I searched but did nto really find a clear answer. My uncle just acquired a 65 or 66 1/2 ton and he is wanting to convert to power steering. it is 3 speed colum shift. what does it take to convert this? a box from what will work? It is the twin I beam, also if he was to go to floor shift would it make any difference on the box? All info is good. So please tell me what boxes work with what set up and what is involved with it. thanks


Also what can he look for as a doner for a power brake booster? i know there are differences in the master cyl if for disk or drum but what can he look for booster and braket wise as a doner? also it is a fe. thanks

 

what engine?

 

fe have been told it is a 390. but deffently fe family. thanks

 

ok well that makes it pretty simple the parts are easy to find and easy to mount on that engine. you will need the bracket , pump,dipstick,2 new engine pulleys but the steering column i am not sure of.

 

CB:
Your best power steering option is to upgrade to the steering gearbox used from '70 - '79.
However, this means you must shorten your steering column, because the box sticks up further.
Unfortunately, you cannot shorten a 3 speed shifter column enough and do it right.
So, you best option is to put in a floor shifter if you want to keep the 3 speed.
Or, (this is what I did) you can change the truck to an automatic, and put in an automatic/power steering steering column from a '70 - '79 truck.

Also, if you have the heat riser valve on an FE, you will have to remove it to mount the PS box - which may mean exhasut changes. They interfere with each other.

The rest of it, the brackets and pulleys, are are engine, not body related.

Search under my name, and for power steering. I did a long tech writeup on this.

 

ok on the steering any other boxes that will work? i saw toyota mentoned a couple of times. but would like to stay ford. is there any way to keep the 3 speed on the colum and and power steering? Also banjo i looked but could not find the wright up. Is it possible to use the new steering colum that is 3 speed in the truck with newer box? like the 70??? thanks also anything in addation besides the box, pump, and pulleys??

 

The Toyota box won't work with your truck; it is adapted to the '64 and earlier trucks. They look the same, but the beauty is only skin deep. The front steering and axles are completely different after '64.
There is one more option, to use a Bendix PS box, but they are hard fo find, break down easily, and are expensive to repair.

 

Ok to just clear this up for me just the 70's ford box works? does it make a difference if it is 2x2 or 4x4? also besides the colum mods does it require anything else? thanks

 

Yes, the '70s boxes work. They bolt right up to the frame. Be sure to use the pitman arm that comes with the PS box out of the boneyard.
2x4 is completely different than 4x4. Everything discussed here only appllies to 2x4.
You will need the pulleys and brackets for your engine, the PS pump and hoses, the box, pitman arm and an in-line cooler.
You will need to shorten the steering column, or, you can just let it stick up into the cab another 2 or 3 inches. I rather think you won't like it that way, and if it is 3 speed on the column, the shifting levers may be too close to the firewall to work.

 

CB, 76 was the last year that the FE was offered. There were a few 3 spd with power steering trucks build and those parts are available but have to be dug out. I always suggest to a person looking to buy the donor truck that is most like what he wants his to end up like, and either move the parts to his truck or move the sheet metal over to the donor chassis.

In theory the cab and front clip can be raised in one piece and the chassis rolled out and the new one rolled under.

Hope you have enough info to complete your family project.

John

 

Is it possible to use the shorter steering column off the donor truck and either modify the bracket inside cab, or replace with bracket from original?

dave

 

ABSOLUTELY.
I did that with the PS gear from a '76, and a steering column from a '70.
I had to fiddle with the wires to get it all right, though.

 

Did this last fall, converted my 65. Used the inner shaft from the 73 and cut down the outer tube to length then it looks totally stock with the original wheel with no cutting and welding. Steering box bolts right up with no problems. Do it! The difference is amazing!

 

I installed a bendex set up I got from a member here(Thanx Banjo)for a great price.Direct bolt on...no mods needed.Installed a cooler on it though.I dont drive my truck much less than 2000 miles a year so wasn't worried about how long the system would last.Any power steering makes a huge difference.Do it!

Joe