I have a ’64 F250 4x4 that I want to upgrade to power steering and disc brakes. I also have a ’78 F250 4x4 that has disc brakes and power steering that I got for parts. As far as the power steering the ’78 has a 390 in it and my ’64 has a 390 out of a mustang GT so the power steering pump will not be a problem.

I was planning on swapping the front axles what kind of problems am I going to run in to? And would it be better to switch just the axles or axles with springs?

 

Well it kind of depends on the GVW weight of both trucks. if both are over 6900 or both are under that GVW the easy answer is yes.

However if 1 is over and one is under 6900 there will be some slight size differences, in which case I believe swapping springs and all is indicated. Good news is front frame rail width apart is common to both years & both GVWs'.

As long as both are front steer, the front drive shaft aligns correctly, it uses common U-Joints, spring perches are same size & width apart, and ratio is same, or compatible with the rear differential in the 64 now, It ought to be a bolt in.

Also double check the Strg Gear Box to be sure it's a fit also. The 78 P/S ought to be the saginaw type & that's the one you really want, opposed to a older, High, constant PSI, Bendix P/S system.

However if any of these criteria are not present, it will not be a "bolt in" swap. Well it may bolt in but it won't operate correctly until all these criteria are met. . . .
When you have PDBs'installed You really should use a 2 chamber Master Cylinder and a split system with correct proportioning valve & 78 style pedal arm contact type brake light switch, rather than a "wet" Pressure type off the M-Cyl in your '64 now.

I think that covers it, if I'm mistaken somebody will straighten me out I believe. . . .

FBp

 

FBp

Both truck are over 6900 GVW so that will not be a problem. As for the steering gear box how do I know which steering box I have? What is the difference between the saginaw type and the Bendix P/S system? Will the master cylinder off the ’78 work or do I need one from a different year truck? As for the gear ratio that will not be a problem because I am going to swap the rears as well.

Thanks for your help.

 

In the 64 should be a Gemmer one piece shaft box setup. The steering arm travels fore and aft. the replacment box has to mimic the operation. Is the 78 box a rear or front steer on the 4x4? typically the boxes pull left or right?

with changing the axle out it will allow the steering links to be matched up to a left right box but a lot of work to get it mounted correctly.

The spring perchs and legenths of the leaves should be wider and either longer or shorter.

I personally would mount the 64 body work on to the late model frame and call it a day. It would involve the transfer of the front cab mounts from the 64 frame to the 78 frame but all else should be a bolt on. rework the steering collum mount at the dash and floor and enjoy the married case, the disc brakes and matched set of rears. Transfer the booster and master to the 64 cab firewall and keep the more modern brakes.

Garbz