Power steering conversion-pitman arm
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Power steering conversion-pitman arm
Finally I am getting around to doing a power steering conversion on my 66 Shortbed. I have one question that I can't find the answer to. What pitman arm should I use, the original from the manual box or the donor arm from the later model? Thanks to anyone can send me in the right direction.
Mark Hebard
Mark Hebard
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
Power steering conversion-pitman arm
Most likely, you will need to use the donor pitman arm. The splined shaft holes for the gearbox are different for the manual in '65 and '66.
the donor pitman should be the same dimensions, though. The important one is length. (The tapered mount hole for the linkage stud will be the same, so you have no worries there, if it is from a 67 - 79 truck.)
the donor pitman should be the same dimensions, though. The important one is length. (The tapered mount hole for the linkage stud will be the same, so you have no worries there, if it is from a 67 - 79 truck.)
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Vancouver
Power steering conversion-pitman arm
Mark - I used the Bendix box and found that the original Pitman arm wouldn't work. I'm a little ashamed to admit that my steering expert gave me a GM piece that works great.
Eric
Eric
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From: Coal country
Power steering conversion-pitman arm
Before I did this conversion, I measured a lot of pitman arms for the Ford boxes. I ended up using the Bendix box like Eric did, but mine came with the donor's pitman arm. I found the pitman arms for all 15 or so 2WD Ford trucks (that I measured - there may be exceptions) from '65 up to '78 are the same length, and the tie rod hole is the same size and in the same place.
The differences come into play at the pitman arm to gearbox hole. The hole there is different sizes.
It is best if you can get a donor arm with the box.
Here is a summary of what I found. Keep in mind Ford did some strange things, and my sampling is not that large, so there are probably exceptions:
Manual gearbox '65 and '66: Match, no alternates.
Bendix gearbox '65 to '70: Match, no alternates.
Ford gearbox '67 to '78 (possibly '79, I never saw one to measure): Match, no alternates.
If you cannot find a match, be sure to get with Eric (6T6Merc).
The differences come into play at the pitman arm to gearbox hole. The hole there is different sizes.
It is best if you can get a donor arm with the box.
Here is a summary of what I found. Keep in mind Ford did some strange things, and my sampling is not that large, so there are probably exceptions:
Manual gearbox '65 and '66: Match, no alternates.
Bendix gearbox '65 to '70: Match, no alternates.
Ford gearbox '67 to '78 (possibly '79, I never saw one to measure): Match, no alternates.
If you cannot find a match, be sure to get with Eric (6T6Merc).
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