Hello, this is my first post but I have been searching all over this forum and have found tons of information so far for my recent purchase of a 76 f100 swb 2wd 302. I have searched all about converting from manual steering to power steering with these trucks. So far I have purchased the correct column for power steering that should be arriving at my door any day now. What I am wondering about is if I can use the steering gear (box) from a 78-79 truck as well as the power steering pump and bracket from 78-79 up. I would be fine with purchasing 76 items, but I can't locate a power steering pump bracket for a 76 with a 302 to save my soul. I can find plenty for the 79 trucks and up. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Ruger,
What year model column did you buy? I THINK the year of the steering box needs to match the column. I do know the column needs to be for a 2wd truck. I snagged the entire package off a '79 to install on my '74 and so far everything appears to fit fine. If anyone knows I am wrong on this please let me know.

 

D9TZ-3504-A (replaced D3TZ-3504-B & D7TZ-3504-D) .. Ford/Saginaw P/S Gearbox / Obsolete

Applications: 1973/79 F100/350 2WD
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DOAZ-3A732-C .. P/S Pump Adjusting Bracket / Obsolete

1969/79 F100 302 / 1970/72 Galaxie/LTD 302 / 1970/71 Farlane/Torino 302/351C / 1971/73 Mustang/Cougar 302/351C/351W

PEROGIE ENTERPRISES in Highstown NJ has ONE = 609-448-5593.
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D7TZ-3C511-A (replaced D5TZ-3C511-A) .. P/S Pump Support Bracket / Obsolete

Applications: 1975/77 F100 302.

No Ford Dealer/obsolete parts vendor has D7TZ-3C511-A / D5TZ-3C511-A =

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has ONE = 800-543-4959.
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1978/79 P/S pumps different than 1965/77, have a plastic reservoir. The P/S pressure hose has a straight tube with an o-ring on it, connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.

1965/77 pumps have a steel reservoir, P/S pressure hose threads on. 1978/79 plastic reservoir pumps are a different shape and smaller in diameter, some P/S brackets are only specific to it.

 

So if I am understanding everything so far, the power steering gear is the same for 73 to 79 and the pump is different. Since I haven't bought any of these parts yet, I could purchase the 79 pump, brackets and pressure and return hoses and it should all work.

To reply to the question of which column I bought. It's out of a 76 F100 2wd with power steering. But if the steering gear is the same, the only thing I should have to worry about is the hoses.

 

Get the gearbox from redheadsteeringgears.com. Otherwise, all you'll end up with is an autoparts "rebuilt" that is nothing more than a "resealed" gearbox.

Variations of this gearbox were used in myriad 1965/2002 FoMoCo vehicles, all have a built-in flaw, there are no sector shaft bearings, sector rides directly on the housing.

So, before too long, fluid begins leaking from the sector shaft seal.

Red Head takes the housing, machines it, installes the needle bearings that Ford omitted...on purpose, so they can sell gazillions of sector shaft seal kits. Same 1965/2002, ditto the input shaft seal kit.

 

Thanks Number Dummy for the help. I'm still piecing things together right now. Trying to get a hold of the hard to find parts first.

I'm also in the process of purchasing an explorer motor and converting it over to carb. I've been researching it as much as possible on here.

 

I just want to say that having NumberDummy on the forum is a valuable addition. Getting his knowledge and parts numbers is great help to many members.

"'atta boy!"

 

I agree. 90% of the threads I've scoured so far has reply's from Number Dummy with the information I need. Thanks again.