So I know there is quite a bit of information on this site about steering conversions from the power assist to true power steering... This is what my objective is as well however none of the threads or tech articles I have read seemed to indicate how one should proceed when starting with this gearbox. I have some general conclusions as to what to do but would appreciate any advice.

Here are a few links to pictures of my gearbox hosted on this site:

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - crazy96863's Album: Garage - HELL - Picture
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - crazy96863's Album: Garage - HELL - Picture
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - crazy96863's Album: Garage - HELL - Picture

The part number casted onto the side seems to read either (24JC08) or (24JC06). There also seems to be a (TRW) or (TRN) casted above the part number. I have seen many pics of gearboxes with either 3 or 4 mount bolts but none in quite this configuration.

My simple question is... Can anyone suggest a replacement power steering gearbox which would essentially bolt on to at least the two rear bolts if not all three in this configuration. Either a part number &/or a model/year donor to reference would be fine. I figure I can order such a part from the store rather than deal with the scavenger hunt.

My concern with using a box that doesn't do so is essentially ensuring proper geometry and such. If I can bolt on, even with reinforcement plates welded on, then I can do this which is keeping the geometry in check. If not then I will pay a decent shop as an attempt to not kill myself but this will be pricey.

If my wishful thinking is fulfilled then I figure what ever gearbox is recommended can be coupled with the custom linkage setup below which is offered by WFO Concepts for about $350. The end result is hopefully a decent power steering conversion without the high price.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - crazy96863's Album: Garage - HELL - Picture

This is on a 75 F-100 4x4 with a 390 & NP435; if it matters there is a Dana 44 in front and a 9inch in back. Thanks!

 

I converted my 73 from manual to integral PS from a 79 Bronco. It doesn't have to be expensive. Heck I did my retrofit for $353.. OldStyle did the same as did a few others I have helped out. PM me with your email and I'll send you my write-up.

OR get a reversed steering box (in a kit!) from benchworks and be ready whip out your credit card for $1100: Ford F100 Conversion

 

Hey silver... Been doing a bit of research and think I can piece the gearbox together granted I find one in the 78/79 bronco... I do have a question regarding the pump though. Will the pump for the power assist I currently have not work? I am guessing it might not produce enough pressure or something. If not, is there a ford pump that will do the trick? I have a 390 so the brackets for the saginaw will be a little more than a ford pump already used on these motors if there is one that produces enough juice.

 

Also, are the used parts (cylinder, actuator, pump, gear box) worth anything to a rebuilder? Wondering if I can make back a few bucks on this.

 

A 76-77 steering gear will also work. I went after Bronco since they tend to be more popular in the wrecking yards and already have the T-style steering (drag link & tie rod).

Your pump will work. However, 1976 was the only year which combined an FE with integral PS in a 4x4. Good luck finding that needle in the haystack. I had a custom pressure hose made using the Ford fitting on the pump side and the Bronco fitting on the steering box side. I don't recall a difference btwn Ford pumps when I cross reference PNs and their applications for our series.

However, the Ford pump I am using feels like it doesn't provide enough pressure or volume. In other words, it feels lazy. I have to rev my engine up a bit before it is full PS. It's okay for me since I have a manual trans and need to rev it anyway.

After I did my swap, I located source for a Saginaw to FE bracket. Visit CVFracing.com: Ford FE Saginaw Power Steering Bracket (390, 427 & 428)

I may order one just for the helluvit.

If you manual box has very little play, hang on to it.. there will be someone in FTE needing a better one. I sent mine to a kid in Illinois simply because I didn't want to destroy a hard to find Ford part. He paid for shipping and that was it. Do any of the parts leak? If not, I'd store it away cuz there will be an FTE'er who doesn't want to swap PS systems and looking for replacements.

Here is my cost breakdown for my swap (2009 prices):

