Hi. I've recently gone through a power steering conversion for my 68 f100. It originally came with the Bendix setup, but per the usual, it leaks, and is expensive to repair. Looking for a "long term" solution, I pulled a saginaw gear from a 70 f100 from the local pull n save. The "newer" shorter column bolted in just fine, along with the different engine mount, and I had it working as soon as I could figure out how the pump bracket went together

But, the final piece is hooking back up the linkage to the c6 transmission. Both columns came from automatics, but they have different length throws on the end that connect to the transmission shift lever. The 70s column has a bent offset so it misses the firewall and is shorter. (pls see my gallery). The problem I see is that the newer column will not be able to run though all the gears because it will not move the lever on the transmission as far.

Has anyone seen this before? (Again, pls look at the pictures in my gallery) And does anyone have a solution for this. My best guess at this point is to cut and weld a hybrid piece for my column. But, I always like to ask before I cut...

Thanks,
Micheal

 

It is not difficult to make it work. First measure the distance center to center of the bracket on the tranny. Then make a bracket that measures the same center to center, this only works on cable drive. But bar styly requires a bit more work.
Robert
72 F100 Ranger XLT- current project
www.geocities.com/krazdndenver

 

Did you get the shift rod from the truck you got your new column from? Seems like it should work if you use the column and shift rod from the same truck together on your truck. Make any sense?
Clint

 

Thanks guys!

I did grab the shift rod and tab from the doner truck. After an afternoon with a measuring tape, and a quick look under my 68, I discovered that my c6 shifting linkage is different than all the others I've looked at in the junkyard. The tab on the transmission and the column are both around 3/4 inch longer.

So, since the doner one is too short, and the original does not clear the firewall, I decided to homecraft one by lengthening the doner with an angle grinder, some metal stock, and a welder. Looks like it should work. I'll let you know when its all back together. Pixs in my album if anyone is interested

 

You need the lever from the transmission in the donor truck. If you replace that the throw will match

 

Is there an easy way to get the lever off the transmission? Seemed to me that I would have to open it up to get it off. I took the nut off, but that just disconnected the kickdown lever

 

Not positive but I believe if you want to take off the lever you have to drop the pan and maybe the valvebody.
I know from experience that if you remove the nut and let the rod slide in too far the passing gear will not work until you remove the pan and get the kickdown linkage set back in the right place on the linkage inside
Clint