Power Steering Conversion

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Oct 4, 2000 | 08:50 AM

Raul

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From: Northern Virginia

Power Steering Conversion

I am having serious thoughts about adding power steering to my 81 F100 300 I6.

(I apologize in advance for the length).

I figure I need the following:
1) Power steering pump (I presume that the anterior-most empty groove on my crankshaft pulley is for the pump?)
2) Bracket that hold power steering pump to block
3) Power steering gear box with pitman arm (will this bolt right up to where my current box is?)
4) Hoses/lines that connect 1 and 3, above.
5) The intermediate steering shaft, I understand that the shaft for the PS is not the same length as the one on the MS.

Anything else?
Does remainder of linkage stay the same?
What is a reasonable price for the whole setup at a wreching yard?
***(If you help me with nothing else, help me with this one -- What year trucks can this come from? Vans OK? I assume donor has to be an I6.

Any parts I should get new rather than used (e.g., hoses/lines?)

Somebody tell me I can do this for less than a $100 (that's the dreamer coming out in me)

I again apologize for length.
'preciate it.
Raul

Oct 4, 2000 | 09:03 AM

slikness

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From: Durham

Power Steering Conversion

It does not have to be an I6 pump. The I6, I believe has the equivalent of two brackets. The first mounts to the block and then the power steering pump and bracket mount to it. The bracket on the power steering pump is cast aluminum and cannot be removed without removing the press fit pulley. I have the pump (fairly new) and pulley, but I think I hacked up the aluminum bracket to try to fit the thing correctly on my 351W, modifying it to try to match my polished aluminum A/C bracket. The pumps and aluminum bracket should be the same on I6, 302, and 351W for the years '80-'86, I believe. If you want the pump and pulley, send me an e-mail and you can have it for the cost of shipping.

'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik

Oct 4, 2000 | 09:05 AM

slikness

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From: Durham

Power Steering Conversion

I might even have the high pressure hose for the pump that I would include.

'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik

Oct 4, 2000 | 10:09 AM

Eddie

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Power Steering Conversion

Two things you might consider:
1. An aftermarket U-joint intermediate steering shaft, such as those built by Borgeson and Flaming River;
2. Going to a Saginaw pump (to ameliorate the infamous Ford pump noise). I know these pumps were available on Ford Light Trucks and vans during the '91 model year 'cause they're shown in the Ford/Helms service manual.
I've done the former, with great results, and consider the latter every time I fire that mother up!
Eddie

Oct 4, 2000 | 11:03 AM

Raul

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From: Northern Virginia

Power Steering Conversion

Slikness: Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it, gimme a couple of days to check around here. I would just as soon get the whole setup at one time and allow you to offer the pump to someone who needs just that. I will get back to you.

Am I on the right track re: the parts I need?

Eddie: What would after market shaft do for me? This is my daily driver/mulch hauler/firewood hauler/take-stuff-to-the-landfill truck. Plus all my neighbors use it. I don't want to get too fancy or expensive. But I do look fwd to the day I can turn with one hand. I doubt pump noise would bother me, pretty noisy up front already. But if I can be picky, then I will go in accordance with your advice.

Thanks
Raul

Oct 5, 2000 | 01:35 PM

Raul

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Joined: Apr 2000

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From: Northern Virginia

Power Steering Conversion

Another thought has occurred to me (slow, I know). Do these items need to come from a truck or van at all? Can they come from a Ford car - which models, which engines?

Thanks
Raul

Oct 10, 2000 | 03:25 PM

Raul

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From: Northern Virginia

Power Steering Conversion

Slik: I would like to take you up on your most generous offer. I tried to send you an e-mail but it was rejected. Please e-mail me at RaulsCPU(No Email Addresses In Posts!) and let me know what I should send you. And I do appreciate your generousity and kindness.

Raul