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 361pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=481 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 166pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 8082" width=221><COL style="WIDTH: 143pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6985" width=191><COL style="WIDTH: 52pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2523" width=69><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 14.25pt; mso-height-source: userset" height=19><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; WIDTH: 166pt; HEIGHT: 14.25pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl24 height=19 width=221>Part</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; WIDTH: 143pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl24 width=191>Source</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; WIDTH: 52pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl24 width=69>Cost</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>PS Steering box, 79 Bronco</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="49.99"> $ 49.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Drag link, 79 Bronco</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="22.99"> $ 22.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Tie-rod, 79 Bronco</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="14.99"> $ 14.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Pressure hose, 79 Bronco</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="7.99"> $ 7.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Steering shaft</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="11.99"> $ 11.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>PS pump, Ford w/ pressure hose</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="29.99"> $ 29.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>PS pump bracket, FE</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="10.99"> $ 10.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>PS belt, FE w/PS</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Autozone</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="8.81"> $ 8.81 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>PS drive pulley, FE</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Pick N Pull</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="11.99"> $ 11.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Hardware</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Ace Hardware</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="25"> $ 25.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl27 height=16>Pipe</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl27>Home Depot</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl28 x:num="15"> $ 15.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl29>Subtotal</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="209.73" x:fmla="=SUM(C2:C12)"> $ 209.73 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16>Tapered reamer, 7-degree</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25>Speedway Motors</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="69.99"> $ 69.99 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl27 height=16>Custom pressure hose (labor& matls)</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl27>S & S Line and Tubing</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl28 x:num="74.94"> $ 74.94 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12pt" height=16><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=16></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl29>Subtotal</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl26 x:num="144.93" x:fmla="=SUM(C15:C16)"> $ 144.93 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=17></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 2pt double; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl30></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 2pt double; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl31></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl25 height=17></TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl29>Total</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8" class=xl32 x:num="354.66" x:fmla="=C17+C13"> $ 354.66 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

My parts are actually in ok shape all things considered. I have a hose that is worn from rubbing on the steering shaft and that big long tie rod end is shot; i can redo the entire steering for less than that stupid tie rod. I will post whatever I come up with but I am going to borrow heavily from your right up. The linkage is the part I think I have a different solution for but thats it.

 

So what I am thinking for the linkage is pretty much what you outlined from a bronco but new... Is this pretty much what you used?

Steering Rod Kit, Stock - links to bronco graveyard.

Did this thing bolt in upside down or on top of the knuckles? I am assuming below but want to ask all the dumb questions rather than jacking this thing up.

 

Here's a link to my changeover project that HIO helped me with. I think I paid 120 for the parts pictured in the bed of my truck; "used" from pick & pull. I borrowed the reamer from a 4x4 shop; leaving a deposit to cover breakage. It all went pretty smooth. All the parts were in good shape and off a 79 Bronco.

Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ed-advice.html

.

 

After a little encouragement from Silver I broke away from the family and made my way to the local pick n pull to check out a 78 bronco they just got. I pulled the linkage and the gearbox. I was pleasantly suprised at the good condition of these components; this visit cost me $120 but saved me hundreds. I believe the truck may have been a forest service vehicle or something as it was really well maintained. To bad it got smashed on the drivers side.

I got what I think I need to start this job but I think I am going back tomorrow as the entire spindle assemble was in great shape and I am thinking bolt on disc brakes as a bonus!

 

Uh-oh. Am I a bad influence? Muhahahahahaha !

Cool beans! I hope ya grabbed the Bronco's pressure hose. Alternatively, opt for field serviceable fittings from PSC.

It's a PITA to pull the knuckles & spindles. Bring Allen keys, snap ring pliers, a spindle nut tool, chisels, lots of WD-40, and a BFH... I think grabbing the entire axle is mo 'better. A quicker job too. Your call.

 

The hose was cracked so I left it. I took the fitting with the gearbox so It can be used for sizing.

I am gonna have a hard time justifying the $250 + core for the axle and I have torn down spindles a few times so I am gonna take my chances. In an effort to keep this as cheap as possible, I want to take only what is absolutely needed. I can upgrade later.

I know the locking hub is interchangeable with what i have already but what about the rest of the bearings and such? I think I can re-use mine but wanted to double check.

Also will the disc brakes work with my drum brake master cylinder?

 

Using NPD's catalog for reference, D44s from '69 (fr. '69 serial no. F70,001) to '79 use the same inner and outer bearings, races, & seals.

Btw, if ya use the 79 knuckles, no reaming is necessary. Disc-equipped D44s have more meat at the steering arm and use thicker tie rod shanks.

MCs? Dunno... there's a gazillion MC part numbers and can't say for sure. Do you have power or manual drums?

 

I have hydraulic drums with vacuum assist if thats the terminology. I will stick them on and see wha happens. Guess thats one way to see if they work.

 

I noticed that the knuckles where quite a bit meatier. Kinda makes me feel better about the entire thing. I was surprised by the gearbox being as heavy as it is. Looking at all the pictures I thought it might be slightly smaller or more slender than what I have but this thing is a freaking anchor. It is the same box as discussed elsewhere with the bleeding issues but I am thinking about locating the reversed worm gear and putting this in the same position as my current box. I think this approach is referred to as the 4x4x2 method. The new in input housing corrects this I believe by putting the fittings on top.

 

Here's a post & pic with the reversed worm gearbox in the stock location:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10166631

I think the AZ company he's referring to is Benchworks.