which steering gears?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Usually you can keep the old column mast, just the shaft will need changed, at least on the few I've converted. Numberdummy can help here but the Saginaw shaft lengths changed a few times from 68-72 and I think one year was by itself so not just any Saginaw power steering shaft from 68-72 will work for you. You will have to know for sure what year the column is, if it isn't original to the truck. I have made the newer ones work with the earlier steering wheel by cutting off the top end where the safety snap ring groove is.
Thumper has the Saginaw gear, Until he offers further info I presume the shorter column was swapped also. To revert back to non-power steering setup both the gear & column will have to be swapped, or correctly paired.
John
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
Ok I think I asked my question wrong..
I have the saginaw steering gear. I am wanting to go back to manual steering. Since that would require a different shaft is it possible to remove my current saginaw box and shaft and put in a manual box with the shaft from the same donor truck without needing to replace the entire column?
I have the saginaw steering gear. I am wanting to go back to manual steering. Since that would require a different shaft is it possible to remove my current saginaw box and shaft and put in a manual box with the shaft from the same donor truck without needing to replace the entire column?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
I don't think that is correct. I believe the Saginaw was first used in 73 with it's shorter column. 68-72 would have had the manual box or the Bendix power gear that if I'm not mistaken share the same column. From the horn button to the vert shaft in the gear is the same length on both systems or very close. It is the connect point of the Saginaw gear that is 2.5" closer to the firewall.
Thumper has the Saginaw gear, Until he offers further info I presume the shorter column was swapped also. To revert back to non-power steering setup both the gear & column will have to be swapped, or correctly paired.
John
Thumper has the Saginaw gear, Until he offers further info I presume the shorter column was swapped also. To revert back to non-power steering setup both the gear & column will have to be swapped, or correctly paired.
John
According to Numberdummy the bendix used a different shaft too but I'm pretty sure lots of guys have made the manual steering shaft work on the Bendix. For sure the column angle doesn't change so you shouldn't need the cowl mounting bracket and associated parts.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I have read the thread, but all that mush that Bill puts in makes my ears hurt sometimes, so I don't read too much of the detail.
Most of that 1/2" referred to can be take up in the (flexable) rag joint or dash cuff. The 2 1/2" difference in the Saginaw gear will not.
I'll let yall figure this one out.
John
Most of that 1/2" referred to can be take up in the (flexable) rag joint or dash cuff. The 2 1/2" difference in the Saginaw gear will not.
I'll let yall figure this one out.
John
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
Ok I think I asked my question wrong..
I have the saginaw steering gear. I am wanting to go back to manual steering. Since that would require a different shaft is it possible to remove my current saginaw box and shaft and put in a manual box with the shaft from the same donor truck without needing to replace the entire column?
I have the saginaw steering gear. I am wanting to go back to manual steering. Since that would require a different shaft is it possible to remove my current saginaw box and shaft and put in a manual box with the shaft from the same donor truck without needing to replace the entire column?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 9
From: Tumwater, Wa
You can make a manual column work with a bendix box, but it's not correct. The manual column is about an inch too long. I elongated the mounting holes in my column, and this is as small as I could make the gap. I'm swapping a saginaw in.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I am not sure what column I have. I will get some pics up this afternoon.
Here they are: (it has an aftermarket steering wheel on it) Let me know if I need to get better pics fellas
Here they are: (it has an aftermarket steering wheel on it) Let me know if I need to get better pics fellas
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