Power steering conversion
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Power steering conversion
Here's the scoop: I have a 75 f250 highboy with manual steering (since the po removed even the power assist stuff) and am converting to integral power steering using a gearbox/axle/linkages from a 79 f250 4x4 and power steering brackets, pump, lines and cooler from a bumpside with a 360 or 390. I started installing the brackets and pump to the engine today and in the process of trying to remove an old power steering line from the cooler, I snapped off the plastic nipple on the bottom of the pump. Since I will now have to get a new pump, are the oem power steering pumps pretty much all the same, or should I ask for a particular year/model that might have more flow (may do hydro assist steering later)? Also, it doesn't really look like the power steering pulley is lined up very well with the water pump pulley. I assume that power steering brackets for an fe are all the same. Am I wrong?
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Do you have a 3 groove pulley?
Where did you find the power steering box? None of the wrecking yards in my area have any old fords.
Is there an aftermarket brand new box that bolts on and doesn't require cutting the frame? I know there's a lot of companies that make mustang ones.
Where did you find the power steering box? None of the wrecking yards in my area have any old fords.
Is there an aftermarket brand new box that bolts on and doesn't require cutting the frame? I know there's a lot of companies that make mustang ones.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Yessiree....Here you go: Ford F250 Conversion
I used the Ford pump on my 73 (in my sig) but it's connected to a 79 Bronco PS gear and it feels slightly underdriven. Meaning, the engine needs be around 1500 RPM until the PS kicks in. .. I've got a manual tranny so it needs to be rev'ed anyway. 'Might be an issue with an auto trans.
PS.. For clearance, you might need a shorter oil filter (PH16 or equivalent) or an OEM 90-degree adapter.
I used the Ford pump on my 73 (in my sig) but it's connected to a 79 Bronco PS gear and it feels slightly underdriven. Meaning, the engine needs be around 1500 RPM until the PS kicks in. .. I've got a manual tranny so it needs to be rev'ed anyway. 'Might be an issue with an auto trans.
PS.. For clearance, you might need a shorter oil filter (PH16 or equivalent) or an OEM 90-degree adapter.
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Ok, I took a picture of the pump, brackets and belt after I temp installed it, but can't figure out how to upload it on here? Anyway, it lined up okay using some washers as shims on the bolt going into the head, but I think I'll need to take a washer or two out to align it better.
As for being underdriven, I guess pulley size matters more than the actual pump, so the smaller, the better. Since I have the ps cooler I'm not too worried about it getting hot.
Whiteisright, I have a three groove on the crank and two groove on the water pump. I guess the third groove would be for a/c?
So far, no clearance issues. There are a bunch of old Fords at the Pull-a-part near me and also a truck junkyard in my area, but the truck junkyard is pricey. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a 78-79 f250 4x4 forever and just got lucky finding this one. For another steering gear option, you might call redhead steering gears in Washington State. They have a really good reputation and they ever bore out the steering box to put bearings in it. The four bolt box, like I got is supposed to be a bolt in affair. I'll find out soon and keep you guys posted.
As for being underdriven, I guess pulley size matters more than the actual pump, so the smaller, the better. Since I have the ps cooler I'm not too worried about it getting hot.
Whiteisright, I have a three groove on the crank and two groove on the water pump. I guess the third groove would be for a/c?
So far, no clearance issues. There are a bunch of old Fords at the Pull-a-part near me and also a truck junkyard in my area, but the truck junkyard is pricey. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a 78-79 f250 4x4 forever and just got lucky finding this one. For another steering gear option, you might call redhead steering gears in Washington State. They have a really good reputation and they ever bore out the steering box to put bearings in it. The four bolt box, like I got is supposed to be a bolt in affair. I'll find out soon and keep you guys posted.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Here's the scoop: I have a 75 f250 highboy with manual steering (since the po removed even the power assist stuff) and am converting to integral power steering using a gearbox/axle/linkages from a 79 f250 4x4 and power steering brackets, pump, lines and cooler from a bumpside with a 360 or 390. I started installing the brackets and pump to the engine today and in the process of trying to remove an old power steering line from the cooler, I snapped off the plastic nipple on the bottom of the pump.
Since I will now have to get a new pump, are the oem power steering pumps pretty much all the same (absolutely not!), or should I ask for a particular year/model that might have more flow (may do hydro assist steering later)? Also, it doesn't really look like the power steering pulley is lined up very well with the water pump pulley.
I assume that power steering brackets for an fe are all the same. Am I wrong?
Yes, you are wrong. Peeps assume all the brackets are the same, but...they ain't!
Since I will now have to get a new pump, are the oem power steering pumps pretty much all the same (absolutely not!), or should I ask for a particular year/model that might have more flow (may do hydro assist steering later)? Also, it doesn't really look like the power steering pulley is lined up very well with the water pump pulley.
I assume that power steering brackets for an fe are all the same. Am I wrong?
Yes, you are wrong. Peeps assume all the brackets are the same, but...they ain't!
