So I did the power steering conversion on my 1968 f250. I lived with the manual steering for about 6 months but got tired of parking lots.

My conversion may be different though because I wanted to build some safety in. I had already installed shoulder harness seat belts but wanted a collapsible steering shaft AND column. I will do more explaining with the pictures.


The plate I made to weld into the frame, cross member cut out, upper lip cut off, and holes welded up in the frame.

Plate welded in. I drilled the through holes with backing plate welded in then over-sized the holes in the frame so I could weld the pass through tubes 100% to the frame. The frame was also notched to clear the 1978 f250 4x4 gearbox.



Steering links installed. I used (should say it here?) Chevy ends...
Part numbers: Es2027L, es2026R, es362s
I did have to buy a reamer for 80 bucks but I plan on switching to crossover steering at some point and plan on using chevy ends for that as well.


Power steering pump installed. Pump and brackets were from a 68 ford f100 I bought locally. If I had to do it over I would make brackets and use a newer Saginaw pump but this set up will change with future plans.
So the callapsable steering shaft was built with:
3/4-36 spline x 3/4" DD universal
1" DD x 3.4" DD universal ( I will get to how I attached to the column in a bit)
Borgeson universal telescoping steering steering shaft (BRG-450036) cut to the proper length


Clearance is tight. I had to trim the radiator bracket.

SO now for the steering column
I i like the look of my steering column and wanted to avoid the shaft from ever being shoved into my chest...
So after scouring the aftermarket to only find expensive or non-collapsible I went a different route. After some research I found out that collapsible steering columns became standard equipment in 1968... for cars. So I found a cheap column out of a 68 mustang online. Also, my trucks column was shot...


Columns by each other.

Upper shaft bearing, It just so happens I could remove the center section of bearing from the truck column and set the mustang column bearing within it for a factory "like" fit.

Lower section of mustang column welded to upper section of truck column. and shaft installed.
The lower bearing I used was off amazon and cheap. this should work to fix even a normal ford column: ser205-16 ER16
I also welded in a piece of 3/4" DD I cut from the steering shaft to connect the universal joint. The steering column shaft had the mustang rag joint cut off.


Column in place and clamp I made to hold bearing in. I just cut a tube and welded on tabs but many other forms of clamps would work also.


Column finished and in truck.

Hope others find this info useful! I know This form form saved me time when I was working on this!

 

Pretty clean looking install.
I still have the manual steering in my 4wd yes parking is a pain in the azz sometimes but try to just fine a easier parking space.
But driving it saves me money since I don't need to go to the gym as you know it's a work out just parking.

I saw a 68 4wd f250 on ebay last yr where the guy had installed a electric power steering column setup .
That was a super slick install which was very tempting to do the same to mine.
But still like keeping it stock as posable.
Orich

 

Really nice install but i wonder how collapsible the column is from the inside? Seems like the upper dash bracket would prevent movement.
I think they make conversion brackets for some cars, or maybe just cut yours so it can slide?

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/14744.html

 

I used the collapsible shaft and lower half of the mustang column so it should be as collapsible as the mustang column.

That bracket that holds the steering column in is also welded to the column. So a lot of metal would have to move. I would say it is comparable to the safety of a 68 mustang column. I could be wrong though.

 

Aw but mustangs had a unibody that all folded up when hit in front.
So I don't thing you have to worry about the column coming up into your chest.
It would be you possibly hitting the steering wheel unless you've got a air bag setup..

But yes you would mostly have a much better chance of a less injury's some what.
Orich

 

Nice work. That column is a great job! As long as you used the inner shaft from the Mustang it will collapse just as it should. Again, nice work and I plan on steeling some of your work.

 

Here a few of the picture from the guys truck who did the eclectic steering setup. He said he had about $1300 invested to converted over..
Orich
To: Orich
Subject: Re: about 1972 Ford F-250 Sport Custom #302306859644
Sent Date: May-10-17 08:28:25 PDT

Dear orich,

Love to help.
You can buy a kit with most of the same parts for 1500.
Kinda pricey so what, I did was researched on ebay and found that a saturn vue,
and a chevy equinox use a great system. 100 to 300 on ebay and you want one,
that comes with all wiring and the big module and u joints.
Also on ebay is a guy from Portugal that sells a small black module with the adjuster ****.
That's about all you need. Takes some time to run all the wiring and making a bracket that,
keeps everything in line and solid. Good luck if you have any ?'s please call I will b glad to help.
Dusty

 

I hope you can find some of the info useful fe390pc.

That electric assist is pretty slick. I am surprised someone doesn't make a bolt in kit like that. It would be awesome for people that do not have the fabrication tools.

 

I think the 2 piece column shaft is for a driver's chest pushing the steering wheel down in a front end hit. And the collapsible housing for accident damage coming from in front of the firewall. The housing can't move down since it is bolted to the dash. But the bottom can collapse "up". Like a head on collision mainly on the driver's side.