Hey ive been thinking about converting my 1971 f250 lwb 2wd to power steering. Does anyone hae any knowlage of doing it? Any how to links avaliable? And how much money would i be spending on it?

Thanks for the help!
--lil smokey--

 

ls, Pretty easy, many would suggest using donor parts from a 73-79 in your truck. For power steering it doesn't matter if it is a F100, 250, or 350 4 wheel truck. Any thoughts for disc brakes, or transmission swap? It would be an excellent time to make that swap at the same time.

The Ford Saginaw power steering gear donor requires the steering column to be swapped at the same time because of the hydraulics on the gear. Since you have to swap the column you think about the transmission.

Have more questions, fire em up?




John

 

I am thinking about doing a front disc brake swap later in life but im not planning on the trans swap. Other than a donor steering colunm what other parts will i need?

 

For the combo in 250, Look for a donor 250 truck starting about 71 with power disc brakes, & steering, same engine and tranny setup that you want to run up to 79. By getting a donor you get all the brackets needed as well as other small items that one might over look. Once you have all the parts you can get new repair parts installed when upgrading like pads, wheel cylinders etc.




John

 

Hi 71 F250 here. I'm a new member and like AKforce10's notes on using an 80's Dodge PS box for a PS conversion. I have some questions about what steering colomn he used. Is it FORD or is it from the dog truck? Looks like a universal joint was added? Any help would be great. I also recently completed rebuilding the 390 in it with a 64 tbird 4bbl manifold and the original Holley 1850 from the early 60's. Thanx, Kent

 

Don't know why you would use goat, when the Ford parts that I suggested are bolthole exchange.

I am running a gear & steering column from a 76 in my 66.



John

 

How does the power steering on this era of truck compare to the manual steering, in terms of how tight everything is?

I've considered this on my old 71, which has the manual gearbox, but I've never driven a truck with less slop in the steering than this one. Doesn't even remotely pull to either side, ignores ruts completely, and tracks completely straight when I let go of the wheel.

Also is a manual gearbox stronger in terms of durability?

 

No concerns with my 66. I think the things that you mentioned would be caused by issues elsewhere than the gear box.




John

 

Another thing to consider is the power steering gearbox has a quicker turning ratio than the manual box.
While it's out, a good time to get it rebuilt. The only thing I've seen is a weak spot is the sector-shaft area in the housing can get worn. Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the pitman arm. Should be very little or no axial play.
Redhead steering gears here in Seattle bores them out and adds long needle bearings, lasts longer than the stock setup, not sure if other rebuilders do that.
There is a very slight adjustment between the gearbox/rag joint coupler/steering column flange. Be sure to get it all aligned perfectly before final tightening.

Power steering is a really nice upgrade, as is the F250 power disc brakes. Also nice is to find the same year as a donor, makes it easier at the parts store!

 

71 F250 checking in, I am wanting to convert to power steering from the armstrong. I would also like to avoid cutting the frame, although my friend is a certified welder. I will be using his help to attach caliper brackets for a front disc conversion on the Dana 44 closed knuckle. Does the PS box from the 73 and up 2wd bolt right in and will I also need the column. I have been doing the reading, just looking for clarity. Thanx, Kent