I am now in the process of finding everything I need to convert to power steering on my 72 2 wheel drive F100. I have seen all of the articles and threads on the subject but I am getting confused when looking for a box. I was told that if I go with a Bendix box that I could simply bolt on and would not have to worry about different brackets, or a new column. I was also told that the other box seems to be better in some cases. When I look for a Bendix it only shows for 68 and 69 trucks and not for 72. Am I correct in saying that the 68 69 box is the one that I want. I know that these things are rare, and that they cost more, but for the savings in work required it sounds to me like it may be worth it to find a Bendix and do it that way. I really don't know how hard it will be the other way. I think that I have found a later model truck that I can get cheap and may end up just pulling everything off of that. Guys I appreciate all of your help. This site is a blessing. I have gotten so many pointers I think it is great. I LOVE my truck. 72 F100 Sport Custom.

 

I don't know much about this but have head thare are kits on ebay(unless those are only for the mid 70's hi-boys).

My 72 F250 4x2 has the stock power steering. Not sure about the type of box on it. You might be able to take 3/4 or 1 ton PS systems for your 1/2 ton.

But you are right about this sight having loads of help and pointers.....

 

I am not really sure what it is you have been reading but you are correct about the early steering box simply replacing your existing one but I do not see how that is really much of a savings over putting in the better box and a new steering column. If you are afraid of the half dozen or so bolts on the steering column then you really should nbot be attempting to replace the steering box as it is a much more intensive project. Hawkrod

 

that is really what I needed to know if it was that in depth or is it a pretty simple procedure to remove the column and put another in to use for the other box. I think that I will go with the other box out of the truck that I have found and I can take everything directly off of it that I need. I can also get the front brakes off of it and do that when I get a chance as well. I appreciate the replies.
Johnny

 

Yes, replacing the column is a cupcake job. Be sure to get the plate on the engine side of the firewall too as it is different for power steering (it is marked too). The worst thing is if the new column is not in good shape but then you can simply take the parts from your old one and switch them on. It is a little more work but if you take your time and pay attention it is not difficult. Hawkrod

 

Thanks for your help. I am really looking forward to getting this done. With the wheels and tires that are on my truck the old Armstrong just isn't cutting it. Next a front brake job. Thanks again.
Johnny

 

The Bendix gear is a pos, Ford dropped it quickly. Take your time, find a donor truck and swap power steering and disc brakes in at the same time. You will be very happy with the upgrades.

Find a donor that has the same engine and tranny that you now have or want to change to. You will have everything needed to upgrade your truck. Buy your donor, remove the parts, clean & paint them. With a bud helping you should be able to make the swap in a weekend.

John

 

Thanks for the reply John. I am now looking for a donor truck. The one that I thought was going to work fell through. I shouldn't have too much of a problem finding one though. There are a lot of them around here. Thanks again.

Johnny

 

Sorry- this was meant for 7283-250. Still getting the hang of the forum.

Hey. I'm looking to do a power steering conversion on a '65 F250 and have set up for '72. I saw your post and that you have a '72 with stock power steering. Wondering if you might have pictures of how this is supposed to go together. I didn't pull it, so don't know exactly what it's supposed to look like. I'm told it should, mostly, bolt right up. Any visuals would be a huge help. Really appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks,

Chad

 

Bendix P/S: 1966/68 F100/250 2WD / 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001.

Ford P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001 / 1970/79 F100/250 2WD & F350.

Disc brakes were introduced in 1973 in F100 2WD's.

1973/79 F100 2WD: Manual disc brakes were standard equipment, power disc brakes were optional.

All 1975/79 F150 2WD's have power disc brakes.

 

First off I'll say that I'm not too familiar with the 1961-66 trucks but I recently converted my '69 F-100 to power steering. Some surprises I encountered. The driver's side frame perch engine mount had to be changed to one from a truck with P/S (and an FE engine)so that the power steering box would fit. The power steering fluid cooler wouldn't fit because of a difference in the frames. The donor truck for the power steering box, pump, pump mounting bracket and cooler was an FE powered '76. The line from the box to the cooler was too short so I had to extend it using a flare fitting and 3/8" steel tubing. The column I used came out of a '73 F-350 with a 4-speed, the column itself was a perfect fit but the floor plate/firewall bracket wouldn't fit and had to be modified. I basically ended up making my own. The crankshaft and waterpump pulleys came from a '75 with a 390 and I also took the fan extension and shroud from the '75. I'm not sure if the Bumpsides with P/S used the same Pitman arm as the Dentsides with P/S. The 1976 Pitman arm works but it puts the ball in the center link almost at the end of it's travel. I would say that the '72 system will work in your '65 but you'll probably be in for lots of little surprises like I encountered.

 

@FECruzer69. Thanks for the reply. Pulled the manual steering this weekend and started to put the new box in and ran into the engine mount. Guess I'll have to do the same as you. It looks like it only needs another 1/2 inch of clearance at most. Does that sound about right?

 

Yeah,it doesn't interfere by much,about a inch or so. Just enough so the edge of the perch and the bolt prevent the power steering box from being installed. The frame perch engine mount from the P/S equipped trucks bolt into the next forward holes in the frame.