I'm in the process of getting my (new to me) rig roadworthy.

One thing I am doing is rebuilding the front suspension. I've replaced the king pins and will be replacing the radius arm bushings and shocks. What is the best way to replace the pivot bushings on the axles? BFH, hydraulic press or try to cut them out?

I want to convert to power steering. Can I use any of the Saginaw boxes from 73-79? Would any other years work? If so do I need to get the steering column from the donor vehicle?

I also want to convert to power brakes. What year units will work and will I need to get the pedal assembly from the donor vehicle?

 

I am in the process off taking out the power steering and power brakes and front suspension out of my 74. Let me know if you are interested in any of it.

 

Stang'

Depends on where you are located as shipping may botch the deal. I'm in North Carolina. Where are you?

 

According to the Stang's public profile he's in Wisconsin.

Have the I-beam pivot bushings pressed out since you'll need to save the shells and then have the new ones pressed in. IMO, it saves tons of frustration (especially if things don't go "right") and is worth some bench time.

Power steering - Yessiree... IIRC, 2WDs half-tons were all the same except for when they went to a GM-style pump. Is your rig and FE or Windsor? I suggest staying with the donor's pump style. My FE-equipped rig uses a Ford pump but with a 79 Bronco steering box and it seems to be valved "lazy". Meaning, the revs need to come up before it's truly effortless steering. I believe the Ford pump produces lower pressure than a canteen pump ala the 79.

If you're in the need for FE brackets to mount a canteen pump, check this out: Ford FE Saginaw Power Steering Bracket (390, 427 & 428)

Windsor brackets are a dime a dozen so there are many options for those on the web. I have no sources for six-banger brackets.

Steering column - there may be a difference in spline style with your 74 compared to the later rigs. It'll be 3/4-36 but some shafts have a flat spot ("Single-D") and others do not. Personally, I would retrofit a tilt steering column if you have an automatic. If manual, I've heard to manual tilt columns but they are very rare. I've been looking for over three years and still haven't found one.

Sheesh.. power brakes too? Ha! I don't blame ya. Find a donor and get the entire system. That is the easiest way to go... you'll at least the booster and MC, and maybe the pedal assembly unless you can verify the fulcrum points and pedal arms are identical to what you have.

'Funny yer not asking about disc brakes.. but maybe cuz you've already replaced the kingpins? Or have discs already??

 

Yep located in Wisconsin

My 74 has disc front as well. Just thought I would ask since I'm going to be cutting all the front out for the cv swap.

 

My rig has manual discs already just want to go power. Since I am also converting to power steering I am considering Hydro boost for the brakes. Understand later model F250s had these but not sure if they can be modified to fit my 74.

Interesting info on the Bronco steering box being "lazy". Could I use the ps pump from a Bronco on my 302W to eliminate this problem?

Pivot bushing removal tip:

My new (Moog) pivot bushings ($39 each, ouch) have the shell so I needed to remove the existing bushing with the shell. Took a drill with a 1/4" bit and drilled through the rubber. While doing this the bit, on its on, moved to the edge of the rubber and the shell and traveled all the way around the bushing. The rubber then basically fell out of the shell. I then took my hacksaw and removed the blade and inserted the blade through the hole in the axle and reinstalled to the hacksaw frame. After making a quick cut through the shell I removed the hacksaw and the shell also practically fell out. Much easier than trying to press it out. Now I just have to press the new bushings in. Wish me luck.

Plan on heading to the local pull-a-part in the next day or so to see if I can locate ps, pb, steering column, tailgate, C4 trans and a few other parts. Plan on converting to a C4 as I just don't handle the clutch pedal thing that well at my age.

 

I am going hydroboost, got the complete system from a 99 cobra.

Good tip on the bushings and good luck at the yard

 

Front end is back together and boy can I tell the difference! Pivot bearings pressed in with no problems. Assembly went well with only minor alignment problems. Went out for a short ride and it felt like new. I'm a happy puppy. Now if I can only find the ps and pb parts I need I will be in hog heaven.

Curious about the hydroboost from the 99 Cobra. What will be required to get it to fit?

 

It's not that the Bronco box itself is lazy - it feels lazy on my rig because it is paired with a Ford pump.

That is why I recommend using the PS pump style from the year from which you source the steering box: 76 and earlier steering gear, use a Ford pump. Use a 77 or later PS box, then use a 77 or later canteen pump.

 

Stang_me---- do u still have the front suspension from the 74? was it a f100? are the radius arms with it still? and if so are they cast or pressed steel?

 

Yea its layin in the old box, it off a 74 f100. I will look today if cast or not, they were heavy

 

thanks stang greatly appreciate