My F100 (2wd, shortbox, 390) currently has manual steering. I’ve been kicking around upgrading to PS, especially now that I have the front clip off and the engine out - would be a quick upgrade if I had the parts. And there’s the issue, sourcing parts I’m seeing $400 for a rebuilt PS steering column, $600 for the PS gear box, plus the pump, pullies, brackets, hoses, etc. All in I’d estimate $1,200 range. I’m not keen on pulling parts from the junk yard because: 1) the yards near me have very little options for this year truck, and 2) I’d prefer new or newly conditioned parts.

I’ve already done a disc brake conversion, and will be reducing the weight of the engine with aluminum heads and intake and headers - so as a 2wd manual steering isn’t that bad.

And, I need to pull the column anyways to install a new firewall pad.

Thoughts, opinions, or suggestions?

 

Just finished a p/s conversion on my '72 F100 (302 w/C4 tranny). That $ 1,200 price tag is not unrealistic especially if you plan to replace your manual steering column with a rebuilt p/s column (have seen them go up to $600 for one). I wanted to keep the original look to my column & also for budgetary reasons went down the road of shortening my existing column. I followed the instructions on how to from the Fordification web site. Got through the conversion successfully despite finding an inaccuracy in one of the instruction details (at least for my application).
If you decide to take the same course I would suggest you only shorten the outer column housing & shift tube (if you have column shift auto) & pick up a p/s steering shaft (bone yard) rather than cutting & shortening your original (which I view as risky).
My remaned p/s gear box & p/s pump (Thompson style) came to about 400 bills. Aside from that it's getting the right pulleys, belts, a p/s column firewall bracket (engine compartment side), & a shifter arm (if auto). There were two mods I had to do that really weren't stated in Fordification's instructions that were relatively easy : enlarging the original column bracket on the inside of cab & moving the column housing support bracket (below dash) downward about an inch - drill out spot welds, move & re spot weld. All told I believe I spent about $650 on the conversion & am pretty pleased with the results. I have done p/s conversions on other classics (cars primarily) & in hindsight the F100 was a bit of a PITA. Still happy I did though

 

That is great information, thanks!

 

Or just do a EPAs system and be done with it. Having done so many PS swaps over the decades I am not going back to hydraulic. The EPAs systems are fast to install and easy to get parts for. Either build your own system with common Toyota parts or buy a full bolt on kit from Steerman Cycles. Idit also offers full EPAs columns now.

 

I drove a camper special with a 9' camper for 12 years before I put power steering on it. Back then you could still get them in junk yards, mid 80s. It's a lot easier to drive..

 

Check out this site: benchworksteering.com/products/ford-fe-360390-power-steering-pump-kit/, for ideas.

 

If you're interested I have an Automatic Power Steering Column and the Power Steering Gearbox and Pitman arm that I pulled from a '78 F100 parts truck that I'd sell much cheaper than the prices you're seeing. Unfortunately I don't have the power steering pump.
If interested just send me a PM.

 

EPAS setup would be awesome, but they will tell you flat out that it will not work with a 3 speed manual column. I talked to Steerman and the same thing, really from what I have read is Bendix or change column and box box and pittman arm.

 

thanks Gary, it looks like this kit might work! I just sent benchwork a note asking verifying it will work with a 3speed on the tree, will post when I hear back.thanks

 

texan67, I might have an option for you if you want to contact me directly. I tried to send PM but it looks like your account won’t receive.

acluff1979@att.net for info

 

I like the manual steering. One member who did the conversion said the power steering on these trucks felt too loose and squirrely.