Highboy power steering conversion parts

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Feb 7, 2020 | 12:22 PM

Joel59

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5th Wheeling

Joined: May 2009

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Highboy power steering conversion parts

I am planning to convert my '74 highboy to power steering using a 78-79 f250 4x4 steering box. I'm going to the junkyard in the near future and need to know what all I should grab. Just the steering box? What else? This is going to be used in a cummins conversion highboy. Thanks.

Feb 7, 2020 | 01:29 PM

dwirth

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Joined: Sep 2019

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pitman arm for sure. They can be hard to come by

Feb 7, 2020 | 02:11 PM

73 hi-boy 428 fe

Laughing Gas

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Don t forget the drag link if it is good.

Feb 26, 2020 | 09:02 AM

Joel59

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: May 2009

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I have taken possession of the steering box from a '78 F250 4x4 to use in my 74 highboy F250. Can someone give me a measurement as to how far back to cut into the cross member for proper fit? Is the main concern here clearance for the core support or clearance for the pitman arm? Are any of the existing bolt holes usable? I have this down to a bare frame and axles, so that is what I'm working with- no core support bolted on. Thanks for the help.

Feb 26, 2020 | 11:40 AM

JacobJ

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2017

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel59

I've done a couple of these. clearance for the core support is big concern but you don't want to place it so high that the pitman arm hits the frame. no existing bolt holes are usable. This ebay ad has pictures that should help.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Highbo...gAAOSwHSxdxtR-

Feb 26, 2020 | 11:42 AM

73 hi-boy 428 fe

Laughing Gas

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel59

All the above. If you aren’t careful you can and will have a mess. It has to be far enough forward to clear the core support or you will have to notch it. Low enough for the pitman arm to clear the frame and in far enough that the pit man arm doesn’t hit the spring at full lock. I have not put my core support on yet officially. I mocked mine up with vise grips to make sure it would clear. I used 1/2” plate on mine as to have a lip to weld to. In doing so I got extremely luck I had enough room that i didn’t hit my springs on full lock to the left. In everything I read this was never mentioned. Be careful! Had to drill all new holes and again be careful as if they are to high the pitman arm will hit the frame. It is all soooooo close on everything! It fits but man are the tolerances tight.

Feb 27, 2020 | 08:13 AM

Joel59

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5th Wheeling

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Thanks for the pics and info, guys. It helps a lot. I do not have the drag link yet. What should I order? I’m guessing it’s not a good idea to try and fit things without having this part. Should I be looking at doing the crossover steering? What needs done and what are the advantages/disadvantages? Thanks again.