Can anyone out there give me the official word on how much of the power steering system is different, in a '69 F-250 2WD, between the standard ford and the bendix? Is it completey different from the column all the way to the tie rod ends or are some parts interchangable? Currently I have the Bendix system with a leaking steering box, that I can't find a seal kit for, and a bad ball joint just after the pitman arm.
How much do I have to change out to get my problems fix? Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.

 

DB: Run a search on my username, especially in the '61 - '66 forum, and you'll find a lot of information. Here is the low down, though:

1. The Ford and Bendix boxes bolt right up to the frame. Same bolts, same holes, same location.
2. The pitman arm tapered hole for the drag link tapered stud is the same. This means you don't need to change any of the steering linkage. However, the hole for mounting the pitman arm to the PS box is not the same. You'll need a pitman arm from a donor truck to convert to Ford PS.
3. The lengths of the boxes are different. The Bendix box is about 2 1/2 inches shorter than the Ford box, so you will need to change the steering column length. (If you have steering column shift, you may find it easier to get an automatic column and shorten the center shaft, and put the shifter on the floor.)
4. The PS pump is different as well. The Bendix puts out constant pressure, whereas the Ford pump puts out incremental pressure, to avoid blowing the seals in the PS box.
5. I have heard - but cannot confirm - that the Bendix PS pump also has a different bolt pattern for the brackets to mount it to the engine. This MAY mean you need to change the brackets - but I cannot confirm the necessity for this.

Hope this helps.

 

I'm in the same boat, my 68 PU with Bendix, 42,000 original miles leaks. I purchased a seal kit thru Ford, pt. # C6TZ-3E500-A three years ago,(thinking ahead) and installed it last fall. The kit is no longer available thru Ford. My box leaks at the input shaft now.The box is like new inside, bushings .0015" clearance. Rebuilt exchange for $600 and you get someone elses slam together, (new seals) worn box. I'm working with a company that makes seals one off, yes $75 but this is cheaper for now than locating a good Saginaw box and steering column, then rebuilding again. The other seals in the Bendix box are standard available thru a "good" bearing/seal supply house. Good Luck!
Carl, R90scj@alamedanet.net...................o&o>........................... ....................

 

By the way, check my gallery for pics to compare the two boxes and the steering columns.

 

I just installed a rebuilt box from Autozone. They give you a lifetime warranty so if it starts leaking you can bring it in and have it swapped out for free. The box was only $220 with $175 core charge. Very competitive! My old Bendix box worked great, but it leaked from the seals. I tried to change the seals, but I could not figure out how to do it without taking the whole box appart.

I also had the bad Ball Joint after the Pitman arm. I went to Checker and replaced that whole arm all the way to the passenger wheel for roughly $60. It was pretty easy.

Josh

 

Sweet! You guys don't know how much your information has brightened by day. Now I realize I have options especially with the bad drag link I have. I live in a more rural part of the country so I can't be running down to Autozone for a rebuilt steering box. But I'm willing to keep putting fluid in for the time being until I can track one down. Thanks for the info.

 

Does the pump for the Bendix look different than the pump for the Ford steering? I have the Bendix steering on my '69 and the pump for it looks identical on the outside to the pump on the '70 at work which has the Ford steering. I often blamed the weak steering in my '69 on the Bendix box; sometimes it is like there is no power at all when it is warmed up. The 1970's steering wheel can easily be spun with only my pinky finger standing still on pavement. I know for sure that the pump in the 1970 is the original, but the pump in my truck may have been swapped by previous owner(s), who knows. Maybe I need to look for a different style pump?