This is my first post so take it easy on me. I've done some searching, and I think I've figured out the direction i'm going with my build. I have a 73 F-250 single cab 4X4 with a standard trans with all drum brakes and power assist steering. It will be an, on road and off road truck.

My question is, which axle should I replace the front axle with? I'm going to be putting disc brakes and "hydro assist" steering on this truck first first off. I'm trying to make a shopping list so I can get everything I need now.

I know this is a far shot but if somebody has an dummies guide to disc brake, hydro assist, cross over steering conversion I'd appreciate it. Like I said I'm buying all the parts now. Thanks for your time.

 

I'd look through this, it covers up to a 72, some of the info is questionable ("any year 72-79 f250 spindle should work" etc) but it pretty much guides you through it. If you just want a disc axle to swap under there, you'll just need to find one with discs.. I am thinking it was 76 when they switched to discs. a 78 or 79 will be the more desirable high pinion axle which gives you better driveshaft angles and ground clearance, disc brakes, and has regular steering. I'm not sure why you want to use the hydro assist steering. I'm told its very difficult to repair, apparently involves cutting open the cylinder and rewelding it. Not something I'd want to get into, especially since most users report it doesn't work that well anyway. Probably better off trying to convert to the 78/79 power steering box and etc.
Most 250's and many of the f350's will have the dana 44 high pinion, 8 lug axle. Leaf spring pads should be the same width, but I'm not sure about leaf spring width on your year truck. The newer trucks use 3" springs.

some of those trucks will have the more desirable dana 60 high pinion king pin front axle. If you can find one cheap it may be the way to go, as its super strong, but its very very heavy and normally they will run you around $1000 in rebuildable condition.

either way if you go with that swap you will probably be swapping in a power steering box, pitman arm, drag link, upper shock mounts, and driveshaft off the donor truck, or finding aftermarket fixes for that stuff.

 

What do you mean "look through this"? I don't see a link or anything. I was thinking about the "hydro assist" steering because from what I've read on here people really like it. Maybe I didn't research it enough. I'll be running some meaty tires and I just want to be able to turn the wheels easily at a complete stop or really slow. Maybe I'll go a different way.

 

I think you mean Hydroboost brakes. Where the use the power steering pump to run the brake booster. Power assist steering is a pain. Not a lot of parts left for them. I'd say go with a 78/79 steering box with a 78/79 front axle.

Looks like he forgot to post the link.

 

Oh, I forgot the link.
Front Drum To Disc Brake Conversion Guide For 1965-1972 Ford Trucks .: Articles

 

as for hydro assist steering, are you talking about using the stock steering box and ps pump, and then tapping it and adding a hydraulic cylinder which supplements the factory power steering? If so, that would work, but not necessary unless youre running bigger tires.

I was thinking of the factory "power assist" which is essentially a crappy version of today's aftermarket "hydro ram assist" steering kits, and is generally avoided.

Here is a link to a jeep hydro ram assist thread on pirate:
DIY: Hydraulic Ram Assist

 

Perfect. That's what I was looking for. It has exactly what I need to start buying. I searched for a few hours and found hundreds of different methods. I looks like I will just do the 78-79 conversion. Thank you. I appreciate the help. The hydraulic ram assist is what I was thinking of. I'll be running 38" tires. It's as big as I can legally go in Utah on the road.