with Saginaw steering gear.
Automatic Column
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5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
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Automatic Column
Can a automatic column be used in any ford f100 from 1961 through 1966? Looking switching 3 on tree for a automatic. My 1966 currently has a 390 when I bought the truck it came with a 4 speed but want an automatic. Don't want to cut into the floor. Thanks in advance.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
jcandela00 Welcome to 
and the Slicks Forum. 
Simple answer, no. 61-64 are straight axle, things changed in 65 with I-beams, changed again in 73 with Saginaw steering gear.
Best bet for you might be what I did. Find and buy a 73-76 donor with the FE engine, C6 trans, and do the power steering, power disc brake upgrade and then sell the remains. I have done this several times sold not needed parts for more than purchase so I had an upgrade for -0- in parts cost. I rebuild all at install including engine and tranny so I had a gooooood running truck.
John
and the Slicks Forum. Simple answer, no. 61-64 are straight axle, things changed in 65 with I-beams, changed again in 73 with Saginaw steering gear.
Best bet for you might be what I did. Find and buy a 73-76 donor with the FE engine, C6 trans, and do the power steering, power disc brake upgrade and then sell the remains. I have done this several times sold not needed parts for more than purchase so I had an upgrade for -0- in parts cost. I rebuild all at install including engine and tranny so I had a gooooood running truck.
John
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Ford/Saginaw P/S introduced in 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,459
Likes: 70
From: Southern Maryland
You can use any auto column from '65 to '77 with manual steering, and if you're also switching to power steering then you need a PS column from '69 to '77, assuming you're using the Ford/Saginaw box. You will need to cut the nub off the end if you want to retain the original steering wheel.
The oddball Bendix power steering box from '65 to '68 will usually work with the manual steering shaft, however the shaft is actually just a tad shorter, so depending on your tolerance stack up, it may or may not fit well.
If you're going for period correct then you'd want the Bendix, but there's a reason Ford replaced it. They leak.
The oddball Bendix power steering box from '65 to '68 will usually work with the manual steering shaft, however the shaft is actually just a tad shorter, so depending on your tolerance stack up, it may or may not fit well.
If you're going for period correct then you'd want the Bendix, but there's a reason Ford replaced it. They leak.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
P/S was an option, so who knows if the trucks came with it from the factory, or if was dealer installed or swapped in from lawd knows what after the fact.
1966/68 F100/250 2WD & 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001 were available with Bendix P/S
1965's were not available with P/S
1966/68 F100/250 2WD & 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001 were available with Bendix P/S
1965's were not available with P/S
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,459
Likes: 70
From: Southern Maryland
OK, power steering may not have been offered by Ford in '65, but I've seen one in just the last 3 months that had the Bendix unit, so sometime in the past 50 years, someone added it. I'm just sayin', if you're out junk yard shopping it may be worth your while to poke your head in and look.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: tucson
Just mulling a thought, Has anyone tried connecting an auto transmission to one of the shifter arms on a three speed transmission?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
P/S was an option, so who knows if the trucks came with it from the factory, or if was dealer installed or swapped in from lawd knows what after the fact.
1966/68 F100/250 2WD & 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001 were available with Bendix P/S
1965's were not available with P/S
1966/68 F100/250 2WD & 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001 were available with Bendix P/S
1965's were not available with P/S
We have guys today that don't go yarding, if they can't find it on the net or Ebay they pay a lot for a kit. My O just sayin
John
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