The steering box on my old 66 M-250 4x4 is about done and sort of a pain when 4x4ing. I have been considering a few steering options. First I considered a steering "quickener" used primaraly on race cars but I heard can be used on a manual steering to shorten the amount you have to turn the wheel. I would have to get another steering box for this,but could still stay mostly stock.
Secondly I had wanted to put a new column and power steering but if I recall I have a "saginaw" (spelling?) setup that steers through the front frame making this conversion tough and requiring custom steering arms or crossover steering. This would be nice, but I am young and on a budget. I am capable of building something like this but I think I would require help from my dad or friends and they have enough projects of their own.
Thirdly I wondered about hydrolic steering, I have seen this done and could replicate (I think). I have a few old Case tractors and Massey Combines that could donate parts for this if they would work.
Sorry for the long post but I am having trouble making up my mind about this. Any ideas, experience or comments would be much appreciated. Thnx.

 

Depending on what motor you have, and if you have headers or not, determines what you can do. I have all of the pieces to do the swap but have found some problems. I took a 78 F-250HD and stripped the power steering unit, column, etc... The box mounts in front of the tire, where as ours mounts in the back of the tire, and steers the same way (front to back). That part is simple. But if you have a 352 or 360 in your truck with the single motor mount on the front of the engine, that will be in the way. You could switch to conventional motor mounts, as long as you don't have headers. I have headers on my truck so I've decided to try and make a F-150 steering box work, since it mounts on the outside of my frame and I won't have to change my motor mount. This is a little tricky though, and I will have to custom make a pitman arm. There are still lots more details to go over but don't want to make this any longer. If you have any questions write me an E-mail.

Good Luck


mwc4275(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

I have a 352 no headers. And ya the motor mount is in the way. I am going to put it in the shop this weekend and see what I can come up with. I think first I am going to try and convert to Hydrolic steering if I have enough parts around the yard. If not I might be emailing you again. Thanks for the help.

 

Right on man, let us know what you decide to do, and how it works out.