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Nov 30, 2014 | 08:46 AM

clr0gers

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From: Evansville, WI

Needs power steering

I'm hoping that someone here will have a good answer that can save me some time & maybe money. I have a hot rod that I've been building since 2004 & in 2014 finally got it on the road long enough to discover that I really need power steering. It's a 1946 Ford pickup with the Mustang II rack & pinion conversion crossmember rather than the old straight axle. It has a 351W with a T5 manual trans, Crown Vic drive shaft (shortened) & a 1980 Bronco 9" rearend. The manual rack in it now is from a 1982 to 1988 T-bird & I've seen several aftermarket & rebuilt units but am not sure which way to go. Speedway has a rack for $199.00 that fits 82-88 T-bird applications using the aftermarket crossmember like I have but it uses a GM pump, what does the Mustangs use, GM or Ford & what's the difference? Rockauto has an ACDelco rebuilt for about $141.00 including core & shipping but I don't know if this will fit my crossmember or not. Does anybody have any experience in this matter that could contact me with the right info so I don't spend more than I need to. I'm retired & only have a $200.00 a month budget to work with.
Thanks

chuck

Nov 30, 2014 | 02:58 PM

Gigemags05

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From: Denton, TX

Subscribed.

I have a 47 that I am going to drop a 351w into. It has original front axle but I'll be upgrading brakes.

I am really confused about power steering right now.

I wish I could help. Only thing I know is that in the 48 and on crowd the toyota power steering conversion is really popular.

Nov 30, 2014 | 10:57 PM

clr0gers

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From: Evansville, WI

Gigemags05

Since 1942 to 1947 Ford pickups all use the same frame you could use the same crossmember & upper spring towers sold by J.W.Rod garage like I used on mine & then you'd be able to use the more modern & nicer rack & pinion steering that I used on mine. If you want to take a look at a couple of photos of before & after just copy & paste this URL: (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/11...front-end.html). If you want more detailed photos of the setup let me know & I can send you some.
Good luck

chuck

Dec 1, 2014 | 10:05 AM

Gigemags05

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From: Denton, TX

I tried to look at the link but it didn't work.

How much did that setup run? I am definitely on a budget.

Dec 1, 2014 | 10:55 AM

willowbilly3

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Black Hills of SD

There are several compact steering boxes that could be adapted to the original cross steer, like maybe an early Mustang.

Dec 1, 2014 | 10:59 AM

Gigemags05

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From: Denton, TX

In that case would you use the original column? Or would I need a different one?

I am sorry for hi jacking this thread.

Dec 1, 2014 | 11:15 AM

willowbilly3

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 8,209

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From: Black Hills of SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigemags05

In that case would you use the original column? Or would I need a different one?

I am sorry for hi jacking this thread.

Well that's hard to answer but for the most part and in most cases I'm sure the original could be modified to work. It would require some surgery to connect it with a rag joint or u-joint.

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Dec 1, 2014 | 12:11 PM

clr0gers

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 31

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From: Evansville, WI

Power Steering

The crossmember kit is about $300.00 from J.W.Rod garage. I just tried this URL so if you copy & paste this you should be able to see some of the photos: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...front-end.html. Actually if the letters are blue you just need to click on it. Once you have the crossmember welded in you can either use the fancy tube A-frames & such or in my case I found a Mustang II at a wrecking yard & bought the front clip with the suspension. If you use a 351W you probably will have to use the front spring from a 1978 Ford Fairmont but if you don't use F150 rims like I did they may not rub on the fenders, my wheels come to the edge of the fenders & rub on turns.
Hope this helps.

chuck