Hello, I am getting ready to begin my 78 - 79 steering conversion on my 1977 Highboy. I have read over the step by step instructions by Vaughn McCabe and think I understand it pretty well.

I know I have seen some really nice pics of where the crossmember has been trimmed back and welded back in but I haven't been able to find them. If some of you could send me some good picture links of the crossmember trim and weld back in or let me know if they are in your gallery, I would sure appreciate it. Any tips on crossmember notching would help too. Thanks So Much!!

 

Check out the power steering conversion thread under the major completed projects and modifications thread, and my gallery for my approach.

There are several ways to add a different steering gearbox. I would encourage you to search for past threads and choose the method that best suits you before beginning.

 

I've also got some nice pics of my conversion to a 78-79 box. It worked out real good and steers like a new truck.(my frame is a 74, same as your 77)

 

I think Proeliator has some good pics of crossover steering conversion in his gallery. It's not alot harder to do than coverting to the 78/79 setup. And..... you can use the more common 2wd steering box.
However, I think you need to be lifted up a bit so you have more clearance between the springs and frame in order for this type of steering to work.

 

I just finished this conversion on my 77 using a 2wd steering box. I used the pitman arm from a F150 4x4 which is almost flat. There were no spring/frame clearance problems and I have a plow frame on too. Can't wait to try it out but I just got the engine back in last night b4 it started raining.

 

Thanks for all the great posts and pics!! I removed my 2wd ragjoint column today and cleaned up the original highboy column which has the grooved end that will allow my new Borgeson Steering Shaft to slide right on without any welding. I put in a new upper column bearing and bushing which should make it feel like new.

I remember seeing someones pics that showed the crossmember being notched out and the metal was folded down in very neatly which aided in forming the gap back in. I can't remember who it was though. I bought some 4" wide by 1/8" thick steel to use to form the crossmember back in. I guess I'll notch it back at least 2" if not more so I'll for sure have enough clearence for my 4 core desert cooler. Thanks Again!!