1977
F-250 Highboy
4 WD
400
4 Speed
I have recently switched out the factory power steering to electric power steering. It's already amazing. My issue now is changing out the steering stabilizer: can't find a new one that matches up to what I had. Nothing so far is even close. Anyone had this issue? I'm also of a mind to fill the old one with hydraulic fluid and cap the cylinder off where the in/out lines were and see how long it lasts.. This is a mostly farm use truck, but wanting to use it as a run around truck on the weekends. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

How did you manage to swap EPAS steering? Post pictures.

 

If the "steering stabilizer" has lines it is the old power ram. Not actually a stabilizer. If you pos some pics could tell for sure... also agree it would be great to see your electric setup.

 

Did you get an electric-hydraulic steering pump off of a newer vehicle or how did you do the electric conversion?

 

I don't think we will be hearing from the OP again.

 

Might just be busy working. It hasn't been all that long yet.
Very interested to hear what you did as well jaym.

Paul

 

I'll take pictures tonight of the setup. There are a couple of you tube videos out there that gave the reason to switch to it. Steerman Cycle out of Kansas sells the unit for $1200 and it's pretty slick. I had to take out all of the original power steering components and take it back to manual steering. You replace the steering column with new that ties into the electric motor. Mount a module under your dash and it has a turn **** that adjusts the sensitivity you mount in your dash. One finger turning when the power is on. Haven't driven it yet; wanting to get this stabilizer back on before I do. I'm definitely not a mechanic, but this really wasn't too terribly hard to install. I overly took my time to make sure everything was 100% before I moved on to the next step. Again, I'll take some pictures tonight with a time line and post tomorrow morning. Thanks for the replies; prolly go with capping off the original.

 

Thanks. Looking forward to it. You're one of the early adopters of electric steering for our older trucks. A few are doing it, but most are still sticking with the mainstream

And let's make sure that we're all on the same page here. As was mentioned, the hydraulic cylinder with lines going to it is NOT a steering stabilizer shock. It's a hydraulic ram-assist and main component of your old power steering system.
If not the original, then it was an add-on ram assist setup. A steering stabilizer is just a shock absorber that can function on it's side and has equal damping in both directions.
And it is most certainly not required to drive your truck. If it's all together and functioning in it's steering duties, go ahead and drive it.

There is no need for hydraulic components at all with your electric-assist steering (unless it specifies that you use it in conjunction with other stuff?) and there is no need for a steering stabilizer shock to drive the vehicle safely.
So it will be good to see pics so we can help you weed out the unnecessary from the absolutely required.

Paul

 

jaym If you fill your hyd. ram with oil and cap it off, it will cause the ram to hydrolock. Your steering will be fighting a jammed cylinder. If you feel you must leave the ram in the truck, make a hose loop that will connect the in port to the out port. This will allow the oil to move from one side to the other as the ram is extended or compressed.

 

Thanks a ton!! I actually wondered if it was truly necessary; everything seems pretty tight now. My truck was pretty road crazy before and hard as Hell to steer. My oldest son was kinda forced to drive it for about 6 months when he was 17 and clipped mirrors with another truck on a two lane highway near our house one day. It's been sitting for about 3 years, driving occasionally out in the pasture or using to build fence. Toyed with selling due to inactivity, but I've wanted one of these trucks since I was 18 (51 now) and really didn't want to get rid of it. Slowing fixing her issues; next is floor pan, cab corners, rocker panels, and door corners.

 

Thanks! Based on your response and 1TonBasecamp, I'm leaving it alone and considering this round finished!

 

You don't need a stabilizer.

I cured my '76 high boy steering mess with the Benchworks kit. I couldn't be happier with it . I just couldn't buy into the electric thing myself.

 

Sorry guys, I've been going 10 directions and having trouble getting pics to load. I am NOT tech savvy... I can't get the pictures to upload. I will say that my steering is NIGHT AND DAY different! Not necessarily like driving a new one, but it's a Helluva lot better. Google Steerman Cycle electric steering kit and there are a couple of you tube videos out there. Thanks for all of the advice while I was trying to figure this thing out!

 

Following this information

 

There are companies out there that make a universal dual shock set up. Mine is a Trail Master. Take the old cylinder off and bolt the mounts & shocks on, nothing too it.