66 Steering Column Conversion
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
66 Steering Column Conversion
Hey Guys,
Hope all is well. I currently have a 3 on the tree and am looking to convert, rebuild etc my steering column to automatic with power steering. Does anyone know someone that has the ability to do this and still be able to have it accept my original steering wheel?
Also, after that is complete what type of transmission would it work with AOD, AOD-E, C6?
Looking for some serious help here.
Thanks again,
Lax
Hope all is well. I currently have a 3 on the tree and am looking to convert, rebuild etc my steering column to automatic with power steering. Does anyone know someone that has the ability to do this and still be able to have it accept my original steering wheel?
Also, after that is complete what type of transmission would it work with AOD, AOD-E, C6?
Looking for some serious help here.
Thanks again,
Lax
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,021
Likes: 1,569
From: Seattle
The steering column itself doesn't have anything to do with power steering - other than it might need to be shortened, also, to work with a power steering gearbox. But, good luck finding someone who will do that for you. There are a few things that the two columns don't have in common so you might be better off getting an automatic column as at least a parts source.
Good luck
.
Good luck
.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
TA,
Thanks again for the help. You are correct - I know I will need a new column - an automatic one or someone that can rebuild one for me. Thats where I am having some difficulty, finding some one that can do that - not many people know how to do that (myself especially) and make it work with a tranny rebuild.
If you can ever think of anyone please let me know.
Thanks again,
Lax
Thanks again for the help. You are correct - I know I will need a new column - an automatic one or someone that can rebuild one for me. Thats where I am having some difficulty, finding some one that can do that - not many people know how to do that (myself especially) and make it work with a tranny rebuild.
If you can ever think of anyone please let me know.
Thanks again,
Lax
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,021
Likes: 1,569
From: Seattle
The old Saginaw PS gearbox will require a 2" shorter steering column than our trucks. The column from a '69 - '72 truck to look original and use your steering wheel, or from a '73 - '79, which will require the later steering wheel. If you get a column from a truck with an automatic originally then it should have everything you'd need to shift the transmission at the bottom of the column. You might want to make sure you grab the shift rod, too. I can get you a pic of what an original '66 shift rod looks like so you can see what to be asking for from a seller of a later column - they all look similar.
.
.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Lax, Get a column, gear, pump from a 73-76 donor for FE 352 engine, 73-79 for the I-6 engine. If the I-6 an early 90s AOD would work. There aome adaptable autos for the FE but likely will run over 3 grand.
John
John
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
John,
GM - hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for the great info. So definitely considering what you said I'm just hesitant because I really don't want to order a rebuild and then order an incorrect tranny for it. Then im not even sure about column sizes etc.
Tom from flash back said he can rebuild a column for me from OG Ford and American parts not Chinese when I saw him at the Moultrie swap meet in GA. Thing is if he does rebuild a column for me I don't know what transmission it would work with - AOD, AOD-E, C6??? Also, I think he uses a Bendix box, I don't know if this would be an issue. I posted some links below from his page that talk about what he does.
Finally, i did see some after market columns that look period correct, they are paintable, etc. I just need to figure out what length it needs to be 30 or 32". Would you know?
Flashback F100's - Helpful Hints PagesThis page will contain many hints, tricks and things to beware of in your search of parts if looking on the internet, swap meet, salvage yard or another dealerOne hint not related to parts, BUT on purchasing
Flashback F100's - Steering Column Parts & All Associated Parts with Steering
Thanks again for the help!
All the best,
Lax
GM - hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for the great info. So definitely considering what you said I'm just hesitant because I really don't want to order a rebuild and then order an incorrect tranny for it. Then im not even sure about column sizes etc.
Tom from flash back said he can rebuild a column for me from OG Ford and American parts not Chinese when I saw him at the Moultrie swap meet in GA. Thing is if he does rebuild a column for me I don't know what transmission it would work with - AOD, AOD-E, C6??? Also, I think he uses a Bendix box, I don't know if this would be an issue. I posted some links below from his page that talk about what he does.
Finally, i did see some after market columns that look period correct, they are paintable, etc. I just need to figure out what length it needs to be 30 or 32". Would you know?
Flashback F100's - Helpful Hints PagesThis page will contain many hints, tricks and things to beware of in your search of parts if looking on the internet, swap meet, salvage yard or another dealerOne hint not related to parts, BUT on purchasing
Flashback F100's - Steering Column Parts & All Associated Parts with Steering
Thanks again for the help!
All the best,
Lax
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Lax, So you will know. The column and steering gear are use specific and need to be kept as a pair because of the difference in column length. The power & non power Bendix gears sets offered 65-72 in the 100 are the exact same overall length at the later Saginaw sets. The later Saginaw sets have a different connect point (about 2 1/3") closer to the firewall because of hydraulic connections on the gear.
Both sets can have manual, floor, and auto shift. You stated (my understanding) that you wanted to upgrade engine & tranny. I suggested that you get a early 90s AOD that would mate to the I-6 engine that you want and would work with the Auto column and Saginaw gear from a 73 up donor.
Rebuilding a column is different from having a correct matching one.
John
Both sets can have manual, floor, and auto shift. You stated (my understanding) that you wanted to upgrade engine & tranny. I suggested that you get a early 90s AOD that would mate to the I-6 engine that you want and would work with the Auto column and Saginaw gear from a 73 up donor.
Rebuilding a column is different from having a correct matching one.
John
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The blue oval
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Nov 6, 2013 12:55 PM
allwthrrider
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Nov 22, 2010 10:28 PM
willys_gasser
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 29, 2008 06:34 AM