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Hello Dent boys. I am looking for some friendly advice. I am coming from the bump side as I have a Mutt truck that I have been messing with for the past few months. The truck is a 1974 High Boy Chassis with a 1970 body and a 1972 grille. I started a thread over on the bump side when I got the thing but maybe I need to spend more time over here. A man in the middle. . Anyway, I am getting this beast road worthy, fixing diff leaks and going through the brakes. One problem area is the steering. You guide it around like a boat and I know you all know what I mean. I can see that most the issue is the control valve ball stud. I see they sell a repair kit for around $50. So my questions are does that do the trick? Can it be replaced on the vehicle or do I need to remove the control valve and rebuild the whole thing? Basically, is it a big job or a little job? Thanks guys.
To start with the parts are hard to find even to rebuild the unit. I have had good luck on chasing parts or rebuilt units on craigslist but you have to be willing to search nation wide. The best bang for your buck although pricey is this outfit to rebuild the unit. The y are top notch delivering a product you can depend on for years. https://redheadsteeringgears.com/pro...ix-type-valve/
Here's some other imfo for reference.
Last I checked rebuild kits are available. That was a few years ago. Should come with some o-rings, seals, ball stud. What is shown on your truck is the Bendix version so add that to your search criteria.
If you are going to replace it and the ram, I suggest just converting it to modern steering. Benchworks is good, but pricey, and cutting the radiator core is a PITA since their instructions are a little off....but it is a good kit. It can be done cheaper if you can fab stuff on your own and source the steering link from wheel to box. It is a time vs. effort deal. There is also electric steering available.
To start with the parts are hard to find even to rebuild the unit. I have had good luck on chasing parts or rebuilt units on craigslist but you have to be willing to search nation wide. The best bang for your buck although pricey is this outfit to rebuild the unit. The y are top notch delivering a product you can depend on for years. https://redheadsteeringgears.com/pro...ix-type-valve/
Thanks for the info and the diagrams. I am waiting for my 74 manual to arrive. Like an idiot, I first ordered a 71 (just a guess), then a 70 (the 71 didn't have wiring diagrams), and now that I know the truck is really a 74, the right manuals. Man, that unit from redhead is pricey. I found these guys and wondering if they might be a better deal: http://www.stangerssite.com/CVrebuilding.html
Originally Posted by Dustin Daniel
Last I checked rebuild kits are available. That was a few years ago. Should come with some o-rings, seals, ball stud. What is shown on your truck is the Bendix version so add that to your search criteria.
If you are going to replace it and the ram, I suggest just converting it to modern steering. Benchworks is good, but pricey, and cutting the radiator core is a PITA since their instructions are a little off....but it is a good kit. It can be done cheaper if you can fab stuff on your own and source the steering link from wheel to box. It is a time vs. effort deal. There is also electric steering available.
Thanks! I am not sure if I want to replace the whole system quite yet. This truck is pretty ate-up with rust. I need to get it road worthy and drive it a bit before I decide to go all-in with a restoration project. For now if I can get it to go somewhat straight down the road, that would be a win.
Stranger Site is a good source for what you need.
Did not know they were still in business.
Also, if the ram is leaking those seals can be found as well.
Use Ford Type F fluid. And draining the air can be a pain, and can be messy. Read up on it first.
The greatest value of your truck would be the relatively rust free chassis but that value is only if you have a title vin number that matches the frame. In your case it is doubtful if that is the case. As it stands it is great classic 4wd truck with some of the Highboy features. It will be fun to drive and own once you get the repairs done. I would only put the money into it that improves it's drive ability and reliability. The link you showed on rebuilding the bendix unit is a good choice for your truck. Redhead's build is more a reengineering of the original weak points or at the very least rebuilding with better than factory parts and that's what you pay for. If you plan on keeping the truck for the next 20 years then I recommend redhead. If you"re not sure what you're going to do but just want to get it back in service then the outfit you linked is definitely reputable and up to the task of getting you up and going.. BTW You really do have a nice looking truck.
Stranger Site is a good source for what you need.
Did not know they were still in business.
Also, if the ram is leaking those seals can be found as well.
Use Ford Type F fluid. And draining the air can be a pain, and can be messy. Read up on it first.
Thanks! Randy at Stanger was very friendly and said he doesn't do Ford trucks anymore. Apparently the parts are hard to find, but he did recommend another guy. I will let you know after I talk to him if it is an option. Not only do I need to read up on draining the air, but Randy stressed flushing so more reading on that.
I just wanted to give a shout out to Blue Top Steering Gears out of North Dakota. Great customer service and top notch quality on their parts. They refunded me on my core deposits right away. Anyway, steering is done now but lots left to do on the truck. Cheers!
Looks like they supplied the correct hoses too! I bought hoses from a local parts store....never did fit correctly from pump to to control valve. Glad it worked out....bit pricey but all depends on what you want.
Glad you are happy with it. Blue Top and Red Head are probably the best on steering rebuilds for these old trucks.
Looks like they supplied the correct hoses too! I bought hoses from a local parts store....never did fit correctly from pump to to control valve. Glad it worked out....bit pricey but all depends on what you want.
Glad you are happy with it. Blue Top and Red Head are probably the best on steering rebuilds for these old trucks.
Actually the hoses are RockAuto but with the usual amount of drama and wrong part selection. Mostly my bad but I got it right in the end.
. Anyway, I am getting this beast road worthy, fixing diff leaks and going through the brakes. One problem area is the steering. You guide it around like a boat and I know you all know what I mean. I can see that most the issue is the control valve ball stud. I see they sell a repair kit for around $50. So my questions are does that do the trick? Can it be replaced on the vehicle or do I need to remove the control valve and rebuild the whole thing? Basically, is it a big job or a little job? Thanks guys.
