Power Steering Conversion issues
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,038
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From: Spokane WA
Power Steering Conversion issues
I know, I know, not ANOTHER PS conversion thread 
Im trying to do some reasearch, via the search here, general reading, Etc, and Ive come across an issue I cant seem to resolve by reading, so Im asking.
How the heck do I go about doing a PS swap on a 73 F100 4x4 that has a 385 series in it? The pump is in, and all hooked up, but Im having issues learning what Box and Pitman arm stuff to get since there arent any stock 4x4 429/460's.
Anyone have any advice on this many time over topic?
a real good link to some reading relevant to my particular situation would be great, I wanna start gathering the parts needed, and just to rehash, thats just a Pittman arm, and PS box right? I already have the PS pump..... do I need a new steering column?
Thanks guys, My reputation giver-outer is ready and waiting
Im trying to do some reasearch, via the search here, general reading, Etc, and Ive come across an issue I cant seem to resolve by reading, so Im asking.
How the heck do I go about doing a PS swap on a 73 F100 4x4 that has a 385 series in it? The pump is in, and all hooked up, but Im having issues learning what Box and Pitman arm stuff to get since there arent any stock 4x4 429/460's.
Anyone have any advice on this many time over topic?
a real good link to some reading relevant to my particular situation would be great, I wanna start gathering the parts needed, and just to rehash, thats just a Pittman arm, and PS box right? I already have the PS pump..... do I need a new steering column?
Thanks guys, My reputation giver-outer is ready and waiting
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
My guess would be that the engine is PS indifferent. I put power steering in my 2WD this way:
'76 PS box
'70 steering column (for PS)
'78 PS pump and lines
'88 PS bracket for serpentine belts
'86 460
'77 460 engine mounts (3-piece)
'83 C-6
All of this into my '66 F-100. It all bolted up like it was made to go together - and indeed it was. Bolt up means no cutting, drilling, welding, specialty bolts, or jiggling it around. Even the transmission crossmember bolted up to the frame.
Based on all this, it sounds like you need to just get the PS box and pitman arm for a 4x4 instead of a 2WD.
Hope this helps.
'76 PS box
'70 steering column (for PS)
'78 PS pump and lines
'88 PS bracket for serpentine belts
'86 460
'77 460 engine mounts (3-piece)
'83 C-6
All of this into my '66 F-100. It all bolted up like it was made to go together - and indeed it was. Bolt up means no cutting, drilling, welding, specialty bolts, or jiggling it around. Even the transmission crossmember bolted up to the frame.
Based on all this, it sounds like you need to just get the PS box and pitman arm for a 4x4 instead of a 2WD.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by banjopicker66; Dec 30, 2005 at 09:17 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Spokane WA
the 2wd stuff is completly different, even the 2wd pitman arm is clocked different so it wont work. you may need to look for a 74-newer 4x4 parts listing
for a power steering box
for a power steering box
Last edited by oldhalftons; Dec 30, 2005 at 09:42 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Oldhalftons, you are absolutely correct.
However, the principle, not the details is the issue here.
The 4x4 PS system should be the same for 4x4 trucks regardless of the engine in the truck.
Now another question he needs to answer (which information I do not have) is which 4x4 PS will fit? Ford made different types of 4x4 PS systems over the years. Will a later true PS system bolt into the '73? Or will he have to use the earlier ram-assist?
Hopefully, the later system can bolt up into the earlier truck, just like the later parts bolted right up into my earlier '66.
However, the principle, not the details is the issue here.
The 4x4 PS system should be the same for 4x4 trucks regardless of the engine in the truck.
Now another question he needs to answer (which information I do not have) is which 4x4 PS will fit? Ford made different types of 4x4 PS systems over the years. Will a later true PS system bolt into the '73? Or will he have to use the earlier ram-assist?
Hopefully, the later system can bolt up into the earlier truck, just like the later parts bolted right up into my earlier '66.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Oh, that's good to know. I am not as familiar with the 4x4 trucks as I am with the 2WD.
I have had my '66 for over 25 years, and have done a lot of research over the years, but it has been mostly 2WD.
I have had my '66 for over 25 years, and have done a lot of research over the years, but it has been mostly 2WD.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Spokane WA
the hollander manual shows 76 as the first year for a 1/2ton 4x4 power steering and that
box is D6TZ-35504B (hollander # 1088) fits 76-79 1/2 ton and bronco all engines.
the manual gear thats in it now fits 70-79, concidering the year overlap, I'd say the frame mounts/bolt holes should be the same for PS/Manual trucks
banjopicker, all my pre-80 stuff is 2wd too
box is D6TZ-35504B (hollander # 1088) fits 76-79 1/2 ton and bronco all engines.
the manual gear thats in it now fits 70-79, concidering the year overlap, I'd say the frame mounts/bolt holes should be the same for PS/Manual trucks
banjopicker, all my pre-80 stuff is 2wd too
Last edited by oldhalftons; Dec 30, 2005 at 09:56 AM.
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From: Anderson Northern Ca
PS Conversion
Icicle,have you looked in the Tech Articles on this site? Look at the steering and suspension articles I think you will find it very helpful,good luck.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
Icicle, there is another issue you need to be aware of.
Does your 460 have car or truck accessory brackets?
The car brackets set everything differently, and may cause interference with your front drive axle, suspension and steering.
Hope this helps.
Does your 460 have car or truck accessory brackets?
The car brackets set everything differently, and may cause interference with your front drive axle, suspension and steering.
Hope this helps.