First Post!
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Burlingame, CA
First Post!
Hi all first time poster. I have a '73 F250 4x4. First dent side but my third Ford truck. I have others a daily driver '64 Falcon, a project 69 Mach 1 S code and an original 53 Crestline Victoria with a flathead v8.
I've been having a lot of trouble finding information specific to the 73-79 F250 4x4s and even less luck finding stock replacement parts. LMC truck looks like they have very poor reproductions for things. Even the Haynes manual I purchased for it was basically a pamphlet of mostly 4x2 and F100 information so I'll buy the service manuals soon.
What brought me to post was power steering options. The PO removed the power steering options I think because its a Ranger XLT with A/C and power breaks it would be strange if it came with manual steering. I have two options that I've found. Both require the same exact clearance of the radiator support and a notch in the frame. One is $895+Shipping and the other is $1842.03. Kits look the same made with rebuilt boxes:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/66-67-68-69...53.m1438.l2649
https://benchworksteering.com/produc...ng-conversion/
Does anyone have any experience with either? I'm sure Benchwork is a fine kit, but at almost $1000 difference for the same kit?
I've been having a lot of trouble finding information specific to the 73-79 F250 4x4s and even less luck finding stock replacement parts. LMC truck looks like they have very poor reproductions for things. Even the Haynes manual I purchased for it was basically a pamphlet of mostly 4x2 and F100 information so I'll buy the service manuals soon.
What brought me to post was power steering options. The PO removed the power steering options I think because its a Ranger XLT with A/C and power breaks it would be strange if it came with manual steering. I have two options that I've found. Both require the same exact clearance of the radiator support and a notch in the frame. One is $895+Shipping and the other is $1842.03. Kits look the same made with rebuilt boxes:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/66-67-68-69...53.m1438.l2649
https://benchworksteering.com/produc...ng-conversion/
Does anyone have any experience with either? I'm sure Benchwork is a fine kit, but at almost $1000 difference for the same kit?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,096
Likes: 5,758
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Welcome to FTE I have read on here in the past that the Benchwork kit is not all that. Infact I seem to remember it was installed and then removed and for sale. I think the way some folks do it is gather 78/79 steering parts and convert.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,096
Likes: 5,758
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Use the advanced search and locate some old threads on the subject to go parts shopping with a better idea on what you need.
"Do you see the blue line with User CP, Albums, FAQ? See the SEARCH on that line?
It has a drop down search menu arrow, go to the "Advanced Search" option, top left side (search block) type in there what you are looking for and then go to the lower right column and highlight 73-79 forum.Select it and then you will have a detailed search just in the 73-79 forums."
"Do you see the blue line with User CP, Albums, FAQ? See the SEARCH on that line?
It has a drop down search menu arrow, go to the "Advanced Search" option, top left side (search block) type in there what you are looking for and then go to the lower right column and highlight 73-79 forum.Select it and then you will have a detailed search just in the 73-79 forums."
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Burlingame, CA
Thanks for the response 77&79F250. I've gone though over the course of several weeks with the slightly over 500 threads about power steering. There is no information on the eBay kit, and the previously mentioned eBay kit from years back isn't available anymore but thanks to your input I did search more about how the best is the 79 swap. Unfortunately I'm starting from scratch. I visited 5 pick and pulls this past weekend and I only found one 76 F250 2WD. At least I learned how to service the brakes and got a near mind steering wheel!
I'm ordering a 79 4x4 PS box from Napa that they have in stock, but what other parts do I need to eBay or ask the parts store? If someone can provide part numbers I'd greatly appreciate it. I have bookmarked a few how-to's with pictures, but since some had a parts truck there are no parts listed. I'm thinking I need to search for:
1973-1976 FE PS bracket (I'm watching one on eBay) and pump
1979 4x4 pitman arm
1979 drag link (or can I use the '73?)
Borgeson steering shaft (#000975)
custom lines
Am I missing anything?
I'm ordering a 79 4x4 PS box from Napa that they have in stock, but what other parts do I need to eBay or ask the parts store? If someone can provide part numbers I'd greatly appreciate it. I have bookmarked a few how-to's with pictures, but since some had a parts truck there are no parts listed. I'm thinking I need to search for:
1973-1976 FE PS bracket (I'm watching one on eBay) and pump
1979 4x4 pitman arm
1979 drag link (or can I use the '73?)
Borgeson steering shaft (#000975)
custom lines
Am I missing anything?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,096
Likes: 5,758
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Yes missing the fact you will be money ahead if you use a Redhead or Blue Top steering box. Hands down best box and best rep on where to get a rebuilt and modded for the better steering box.
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com...SAAEgKq5vD_BwE
Blue-Top Steering Gears, Inc.
Also check out a upgrade to a Saginaw power steering pump. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/6070...SABEgLRTvD_BwE
Sorry I am only good for other ways to spend $ and not the exact answers you need. The swap has been done and some folks should chime in.
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com...SAAEgKq5vD_BwE
Blue-Top Steering Gears, Inc.
Also check out a upgrade to a Saginaw power steering pump. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/6070...SABEgLRTvD_BwE
Sorry I am only good for other ways to spend $ and not the exact answers you need. The swap has been done and some folks should chime in.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 567
Likes: 3
I agree with 77&79, I have heard not so good things about the Benchworks conversion kit, I am not familiar with the other kit so I will withhold comment.
I know you already bought your gear box from NAPA but I would have highly recommended Blue-Top instead, maybe you can return it?
I know you already bought your gear box from NAPA but I would have highly recommended Blue-Top instead, maybe you can return it?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 898
Likes: 3
From: Chillicothe, IA
You might start a new post titled power steering conversion parts help or something. For one, it will attract the right people including numberdummy.. Getting a picture with factory set up would help. Along with the service manual, a parts manual is another great resource. Takes a bit to get use to using, but once you do, you will have factory part numbers which gives your searches so much more power.
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