Power steering conversion questions.

I'm fairly new to the Ford Truck world, but you guys have provided lots of very helpful info. The truck is a 1974 F100 2WD, original 302, now 1971 351W, 3 speed manual on col. (I intend to convert to floor shift during power steering conversion.) I want to convert to power steering, and already purchased a PS gear box from a 1978 2WD truck.

Steering column question … are 1973-77 (2WD) power steering columns with floor shift unusual and hard to find? It seems that most of the 73-77 2WD trucks I’m finding are non-power, with column shift (auto or manual). If I find a 73-77 power steering column, should I grab it, and accept that I might have to use one with column shift? Or should I keep looking for one with a floor shift? I suppose I could grind off the shift indicator and shift handle mount? I understand that the 1973-77 columns differ from 78-79, and would like to retain the look of the 73-77.

Pump question … I understand that the 78-79 power steering pumps are different than the earlier pumps. Does it matter if I use an earlier or later pump … is either preferable over the other? Is there any reason I wouldn’t be able to use the pump and brackets from any small block car?

Thanks

 

The only 1973/77 F100/350 steering column w/a floor shift will have a 4 speed manual. With A/T or 3 speed, the shift lever is on the column.

1965/77 F100/350 w/a 4 speed, Ford used a steering column extension (C3DZ-3790-A) in lieu of a shift collar. It's the same as 1963/65 Fairlane/Falcon/Comet, 1965/66 Mustang.
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1973/77 F100/350's used the Ford/Thompson P/S pump that has a steel reservoir. The P/S pressure hose threads onto the pump.

1978: Ford changed the P/S pump (Ford C-II) on EVERYTHING except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost.

This C-II pump has a plastic reservoir, the P/S pressure hose connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.

This pump is also a different shape than the Ford/Thomson pump, so the mounting brackets are different.

Car P/S mounting brackets may or may not work on an F100/350. It depends on the engine size, with or without A/C and probably other factors as well.

1967/77: NSS located on the steering column, it's the same for ALL A/T's. 1978/79: NSS located on the transmission, C4 uses a different NSS than C6.

 

Thanks Bill. This is very helpful, and just the kind of information I'm looking for.

 

I'm not sure if I can add to my question, or if I should start a new post ... at an rate, does anyone know if I the pitman arm is different between the non power steering gear (2WD) and the power steering gear (2WD). In other words, when I convert to power steering, can I use the pitman arm from my non-power gear on the new power gear?
Thanks.

 

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No, you can't. The power steering pitman arm is different than one for manual steering
The power steering version is p/n D2TZ-3590-B and will be marked D2TA-3590-BA
You can find one in any 73-79 F100-250 2WD regular or supercab under 8100 GVW that has power steering.

 

Thanks Mike. I'll add the pitman arm to my junkyard list.