power steering, brakes
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
It just seams odd to me because there are quite a few 67-72 chevy 4x4's around that had ps/pb. My 59 chevy NAPCO 4x4 has factory power steering. Most every 67-72 f250 4x2 I see has factory power steering and most have power brakes too. Just doesn't make sense to me why ford would make these 2 options unavailable on thier 4x4's which are heavier, making them more difficult to stop and made to operate at slow crawling speeds where steering can get very hard. I totally agree with you that today's trucks are plastified pieces of crap. I actually feel very uncomfortable driving new trucks with thier power lumbar and ergonomic crap. I like my old bench seat, stiff mechanical clutch linkage and 435 manual that growls at me if I don't treat it just right. I do like power steering with my 35" tires and power brakes are nice too.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks USA
Well, you can always add them in. I like real trucks too, but as I get older I tend to appreciate PS, PB, and auto transmissions a little more.
I still like the solid feel of one of these old Fords over the comfort of the new ones any day.
I still like the solid feel of one of these old Fords over the comfort of the new ones any day.
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: nevada
I had often wondered the same thing on my f100 .i always thought that the f250's and 350 4x4's had it as an option in 67-72 but the f100's never came with it .ive seen it on my friends 71 f250 4x4 .it uses the hydralic ram(i dont know the tech. name of it)instead of the p.s. box on the frame .i looked at using one when i instaled p.s. on my 72 f100 4x4 but it seemed like a flawed system because the lines could get torn up if something caught one because they sit so low under the truck.my freind also said he always had problems with it leaking .
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks USA
The "power assist" system you speak of was OK in it's day, but has become harder( and more expensive) to maintain.
Thus the reason for so many going to a newer "integral " style gearbox.
I've never seen the lines get torn, but I have seen quite a few rams that didn't fare to well after hitting a rock or stump.
And yes they leak!
I also have had an added problem with this system, at very cold temps(-40F) the rams get so cold that after a 10 minute drive on a straight road, they don't turn so good. A wonderful surprise the first time, especially on ice.
Thus the reason for so many going to a newer "integral " style gearbox.
I've never seen the lines get torn, but I have seen quite a few rams that didn't fare to well after hitting a rock or stump.
And yes they leak!
I also have had an added problem with this system, at very cold temps(-40F) the rams get so cold that after a 10 minute drive on a straight road, they don't turn so good. A wonderful surprise the first time, especially on ice.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
Highboy, go over to Mercedes Benz Dealership and get some of their winter power steering fluid. I found my 72 was alot happier in the Alaska winters with it. It is pricey though.
I think the reason these trucks never had all the power stuff was the way they were used. It was ranchers, loggers and the like who mainly bought these trucks. They weren't pavement pounders and parking at Wal-Mart wasn't an issue. I got my first 4x4 in 74 (new). I was 21 and I was the only young guy around that had a 4x4 except for one friend who was a rancher too. We both had high boys. His didn't have power assist and mine did. His actualy steered easier when moving and mine was in constant need of repair. Then all the city boys started driving 4x4s and within a decade that was who the manufactures pandered to.
I think the reason these trucks never had all the power stuff was the way they were used. It was ranchers, loggers and the like who mainly bought these trucks. They weren't pavement pounders and parking at Wal-Mart wasn't an issue. I got my first 4x4 in 74 (new). I was 21 and I was the only young guy around that had a 4x4 except for one friend who was a rancher too. We both had high boys. His didn't have power assist and mine did. His actualy steered easier when moving and mine was in constant need of repair. Then all the city boys started driving 4x4s and within a decade that was who the manufactures pandered to.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks USA
Willowbilly3,
I haven't had as much of a problem with the integral power steering setup. It does make me wonder though? What is the stuff Mercedes is selling? When I was in the Army up here we used 10W motor oil for our PS and Automatic trannys. I wonder if Mercedes is doing the same?
I haven't had as much of a problem with the integral power steering setup. It does make me wonder though? What is the stuff Mercedes is selling? When I was in the Army up here we used 10W motor oil for our PS and Automatic trannys. I wonder if Mercedes is doing the same?
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