1965/77 Passenger Cars, 1966/77 F100/250's, 1969/77 F350's: The pump has a steel reservoir, the pressure hose threads onto the pump.
1978: Ford changed the P/S pump on everything except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost (all use the Saginaw pump).
This new style pump is smaller in diameter, has a plastic reservoir.
The pressure hoses used w/this pump have a straight end with an O-ring on it on the pump end...connect to the pump with a qwik dis-connect fitting.
Since the new pump is smaller in diameter, 1977 and earlier P/S adjusting brackets usually will not fit to it.
No FE engine used the 1978 and later pump, because 1976 was the last year for FE engines in F100/350's (1971 for Passenger Cars).
FE P/S mounting brackets are specific to FE engines...and there are myriad different types. Some are the same as FE Passenger Cars, some are specific to F100/350's.
Adjusting & support brackets: With/without A/C makes a difference. 1966 is one year only. 1967/70 is different than 1971/72 and etc.
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Thanks for the info Number Dummy! It would make sense that brackets would be different for a/c or possibly to clear different frame or engine bay configurations.
Now here's the odd thing about the pump that I pulled from the junkyard; it has the plastic reservoir, the o-ring style connections, and definitely came from a bumpside with an FE. I'm not saying you're wrong because there's a good chance it was changed over the life of the truck, but as far as parts store replacements go, could they have all gone to the plastic reservoir?
You say that the ps pumps are absolutely not all the same. I guess what I was wondering was if there was an operational difference between the pumps in different vehicles? I really don't care what style reservoir it has as long as it fits.
Now here's the odd thing about the pump that I pulled from the junkyard; it has the plastic reservoir, the o-ring style connections, and definitely came from a bumpside with an FE. I'm not saying you're wrong because there's a good chance it was changed over the life of the truck, but as far as parts store replacements go, could they have all gone to the plastic reservoir?
You say that the ps pumps are absolutely not all the same. I guess what I was wondering was if there was an operational difference between the pumps in different vehicles? I really don't care what style reservoir it has as long as it fits.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Since the part number for the P/S pump w/a plastic reservoir used 1978/79 is D8AZ-3A674-A .. there is no way = NONE that it was installed on anything prior to 1978.
See my signature, I didn't start doing this jazz yesterday. I was a Ford partsman for 35 years (1962/97), so I usually know what the he!! I'm speaking about.
All that jazz typed in post #5 was from memory...and I've typed this same P/S pump info here on FTE countless times.
See my signature, I didn't start doing this jazz yesterday. I was a Ford partsman for 35 years (1962/97), so I usually know what the he!! I'm speaking about.
All that jazz typed in post #5 was from memory...and I've typed this same P/S pump info here on FTE countless times.
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Okay, I get that. As I said, I wasn't stating that you were wrong, just that it is possible to mount a newer style pump on an older vehicle. Looking at the pictures on Autozone's website,
Power Steering Pump | 1970 Ford F100 1/2 ton P/U 2WD 8 Cylinders Y 5.9L 2BL OHV | AutoZone.com
Power Steering Pump | 1979 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders S 6.6L 2BL OHV | AutoZone.com
it does show different pumps (as you stated would be the case) for a 70 vs a 79, however it shows both of them using a three bolt mounting setup, with what looks to be the same spacing. I was not stating in my prior post that the pump I got off of the bumpside was the original, I was just indicating that it could be used. Moving on, do you know if any of the ps pumps provided more volume or was that all just controlled by the size of the pulley? Thanks again for your responses, the knowledge you have gained over the years has undoubtedly helped many and hopefully with continue to do so.
Power Steering Pump | 1970 Ford F100 1/2 ton P/U 2WD 8 Cylinders Y 5.9L 2BL OHV | AutoZone.com
Power Steering Pump | 1979 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders S 6.6L 2BL OHV | AutoZone.com
it does show different pumps (as you stated would be the case) for a 70 vs a 79, however it shows both of them using a three bolt mounting setup, with what looks to be the same spacing. I was not stating in my prior post that the pump I got off of the bumpside was the original, I was just indicating that it could be used. Moving on, do you know if any of the ps pumps provided more volume or was that all just controlled by the size of the pulley? Thanks again for your responses, the knowledge you have gained over the years has undoubtedly helped many and hopefully with continue to do so.
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Okay, I did a little research and I found a possible solution for a higher output pump!
powersteering
I have read a few of this articles and he has a lot of info on steering mods. The best part is, I get to keep my stock pump and I can mod it later if I go with hydro assist. Any thoughts?
powersteering
I have read a few of this articles and he has a lot of info on steering mods. The best part is, I get to keep my stock pump and I can mod it later if I go with hydro assist. Any thoughts?
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I was going to put the power steering setup on my truck today, but it looks like the easiest way to do it would be to swap the whole axle from the '79. After looking at it, the steering arm and length of the linkage that goes between it and the pitman arm are different, so it looks like I'll have to wait until I get the '79 axle cleaned up and ready for install.
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