Hi Gang!

After doing a search of the forum, talking to a few of you (some time ago) and reading some of the write-ups on the subject... I am looking for the items to perform a power steering conversion on my 73 F100 4WD.

I understand I need a PS gear box from a 78 or 79 F150 4WD. But in talking to a few junk yards and parts suppliers the gear box from 76 to 79 is the same for the F150 4WD. Is this true?

I have also been told by some I will need to change my steering column. I am not sure why this would be the case with my truck. The 73 F100 4WD, the steering gear box is in front of the axle and on the outside of the frame rail secured by three bolts. I could possible see the shaft may need to be shortened but change the column? Hmmm not sure.

So, that brings me to the next issue. My father has a 77 F100 2WD, now I'm sure the ps gear box will not work from that truck but will the ps pump?

Assuming the pump from the 77 will work once I have the brackets for my 360 all I should need is a gear box.

I also understand the gearbox needs to be "re-worked" to work properly. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I have also been told all I need to do is turn the pitman arm 180 degrees.

Is there anyone out there willing to take some pictures of their 76-79 F150 4WD ps gear box? I'd like to look at some picts of position on the frame and style of box.

If anyone has a spare ps gearbox, let me know. If anyone needs parts from a 77F100 extended cab and want to trade, let me know.

Moderator: If the above sentence is inappropriate to post, you may delete it.

Jeremy

 

All that hoobalie joobalie seemed too much for my liking. I hear you can use a ps gearbox from a 86-95 or so Toyota 4x4 with IFS. It mounts on the outside of the frame and doesn't need to be reworked. I am going to try that method and post a write up. Let me know how your conversion goes. It was just too much money for me to spend on a ps system.

 

86 to 95 Toyota 4x4 eh? My wife has a 1992 4Runner. Wonder if she would mind if I stole the ps gearbox from her baby?

I just took a look out at her 4Runner and it looks like it might work. I'll take a closer look in the morning and check the geometry. I'll take some pictures of her setup, take some measurements and write up some info.

This really intrigues me! Since I've had a hard time finding a Ford PS box, this may be a great option. If you have any other info on using the Toy parts, I'd be interested in reading it.

So, that brings up the question... Is it blasphemy to put foreign made parts from other cars on our rigs?

Jeremy

 

I just did the conversion from ram assist on my 74 f100 4x4 360. i bought a 76 f150 4x4 for parts. manual box is much smaller and mounted further forward on the frame. You will need a ps box, a shorter steering column, they definately do not interchange. you will need to cut out a small piece of boxed frame and drill 3 new holes to mount the new box. the cut out piece will allow you to access the bolts to tighten the nuts on inside the frame. You will also need to install the power steering pump, brackets, lines and cooler that match the ps setup. Your stock oil filter position(sticks out at 90* to the engine) on the 360 will interfere with the ps box so you need one that positions the filter down at an angle(get it off the truck you are gettin the box off of if possible). You will also have to replace your steering linkage because the later ps box has a different pitman arm with a ball joint built into it. The later linkage uses tierods with larger tapers on them and they will not fit into drum brake spindles. I had to change my steering knuckles and convert to disc brakes(master cyl, booster, prop valve etc). If your truck doesnt have ram assist on it you might get away with using the stock linkage and earlier pitman arm. Im not 100% sure on that one. Its a big job but worth it in the end. If you have any questions feel free to ask. good luck.

 

YES it is!!!

 

It's only blasphemy if it makes you feel guilty!

 

Hotrodder,

I was looking at my 73 F100. From what I'm seeing, you can't mount a ps gear box much further forward on my rig. On yours, was the original mounted in front or behind the axle? On mine, its in front on the outside of the rail and it is not boxed.

Jeremy

 

Ya the manual box mounts farther forward than the power box does(both mount in front of the axle), thats why you have to drill new holes and cut out the little piece of boxed frame. When i did it I installed the new steering column and hooked the box to it and then marked and drilled the holes. Once you get the parts you will be able to see first hand how it all fits together. I bought a parts truck so i had the two of them side by side to look at before and durring the conversion. The tie rod size is the only thing that caused me much grief.