Hey there, just wondering about the interchangeability of 1976-1977 and 1978-1979 4x4 steering linkage parts for an F150? I was looking at the LMC catalogue and it seems the availability of 1977 4x4 parts is rather scarce, such as tie rod ends. Would it be possible to substitute the full linkages from the 1978 F150s? If not, where could I check for 1977 tie rod ends and other steering linkage parts, particularly in Canada? I know NAPA has them up here but they’re nearly $400 each, far more than NAPA USA and far more than it would cost to buy the 1978 tie rod end from LMC for $38 and have it shipped up. Any ideas?

 

Bump back to the top for the morning crew...
Unfortunately I don't know the details of the minor differences that could exist, so can't say that it's all a bolt-on and go proposition. I'm sure it "can" be done, but the question is what needs doing along with it.

Tapered hole sizes could vary slightly.
Length of the tie-rod could vary due to different steering knuckles (steering arms) locations. This was more of an issue on the Broncos, but might have extended to the full-size trucks as well.

Same two issues for the location and size of the hole on the pitman arm.
Including needing to change the pitman arm out completely if yours is the integrated type.

But again, my guess is that it's pretty close to being a bolt-on.
We've done some custom Clydesdale setups for the different years. Maybe our guy knows if we had to make them different lengths too.
If nobody here can answer you by Monday, you could call and ask if someone can find Jim to ask him about it.
He's usually not available answer the phones, but is the one that sets up the steering systems for the individual owners supplied dimensions.
Hopefully he keeps notes!

Paul

 

It's bolt on. I did it to my 76 F150 4x4. You need to get the Pitman arm, tire rod ends, and center link for a 78/79.

I may be forgetting something. I can check later. But once you have the parts, it's a 30 minute job.

 

I don't know if you have AutoZone up there, but they carry everything but the Pitman arm, I think. I ended up getting that on eBay.

The 78/79 style steering linkage is actually preferred over the earlier style. Many people, like me, convert as an upgrade. It allows for consistent toe-in, handles lift better (though you may need a drop Pitman arm), and rides better especially on tough terrain.

 

There are TWO different 1978/79 F150 4WD's. Regular Cabs have coil spring front suspension, Super Cabs have leaf spring front suspension.

 

 

This is what I ordered (all are for a 1978 F150 4x4 regular cab) from Autozone:

• Center Link. Part Number: DS917
• Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve. Part Number: ES2066S
• Tie Rod End - left outer. Part Number: ES2064L
• Tie Rod End - right outer. Part Number: DS922

I got the Pitman arm off eBay.

Everything together was about $200.

It's basically everything from the top right section of page 107 of the LMC catalog: Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

I already had the stabilizer and bracket, so I didn't need that.

Another site that I really like is showmetheparts.com. It's really useful when going to the junkyard because it will tell you all the vehicles that use that part.

 

Also confirming 78-79 "T" Style steering is a direct bolt in replacement for the '77 "Y" setup.