7.3 idi Install steering problem
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 238
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From: Australia
7.3 idi Install steering problem
Hi All,
As can be seen in my build thread I'm putting a 7.3 idi in my right hand drive 1986 F100 4x4.
Now everything has so far been a straight bolt in.
However I've just tried to fit up the steering box and ran into a problem.
The exhaust manifold on the right side is in the way of the steering box.
From above
Looking down onto the end of the input shaft
My initial thought was to build a new exhaust manifold but I don't think there is enough room no matter what.
Other thought is to lift the steering box so that the shaft goes over the top of the manifold. Has to come up about 3" (75mm). This means making a new mounting bracket on top of the present location, I'm looking at a section of rhs with through tubes or cut up the old chassis and use the mount from that attached to the top of the new chassis rail. Also would require a drop pitman arm but that's not a problem. I've checked otherwise and nothing else is in the way if I lift it.
Now the questions.
1. Has anyone here put an idi into a right hand drive vehicle? If so what did you do about this?
2. Anyone see a problem with lifting the steering box up, other than the pitman arm?
As can be seen in my build thread I'm putting a 7.3 idi in my right hand drive 1986 F100 4x4.
Now everything has so far been a straight bolt in.
However I've just tried to fit up the steering box and ran into a problem.
The exhaust manifold on the right side is in the way of the steering box.
From above
Looking down onto the end of the input shaft
My initial thought was to build a new exhaust manifold but I don't think there is enough room no matter what.
Other thought is to lift the steering box so that the shaft goes over the top of the manifold. Has to come up about 3" (75mm). This means making a new mounting bracket on top of the present location, I'm looking at a section of rhs with through tubes or cut up the old chassis and use the mount from that attached to the top of the new chassis rail. Also would require a drop pitman arm but that's not a problem. I've checked otherwise and nothing else is in the way if I lift it.
Now the questions.
1. Has anyone here put an idi into a right hand drive vehicle? If so what did you do about this?
2. Anyone see a problem with lifting the steering box up, other than the pitman arm?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 485
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From: Boise Idaho
Nice build. I don't see a problem with raising it up or even changing the angle or both. I would say build a set of custom headers for it and design them around it but then again I'm crazy that way. Looks like the angle of the box wouldn't allow that anyway and the block gets in the way. I've never worked with a right hand drive before but looks like fun 
.
.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 238
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From: Australia
Don't know that they did but thanks for the tip.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 238
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From: Australia
Thanks
I looked at the possibility of headers but don't think it's at all possible.
I'll just have to experiment with lifting it up.
I don't see a problem with raising it up or even changing the angle or both. I would say build a set of custom headers for it and design them around it but then again I'm crazy that way. Looks like the angle of the box wouldn't allow that anyway and the block gets in the way. I've never worked with a right hand drive before but looks like fun .
.I'll just have to experiment with lifting it up.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,756
From: Virginia
What is the largest engine they put in a right hand drive truck over there? If they used a 460 you would think they would have the same problem.
Also, I do not know how many problems it would cause, but you could move the engine over to the driver's side a inch or two. OEM's have done this through the years to help things clear.
Also, I do not know how many problems it would cause, but you could move the engine over to the driver's side a inch or two. OEM's have done this through the years to help things clear.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,839
Likes: 108
From: Martinsburg, WV
They did, I just looked up a few on Used Ford F250 cars - Find Ford F250 cars for sale - CarPoint Australia, so they exist over there.
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Senior User
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From: Australia
Thanks anyway, I think lifting the steering box would be easier.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Australia
They did, I just looked up a few on Used Ford F250 cars - Find Ford F250 cars for sale - CarPoint Australia, so they exist over there.
I've emailed them, see if I get any responses. Unfortunately the closest one is about 3000k's away.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Missouri
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
The drivetrain is offset around the 2" mark to your drivers side in a north american market application for this very reason. I wouldn't at all be concerned with modifying the mounts/frame brackets to move the engine to allow you clearance. You may need to change the angle more than you need to shift it completley to one side or the other.
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