I've got a 66 that has a worn out 289 in it and I don't believe that the engine perches are correct for that engine. I found a local guy offering to sell me the entire frame from a 79 f150 with a rebuilt 302 and auto trans with power steering and disc brakes. My 66 has already been converted to disc brakes and I've read where I can use all of the parts from the 79 on my 66 but is this accurate? I also want to convert my truck to an on the column shifter. What steering column would I need? I think I've seen where guys use 67-72 columns but is that correct? Will I need to find a 67-72 column from an automatic truck with power steering? Thanks

 

IntrstlarOvrdrve Welcome to and the Slicks Forum.

With a few minor exceptions pretty much everything from the rear cab mounts to the front bumper is bolt hole exchange from 65 to 79. In 73 Ford added 4 in to the rear of the cab beyond the mounts so the chassis & wheelbase is longer. You can swap your 66 Cab & front clip to the 79 chassis or the engine, transmission, steering gear/column power steering/disc brakes to your 66. You will need a column from a 73-79 truck with auto it the one from the 79 is not available.

If you think the 79 is complete and within your budget it very well could be a good investment for you.


John

 

Thanks John!! I would swap everything over to my 66 as the 79 is a long wheelbase and my 66 is SWB. He also told me he'd knock $250 off if he cut the frame in half and kept the rear end.


So would a 73-79 column bolt in and look stock for my application? I would like to run my factory steering wheel and have the electronics work.

 

The only electronics that I can think of in these old slicks from the factory was the AM radio if equipped.


Electrical equipment is different than electronics.


electronics

1. the branch of physics and technology concerned with the design of circuits using transistors and microchips, and with the behavior and movement of electrons in a semiconductor, conductor, vacuum, or gas:
2. circuits or devices using transistors, microchips, and other components.

I only mention because I'm a Certified Electronic Technician (CET), which is a different line of work than Electrician.


.

 

I swapped everything to my '66 as well. It is good that you have the entire front end to work with for all the steering parts, if they are not worn out.

For the steering column length concerns, Ford did not start using the shorter column and the Saginaw built box until sometime in 1969.

As Number Dummy has posted elsewhere: Ford P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001 ~ 1970/79 F100/250 2WD & F350.

In my opinion, a '69-'72 steering column looks more period correct, and is also easier to modify for our trucks. You can also use the '66 steering wheel, if you cut the tip of the sector shaft off.

I haven't worked with the '73-'79 column, but many others have and are quite satisfied with it. If I remember correctly, you must use the later steering wheel, though.

Don't forget to use the correct driver's side engine perch as well.

Best of luck to you.

John

 

If you swap the turn signal cams the 66 wheel will work fine on the 73+ column. If there are emergency flashers on the column, eliminate them, your truck didn't have them as standard equipment anyway.


As an alternative to cutting off the end of the steering shaft:


Flip the 66 horn ring over. There is a metal plate inside the horn ring, remove this plate and drill a hole in it larger enough for the shaft to pass through. Reinstall the plate and everything will work fine.

 

So will a 67-72 steering column work for my application?


Thanks!

 

67-72 works and looks pretty close to the 65/66 column. Only people who know these trucks will know that its not correct for the year. The 73-79 will work just as well, but doesn't look as good.

 

I had a column shifter in my 66 ford that was an original and it kept breaking the shifter collar off and I finely just put a floor shifter from a ford areostar in it but I still have the column the only thing wrong with it is the collar at the shifter arm