gauge sheet metal onto the frame over the crack, install longer grade 8 bolts and lock nuts.

btw: I typed this info before...several times.

A problem shared with the 66-77 Bronco. The F150 4x4 box is a common swap. BC Bronco sells a reinforcement kit for the Bronco, so you can adapt from that. Still, the same solution Number Dummy posted. B. C. Broncos llc - products new home - P/S Box frame reinforcement kit

Thank you for the replies.

I have seen a few photos of how members did the brace and metal work. I'm wondering, since mine is a 2x4, and the box sits on the right side of the driver's side frame rail, if the box is moved 1/4" closer to the engine, would that throw off the steering geometry? Or is it a forgiving system?

Can you please give links to those photos of the brace and metal work.

I have the same problem with my 1990 F150 4WD, i.e. steering-box coming loose and cracked frame at that point.

I am in Australia, so I have a RH drive F150 and the steering-box/gear units used on the F150 vehicles built for Australian consumers, were not robust enough for the duty of a 4WD F-Truck, especially with wide rims and tyres.

Any photos, diagrams and advice offered, would be a great help.