Power Steering Conversion For Highboy's
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Power Steering Conversion For Highboy's
I was curious on how many people have converted their steering to the 78'-79' style? How many with Crossover Steering? Then Also did you buy the conversion kit or do it yourself? It would be great if you also could take some pics of the finished product.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 748
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From: Afton NY
did one a few years ago and really didn't like how it turned out i sold that truck and bout another 74 highboy. just ordered a kit off ebay. heard alot obout them and all was good. figured i'de try it. will post pics in my gallery when done.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 185
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From: Bedford Hts, Oh
I replaced my pump and cylinder valve and I can turn my 33's with a finger. I am able to do a good U-turn, also. I would not waste the cash to change over to a newer style. It took me less than an hour to do the new part swap. And, I bought the parts at the local Advance.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 352
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Just today i picked up my new control valve and cylinder from Auto Zone. They were about $180.00 each, and supposedly have a lifetime guarantee on them. Advance wanted $240.00 each for the same thing; with only a 1-yr warranty. I've seen the conversion kits sell for around $500.00, plus installation and fabricating. I don't see where it's really worth it.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 748
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From: Afton NY
the down fall in the system is't the control valve, it's the cyl. ford had an problem with the plating of the ram which is suscepable to rust and pits. which ruins the seals and leaks. personally i thing power assist sucks but thats my opinion and the opinion of probably 90% of the people on this list. if it was such a great setup ford would still be using it and people wouldn't have started swapping it out for some for something else. i guess it all comes down to personal preference.
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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my 76 highboy still has its original cylinder and it shows no pits or rust turn good too i wouldnt want to convert it over cause it works too well plus i dont like the idea of welding on the frame no matter how minor as some of the swaps call for
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
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From: Southeast MO
I have the kit of Ebay on my truck, and there is no welding needed. I really enjoy the kit. I can turn my 36"ers with a finger, and there is no wondering on the highway. The stock steering on the truck sucked. for one, I had to have my foot on the gas reving the truck for the system to even do anything, much less not leak like a seive. The kit I bought has performed flawlessly, the only problem I have had was the draglink that I needed because mine was lifted was like $70+ from skyjacker, but thats my fault, not the kit. OH, and get better bolts and some lock washers for the bolts that go through the frame, I did break one of those. not a big deal though, and for the better steering I will deal with some snott.
Chris
Chris
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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do u have any pics of the kit for education purposes at least. all the kits i have seen required welding in a piece of plate to make the frame boxed so that the later model steering wound mount up
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
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From: Southeast MO
No, I don't have a pic, but the kit gets around this by having a plate with these HUGE spacers that bring the plate out to the level of the C-channel. The plate is excellent, it is at least 1/2" thick, probably 9/16", and the spacers are about the same thickness all the way around and welded to the plate. All the welds are perfect. I really suggest this kit. The only thing you have to do is cut a bit out of the crossmember for one of the three mounting bolts, it isn't that hard, I did it with a 4" grinding wheel, and a dremmel.
Chris
Chris
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