I am looking to change my '68 manual steering to power. WOW! What an undertaking!
I now have manual steering with a 3-on-the-tree column shift steering column.
I know I could just buy a Bendix PS box and just go with it!
However, I want to buy a Ford (Saginaw) box, and now I find out that I cannot do that with my current steering column.
Can someone please tell me what I need to get power steering on this truck! Please!
I cannot afford $1,500 to add power steering!
CAN SOMEONE HELP IN SIMPLE TERMS?
Thanks...

 

simple terms- you need to buy the Bendix box.

there's only a few other options
1. hunt for the needle-in-a-haystack 3-speed column mated up to a Ford-type steering gear. (good luck...)

2. convert to a floorshift and use a column out of a power steering truck.

3. shorten your existing column & steering shaft to fit the longer Ford gear

 

Thanks rustywheel68
By the way, have you ever shortened a column?
Or do you know someone reliable close to NC?

 

Bendix P/S: 1966/68 F100/250 2WD / 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001.

Ford P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001 / 1970/79 F100/250 2WD & F350 / 1976/79 F100/150 4WD / 1977 F250 4WD from serial number Y20,001 / 1978/79 F250 4WD

Bendix P/S parts are all obsolete, NOS master seal kit can be bought from Green Sales, Carpenter. Be prepared to pay at least 100 bucks.

But, if any other parts are needed, lotsa luck finding them, as next to none are available NOS

1966/68 F100/250 2WD steering column shaft and flange with manual steering: 35 5/8" long.

1966/68 F100/250 steering column shaft and flange with Bendix P/S: 34 5/16" long.

"Needle in haystack" 3 speed with Ford P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD from serial number D96,001, 1970/79 F100/250 2WD

Why people need P/S in these trucks, I dunno. It's only real use is when parallel parking.

Fix the worn out steering/suspension, inflate the tires properly, you won't need P/S.

 

Thanks.
I think I'll just keep what I got!
I appreciate the advice and the info!

 

which part of NC are you in? there's at least one or two NC guys around this forum.

 

Why is the bendix easier to install from a manual steering truck?

 

this pic pretty much explains it all-
http://www.fordification.com/tech/im...vs-Saginaw.jpg

the length of the gears is different. using the longer Ford gear requires a shorter steering column.

 

So u wouldn't have to change columns?

 

correct- if you use the Bendix gear, you can keep your original column.

 

But according to some replies on this thread previously my current '68 manual steer column is 35 5/8 inches, and a '68 with a Bendix P/S box the column is 34 5/16 inches.
So how will it just bolt right up?

 

cut-and-pasted from this link:
How to Install Power Steering in a 2WD F100/250/350 - FORDification.com

Usually, no alterations of the steering column or frame are necessary with this box, though in some cases, the slightly-longer steering column shaft will push the steering wheel out a tad, creating a gap between the end of the column and the steering wheel. If this happens, you might be able to adjust the column mounting to take up the slack...but in some cases there will be insufficient adjustment available.

 

I have yet to see the elusive "needle in a haystack" Ford box with 3 speed. I have heard a couple guys on forums say they have one but they don't seem knowledgeable and never post pictures. So I'm still waiting.... I gave up putting a T-85N in my 69 crewcab because of the issue.
When I was young, I didn't care if I had power steering or not but later in life I converted a few of my bumpsides and my elbows got more arthritic. I will say if you keep the front end in good shape and keep the kingpins well greased it helps noticeably. Also I have heard of using a steering wheel from an F600 to ease the effort a little.

 

generally speaking- most people who retrofit power steering into their trucks either switch to an auto tranny, or put a floor-shifter on their manual.