1965 power steering conversion

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Aug 14, 2003 | 11:11 AM

#16

banjopicker66

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,613

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From: Coal country

1965 power steering conversion

The '65 and '66 truck driver's side perches for the FE come out straight from the frame.
If you use the Bendix PS gearbox, no alteration is necessary.
However, if you use the Ford PS box, you will need to notch or bend the driver's side perch (as William has said).
Better yet, the driver's side perch for FE engines and Ford PS was modified with a "swept forward" shape to allow clearance for the Ford PS gearbox.
You can easily replace the driver's side perch with one from a '67 - '76 truck with an FE AND the Ford PS box. (Note: ALL driver's side perches in '71 - '76 trucks with FE should work, because Ford quit using the Bendix box about 1970. You have to make sure the Ford box - not the Bendix - was used only on the '67 - 70 trucks to be certain the driver's side perch will work.)
This FE perch will bolt to the frame; in fact, many trucks after '66 were drilled for both types of FE perches.
Because I used the Bendix box on my '66, I did not change out the perches. Should I have to replace the Bendix box, or ever decide to switch to an automatic, I'll use the later FE perch.

Aug 14, 2003 | 11:24 AM

#17

HardFordCore

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 136

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1965 power steering conversion

I have owned two (94 & 95) Ford Lightning F150 trucks in the past. One of the many things Ford did to improve its handling was to use a 4x4 pitman arm. This quickened the steering ratio. Has anyone heard of using this combo on an earlier truck?

Aug 14, 2003 | 03:03 PM

#18

HardFordCore

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Joined: Jul 2003

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1965 power steering conversion

Here is a link to the 66 F100 Short Bed I bought in Arkansas and hauled back to Santa Cruz, Ca. two weeks ago. Scroll down to the ad that states "66 F100 Short Wheel Base" it's red and white with a load of tape stripes all over it. My heat gun has been at work in the driveway slowly peeling it off. Power steering is at the top of the to-do list at this point.

http://www.motorheadtrader.com/board...st&CatCode=FMC

Aug 14, 2003 | 05:15 PM

#19

chris-in-mass

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 27

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From: MASS

1965 power steering conversion

this forum helped me alot becauz i am going to be doing the same thing with my 65

Aug 16, 2003 | 07:40 PM

#20

brookhavenbob

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7

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1965 power steering conversion

Saturday at 5:30 pm the power steering job was complete, Used a74 gear box, pump, and pullies all were bolt on. Had to cut the steering column about 3 inches from the end and was able to weld the end back on and keep my 3 on the tree. Running fine thanks for all the help! My next job will be adding air condiction. May need some help.