your right about that. stupid core charge!
glenb

 

Is that all you need for the swap is the steering box?
Wick

 

(I just posted this to the 67-72 and the 73-79 board)

This past weekend, I just decided what the hell and wnet for it. I bought a 70's 2WD f250 and robbed the steering box, pitman arm, pump and lines from it- Tore all the steering components off of my '72 higboy- cut a 3/8" plate 6" wide by 7-1/2" long (45 deg. cut on corner to clear front crossmenber) Drilled 7/16" holes 3 places, pushed 7/16nc bolts thru backside and tackwelded the heads. (Note: I used these longer bolts as 'studs' because you will have that heavy steering box in and out for fit-up a dozen times and it's easy to just drop the box in and 'hook' it on the studs) Then located the 3/8 plate with studs to the inside of 'c' frame of the truck, and tight up against front engine crossmember-welded it in. Also drilled out the 3 tapped holes on the steering box to 1/2" dia -clearemce holes-to slide box over the studs and secure with lock washers and nuts. Shoretened the intermediate shaft 4" (the one from steeing wheel to P.S. box)and welded it back up. Also removed the pitman arm (needed a big Proto puller, and some heat form a small propane torch!) turned 90 deg to go between leaf spring and bottom of frame. Removed drag link, cut in half, shortend to correct length and turned ball joint 90 deg. and welded up (of course always check fit-up, grind for good weld prep and have welded by a good welder- this drag link is some hard metal- 1045? Been driving it for the past week- WOW what a difference!! Like having a new truck! I stongly reccomend going for the 2WD box- Its taller than the 78-79 box and the intermediate shaft almost goes stright into it. Also if you look at the box, it is very robust. Even with the three bolt pattern. Other things to consider - I can buy this box at NAPA (with my company discount) for $140 new $50 core. The job really went smooth, the only drawback was notching my radiator support, the box runs into it- wasn't a big deal for me. Hope this helps some people

 

oh, by the way- I live in Northern Idaho / Spokane, WA also- The guy I talked to was Scott from Triangle Truck Parts (Interstate Truck Parts) He refered me to a friend- I called the friend who has done a ton of these swaps he is the one that said it would be $1200 for the swap- FORGET IT- I like the way the 2WD box worked out.

Also here is a good source for power steering/ old ford parts - Call
Garwood Wrecking, Garwood Idaho (Hayden, ID)
Pegasus Auto Wrecking, Garwood, ID
Bill's All Ford Dismatelers - Spokane, Wa

 

Thanks for the info friend,these names will sure help sometime. I'm not that far from your neck of the woods(whitefish,Mont). I have'nt been your way in some time,any good parts to be had at spaldings anymore? Your friend, how is he justifing $1200 for the swap? Also how long did it take you to swap in the 2wd?
Thank........Wick

 

Don't know how he justified the $1200 - You can round up the parts for around $350-$400- (Box, pump, pump bracket, pitman arm and hoses)I bought a whole truck for $250---- outrageous! I was off of work all week, so I figured I would take my time and do the swap slowly- It took me two days- I placed the box in the approx location and measured for the plate. Then I cut the plate and tack welded the box to the plate, set the box and plate in place in the frame to make sure that's where is should be. Removed the plate and box and matched drilled the plate using the box as a guide. Mounted the bolts with nuts to the plate and cut the tack welds, then welded the heads of the bolts to the backside of the plate. Moved the box and bolted plate into the truck and tack welded the plate to the frame. Then unbolted the box from the plate and removed the box and welded it solid. This will ensure proper alignment of the plate.
P.S. - I check Spalding Auto often, but seems they are low on the older ford parts- Check Bill's often- they seem to always have parts. Also check Mead Auto supply, Spokane- They have stuff off and on.

 

Did you take any pictures of the swap?