PS Install - Pitman arm question
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Joined: Sep 2012
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PS Install - Pitman arm question
Gents,
I am installing a power steering unit (column and gear) in my 1965 F100 from a 1978 F100. I have everything removed (pitman separation from draglink was umm... difficult) and am just about ready to install the power steering box. I noticed that the Pitman from the '65 is clocked almost flat at the draglink end, the Pitman from the donor truck is clocked about 15 degrees different. Will this still work properly? It doesn't look like the Pitman from the '65 will fit on the '78 gear box.
Help me, please!
Thanks guys!
I am installing a power steering unit (column and gear) in my 1965 F100 from a 1978 F100. I have everything removed (pitman separation from draglink was umm... difficult) and am just about ready to install the power steering box. I noticed that the Pitman from the '65 is clocked almost flat at the draglink end, the Pitman from the donor truck is clocked about 15 degrees different. Will this still work properly? It doesn't look like the Pitman from the '65 will fit on the '78 gear box.
Help me, please!
Thanks guys!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,244
Likes: 4,152
From: Near Cal. Avenue
Thin U can mount up the column but need the 65 gear box. Of course then comes the question why change the column?
Will this help?
http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm
Will this help?
http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Hi Gofrogs -
I'm in the same boat... I am installing power steering from a '69 Ford F100 in my '66 Ford F100. From everything I've read, you will need to use the newer pitman arm with the newer power steering box as well as the newer rag joint.
I need to get a new drag link, so I have not completed my installation yet. If you learn something different, please let me know.
Thank You,
Dan M.
I'm in the same boat... I am installing power steering from a '69 Ford F100 in my '66 Ford F100. From everything I've read, you will need to use the newer pitman arm with the newer power steering box as well as the newer rag joint.
I need to get a new drag link, so I have not completed my installation yet. If you learn something different, please let me know.
Thank You,
Dan M.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
GoFrogs69 raises a good question
I am also in the process of converting to ps. After reading his post I pulled my manual gearbox off this morning and compared them side by side. He is correct that the saginaw box pitman arm tips about 15 degrees. From what I had read these would bolt on without the drag links if you had the new pitman arm. GoFrogs is correct that they are not interchangeable. They have the same size nut and thread but the ps box has a larger spine and the arm can be mounted in 4 positions, not just one. I have picked up the pieces I thought I needed piece meal, box, short firewall mount, fe ps left engine perch, and plan on cutting down my column and welding it back together. It looks to me that I can use the ps pitman arm and loosen the passenger side tie rod end to center it with the drag link at the new angle. I think by loosening the drivers side arms it will also work. I think the worse case would be I may have to heat the drag link and twist it a bit to square up the drivers side center connection but I hope not and do not know if this would weaken it. I was hoping to see more comments here from people who have done this. Maybe the later model drag link can be purchased new and will work. Anybody??
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
I am also in the process of converting to ps. After reading his post I pulled my manual gearbox off this morning and compared them side by side. He is correct that the saginaw box pitman arm tips about 15 degrees. From what I had read these would bolt on without the drag links if you had the new pitman arm. GoFrogs is correct that they are not interchangeable. They have the same size nut and thread but the ps box has a larger spine and the arm can be mounted in 4 positions, not just one. I have picked up the pieces I thought I needed piece meal, box, short firewall mount, fe ps left engine perch, and plan on cutting down my column and welding it back together. It looks to me that I can use the ps pitman arm and loosen the passenger side tie rod end to center it with the drag link at the new angle. I think by loosening the drivers side arms it will also work. I think the worse case would be I may have to heat the drag link and twist it a bit to square up the drivers side center connection but I hope not and do not know if this would weaken it. I was hoping to see more comments here from people who have done this. Maybe the later model drag link can be purchased new and will work. Anybody??
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I was mistaken
There is no adjustment for the tie rod end on the passenger side. I bolted the box up and the pitman arm almost lined up but the tie rod end was torqed back all of the way and the connection would not quite line up. I slid over to the passenger side to loosen the tie rod and what I thought was an adjuster was just a buldge in the drag link with some dried grease on it. Evidently to replace the right side tie rod end you have to buy the drag link with both ends on it. Hopefully the one for the 73 to 79? trucks with ps will bolt up at the correct angle and that is all I will need, I hope. If anyone knows please comment. Thank You.
It probably is not a good idea to heat any steering connections up yet I am tempted to heat the pitman arm and remove the 15 degree angle or cut it off and weld it back on straight.
It probably is not a good idea to heat any steering connections up yet I am tempted to heat the pitman arm and remove the 15 degree angle or cut it off and weld it back on straight.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,244
Likes: 4,152
From: Near Cal. Avenue
I did that once to a yard lumber truck but it never saw the road and it never broke off. Still that is such a bit** if it breaks! U see it is probably cast steel. Not the strongest tool hand in the ship.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 123
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From: Atlanta
Why not get the entire front suspension from your donor truck, I beams and all, that way you can get the disk brake upgrade and everything will bolt up fine, just did it to my truck and it's the best thing I ever did.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Donor Steering Linkage
I did not have a donor truck and just picked up the parts here and there and did not realize I needed a different tie rod configuration. I will not cut and weld anything. I ordered new steering tie rods and drag links from parts geek for a 73 to 79 2wd. I hope they fit. I think what I need is the drag link that has both tie rod ends facing the same direction, and not off 15 degrees or so like my original on the 65. The only thing I am not sure of is how to set the tow end without and adjuster for the passenger side. I am guessing you set that tire with the steering wheel then adjust the drivers side last?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
You have to use the rag joint from the 1978, as the original has different sized locating pins.
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