Hi I'm looking to replace AND upgrade my steering set up. The unit I have right now wonders like it's on some sort Australian walk about.

Has anyone got any pointers or ideas on upgrade kits. I like to make sure its done right and as modern as possible but keeping it as stock as possible at the same time?

 

Remember the Com'on man commercials, they were great.... Hey what year model, motor, configuration is your truck ? and what current style of steering does it have, if ya know...

 

Welcome to FTE, we are good, but we need just a little more info. If its that bad of a wanderer I'd bet the steering box worn out. Red Head or Blue top time, or maybe just replace the rag joint or the steering shaft with a Borgeson...

All depends on your application, things like 2wd, 4wd, Y or T linkage set up, power or manual steering, Garrison, Bendix, power assist.... Maybe ck in to upgrading to a Saginaw p/s pump too?

74 F100 (with low mileage) is all your profile has...

Blue-Top Steering Gears, Inc.

https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

 

It's 1974 Short Bed F100 2WD Automatic.
I do know its aC6 transmutation
The motor is a big block but haven't ID it yet (it not the original)

 

Looks 2 be an FE360/390 to me... 2wd with the dip stick forward, front sump ..original intake manifold. Measuring the stroke will tell the tale.. .. safe to say the gear box and shaft prolly needs some lovin, those links Rich posted are great places 2 use... Unfortunately the steering components arent cheap to rebuild.. Just did my whole system, was pricey, but steers like a new truck Same valve covers i have...

 

here is a Saginaw upgrade link. https://wt4x4.com/tech/saginawswap.htm

 

If its the steering box I assume you have a lot of play in steering even when not moving ? Its the usual culprit and readhead an bluetop are pricey and I read a lot of reviews and seems more recently there quality control went down hill some the past few years , so I bought one from napa and has lifetime warranty and easier to take back if a problem occurs and much cheaper , havent tested yet as still rebuilding the truck , also check the radius arm bushings and check the drag link and other components in front end before replacing the steering box

 

Red Top. The best


https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

 

@72rtchallenger, I think its the box the steering has almost 20% play when not moving.

All great information, thanks. It would be helpful for me (I'm new) and maybe other who read thread to create a "Shopping List" of components (may be not brand specific) that a full steering rebuild would need.

 

Cabe, if it's the gearbox there are two options I know of. One is to buy a parts store rebuilt gearbox. But keep in mind that if that gearbox had play in it when rebuilder received it, it'll still have that play when it ships out. All they do is replace seals and bearings.


The other option is Red Top. They machine the shafts true, then fit oversized bearings. I have two of these boxes, and my friend just put one in his Scout. All are 100%. No slop whatsoever.


Once your gearbox is taken care of you'll probably find that there are still some things you'll need to do in order to get rid of that slight dead spot at the top. Bushings, ball joints and tie rod ends may need replacing also.

 

Those are cool valve covers.

 

@ranger140892 thanks, I looked at the Napa part. A recon units is a good price but but a new unit is up there with all that others +Ted Top give you a core trade in rebate of $200.
tx @mark.a, I need to clean up the whole engine bay, and get a shine on the valve covers ;-). The previous owners have add a lot of crap, there seem to be three sets of horns and two alarm systems, and some sort of trailer powered brake kits - none that work.

Anyone got suggestions on the pump set up?

So far on the shopping list for a (F-100, 1974, 2WD, FE390 w/C6 trans):

• Red Head Part # 2751F 15:1 ratio. Fits 1970-1979 F-100, Ford F-250 and F-350 power steering 2-wheel drive
  • $426.00 (Pre-Tapped) + $200 core charge (Redeemable upon return of the core)
  • https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com...2B%24110.00%5D

 

Ford/Saginaw integral P/S (introduced mid-year 1969 on 2WD's) has a flaw, there are no bearings on the sector shaft, it rides on the bare housing.

Before too long, fluid begins leaking from the sector shaft seal.

Red Head takes the housing, machines it and installs the needle bearings that Ford omitted, so they could sell a gazillion sector shaft seal kits!

So called auto parts store 'rebuilt' gearboxes are nothing more than resealed gearboxes.

 

These are cooler!

 

Borgeson has a nice upgrade to Saginaw for FE engines.