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Has anyone ever relocated the steering box to the front of the crossmember? Van spindles?
Reason I ask is I have a 6.9 in an 87 F350 that I would like to put into my 72. I've seen a couple of people do it without moving the steering, but the engine sits up pretty high and the linkage interferes with the oil pan...and the left side exhaust manifold is very close to the steering box....I dont want to have any of that.
So...if anyone HAS done this or know of someone that HAS, please post up.
My plans would be to use a steering box from either an 87 F350 OR a GM truck...but the linkage is my concern. Thanks
1980 was the major split year, different knuckles and beams. The vans basically got the 80s stuff first, so they aren't compatible with the 70s truck bits either. Maybe with some custom machining work you'll be able to make 80s or van stuff work, but it won't be easy.
Depending on your use, you may be better off with a full size car IFS setup, maybe on airbags, or even a full Dodge or GM front frame.
One thing to keep in mind as well is if the engine is moved down much it'll have to move back and there isn't much room at all with the way the cab sits.
As Jared states, it would probably be a lot easier to mount your 72 body on the F-350 frame than to re-engineer your steering system to make it safe for other people on the road. And much better and bigger brakes to boot. And a 10.25 Sterling rearend compared to a Dana 60 or a 9 inch.
Is the oil pan out of an international Harvester pan shaped differently? That 6.9L was in those also. As a matter of fact, back then I was told if you put the injectors and injector pump in out of one of those IH Medium Duty trucks it really woke up our version of the 6.9L.