Any one ever tried this? Is it possible using any of the stock steering parts?

I have a power assist system that is shot, as is normal. And i am just trying to decide how to fix it. 78/79 steering box upgrade or crossover set up.

whats posible and what would work the best

thanks

 

Hey there, This is how I fixed my power assist nightmare. Been just about a year now and I love it. I added up the parts and found this is actually a bargain before figuring my time in that would be required to figure out myself. I know you will be happy. Good luck.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=42609

 

I was just checking out the tech articles earlier and found this, although that conversion kit above looked pretty sharp. Kids and I would be eating Ramen for months if I got that.

 

"capnkirk13" I do agree, the kit is not exactly cheap. I liked it because my steering shaft was shot, and I got a new one with the kit (almost $200 when I priced comparable), and I did not need to trim the radiator support or do any welding to get the box to fit, I simply followed the directions, drilled the holes using the template, and bolted the gear in place. Plus I got a new drag link that adjusts which allowed me to correct the turning problem (will not steer the same amount each direction from factory) by adjusting the length until it would turn left the same distance it turned right. I must say it is much nicer when turning into a parking stall. It also has a better turning radius now with the kit than it had factory. It looks like the pitman arm supplied with the kit is of such a length and index on the gear that it actually moves the wheels farther when it turns. One more thing I liked about it was the Saginaw steering pump. I had the old noisy "ford" type pump. I HATED that thing. It always leaked, and in the morning it was hard to steer. The pump in the kit was a direct bolt on, it had all the bolts and hoses to hook it up, and it steers very nice with no leaks or noise.
I have done a lot of talking about this kit here simply because it is the single best thing ever done to my truck. I do believe that anyone who puts one on their truck will be equally as satisfied. The kit comes with all new parts, bolts directly on without butchering up the frame or radiator support, fixes more than just the gear box issue (also fixed steering shaft, drag link and steering pump) and was very reasonably priced. For example, if you value your time at all which I do, I would say this conversion may take in excess of 1 long day to figure out. To me that is over $800 in pay. Not to mention the time I would spend sourcing up the parts and the cost of the parts. This way here, I bought the kit, installed in less than 5 hours and have not looked back since. I actually inquired about having a shop install it and was planning to go that route but would have had to wait too long to get in. The shop said it was a very nice looking kit and should install in approx 4 hours. Do you think they could create the same thing in 4 hours? I do not.
I look thru these forums and make a post every once in a while when I get a few minutes just to give back for the great kit I have. I love my old ford highboy and plan to have it for many years. I have restored it to perfect condition. I love to drive it, and with the new steering I love it even more.

 

I had the same steering on my 77 Highboy. I bought a new steerin box froma 79 F-250 for 350.00 dollars with a lifetime warrenty, welded it into my frame and built a custom pitman arm. I got the instructions from Fort Collins 4x4 in Colorado. I did this about 4 years ago and I have never had a problem with it. This is something this shop does all the time. It is easy, cheap and works great. Look into it.