So I basically have a 78 f150 2wd I converted to 4wd with a dana 60 front 76 leafs and 76 highboy style power assist. The steering box feels loose and the wheel is sloppy. Granted I'm on 38.5 super swampers and they are not the best tire the steering is loose still. Is there a way to tighten it up.

 

where can i get a new power assist ram at? mine leaks? or is it repairable?

 

Yes, they are rebuildable. My steering box, power cylinder, and control valve were rebuilt by Lares.com over 12 years ago, no leaks and works fine. Order them and send your parts in after you get the new parts. JMHO

 

Do yourself a favour and swap in a steering box from a 78 or 79 F250. I did mine, it was a lot of work, took a few hours but the greatest improvement you could imagine. Well worth it.

 

Can anyone do the same to a 76 F150? I believe I'm having a similar problem and just want to tighten her up some.

 

1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys):

There were TWO different types of Power Assist P/S used on these trucks. The parts do not interchange.

D3TZ3A540D .. Power Assist P/S Cylinder / Use with GARRISON P/S / Obsolete

Fits: 1973 F250 4WD & 1974 F250 4WD before serial number T80,001.
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D4TZ3A540A .. Power Assist P/S Cylinder / Use with BENDIX P/S / Obsolete

Fits: 1974 F250 4WD from serial number T80,001 / 1975/77 F250 4WD.

The Power Assist P/S control valves (and other parts like draglinks) are also specific to Garrison or Bendix P/S. The same 1974 before/from serial number applies.

btw: The steering gearbox used on these trucks is the MANUAL type, because it has nothing to do with Power Assist.

 

OK what do I need to grab off 78-79 F250, I mean what parts, I want to do this in one pass.

 

I would love my 75 hi boy to drive better, could you please expand on this more? I have read so my options, but this one sounds like one of the better ones and sounds like you still use factory Ford stuff.

 

Do a search on High boy steering conversion and there are several threads on it. You need a D60 front axle, a saginaw box which you will need to drill and tap, a new drag link etc. 75F350 seems to be the resident expert on this swap. I look forward to doing the same as soon as I get the $$$ for the D60.

 

Yes, do a search and you'll come up with a few different ways to do a conversion. Using a 78/79 F250 4x4 setup is a nice basic conversion. It does take a little fabrication, but if you know how to weld, it's pretty simple. If you don't know how to weld or don't want to modify any of the frame, take a look at this kit.

Ford F250 Conversion

It's expensive and includes everything. I've never contacted them to see if they will just sell the bracket to mount the gear box. If they will than the cost goes down considerably.

I did the 78/79 F250 4x4 conversion and works pretty well.

 

I'm trying to remember how I did it. I started with a steering gear and pitman arm from a '78 F250 4x4, a piece of 3/8" steel plate about 8"x!0" and a short length of pipe to act as spacers between the new plate and old frame rail. From there it's just a matter of some common sense and fabricating. Once I had the plate all carefully machined and ground to fit, I bolted the new gear in temporarily to tack weld it, then I removed the new gear to weld the hell out of the new plate. One thing I did find out, too late, was that the crossmember which is right in the way should be notched one inch to allow the new gear to sit back far enough to allow the use of a stock drag link.
A bit of effort, but WELL WORTH IT! It's like a whole new truck now.

 

Don't forget, These weren't loose off the assembly line. They're also 30+ years old now. Check for worn parts. An often overlooked piece is the rag joint. I've replaced every one on my old trucks. It makes a huge difference. Worn tie rod ends, king pins/ball joints and steering gear boxes are a reality.

If you want to go with a simpler system, more power to you. But don't think you HAVE to do it to get a good feel out of your truck.

One more thing, if you run 35" tires or over you should be running a dual stabilizer. Period. These front ends were never designed to have that much force on the steering system.

 

The hydraulic assist eliminates the need for steering stabilizers. There should be no slack if the system is functioning properly. You use one or the other, a hydro assist, or stabilizers.

 

Sorry to disagree but my advice: Take off all your hydraulic ram/ power valve junk and throw it in the garbage. Replace with a newer box with integral power steering. You will not regret it.

 

Well if you do decide to do the swap, don't throw it in the garbage.. Lots of people like stock and the parts are pretty rare. You could at least make a little money on em.

I for one like hydraulic assist. I don't like the push/pull setup, but a hydro assist crossover is a pretty great. But that's another beast altogether. The above mentioned swap is much easier.