Steering box play
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Steering box play
I have some play in the steering and everything looks pretty tight except for the steering box. I have manual steering (1978 F100). Some wear on the insides of each front tire, and turning the wheel takes some real elbow grease - it's pretty hard, though I'm not sure it's worse than normal. The manual says I can adjust the steering box, which I could do, and I should "check the alignment with the column", because both could cause play and hard turns. But now I'm thinking of just replacing the whole darn thing with power steering.
What years and models can I use to replace my manual steering with power? (F250? 1979?) Do I need to replace the column as well? What parts should I use new as opposed to junk yard?
Thanks
-Pete
1978 F100 300 CID Man steer, man brakes, man hole in the floor.
What years and models can I use to replace my manual steering with power? (F250? 1979?) Do I need to replace the column as well? What parts should I use new as opposed to junk yard?
Thanks
-Pete
1978 F100 300 CID Man steer, man brakes, man hole in the floor.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 507
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From: Pasadena US
Steering box play
as far as steering box adjustment-
raise the front wheels off the groung so turning is easy. There is a threaded stud with a lock nut sticking out of the steering box. The stud has a slot for a screw driver to hold it. Loosen the lock nut several turns. Turn the stud in with a screw driver. While doing this, check for steering wheel play and also binding. Move the steeringwheel all the way, from lock to lock. If there are no hard spots, you are OK. You will begine to feel friction while turning the stud; it won't turn as easily. You are probably about at the point where you should stop, but checking the play and checking for binding will tell you for sure. Hold the stud still and retighten the lock nut.
Pete's Ponies
Mustang RUSToration & Performance
raise the front wheels off the groung so turning is easy. There is a threaded stud with a lock nut sticking out of the steering box. The stud has a slot for a screw driver to hold it. Loosen the lock nut several turns. Turn the stud in with a screw driver. While doing this, check for steering wheel play and also binding. Move the steeringwheel all the way, from lock to lock. If there are no hard spots, you are OK. You will begine to feel friction while turning the stud; it won't turn as easily. You are probably about at the point where you should stop, but checking the play and checking for binding will tell you for sure. Hold the stud still and retighten the lock nut.
Pete's Ponies
Mustang RUSToration & Performance
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Steering box play
68-79 2wd PS sector's are same-get a tight one.I'm pretty sure column is different.You should be able to buy everything from junkyard needed.
faype02(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1978 F100 6-Cyl 300 3-speed 2x4
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Steering box play
check out the arhives on this site there is a whole article on converting to power steering on late 70s f series
This site needs an FAQ bad.
faype02(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1978 F100 6-Cyl 300 3-speed 2x4
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Steering box play
The column on the power steering is approximately 1.5" shorter. So if you dont get the other column....well you know. Im not sure, but I think you do have to stay with either 2wd of 4wd, whichever you started with. Something about different cross members. Are you going to go ahead and put the power disks on as well? Good Luck, Mike
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Steering box play
check out the arhives on this site there is a whole article on converting to power steering on late 70s f series
I looked in the archives, but gave up after about 1/2 hour. Remember the title or anything?
This site needs an FAQ bad.
I looked in the archives, but gave up after about 1/2 hour. Remember the title or anything?
This site needs an FAQ bad.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/powerassist.html
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Steering box play
Steering is nice and tight now - thanks PetesPonies for your pointers - made it a 10 minute job. Of course turning isn't any easier - guess that will require power.
I read the power steering article, though it was replacing power-assist (mine is manual), but guess its almost the same. All that welding makes me a little nervous, since I'm not a welder and would have to rent equipment. I just have to decide to bite the bullet and put it in, or put it off for a later project.
faype02(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1978 F100 6-Cyl 300 3-speed 2x4
I read the power steering article, though it was replacing power-assist (mine is manual), but guess its almost the same. All that welding makes me a little nervous, since I'm not a welder and would have to rent equipment. I just have to decide to bite the bullet and put it in, or put it off for a later project.
faype02(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1978 F100 6-Cyl 300 3-speed 2x4
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From: Everett, Wa
Steering box play
The power steering offered for your truck was the stand power steering setup, i.e. no power assit junk. Once you have all the parts you need, you should just be able to bolt it in. No cutting of welding should be required. Order a LMC catalog, it should all the parts in it you need to do the conversion.
Terry
771/2 F250 4x4 460
2001 Ranger Edge
Terry
771/2 F250 4x4 460
2001 Ranger Edge
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Steering box play
Pete, Adding power steering is a bolt up exchange for your truck. You need to get the gear, steering column, lines & hoses, pump, brackets, and pullies, from a donor truck with like engine and tranny setup. I recoment buying the donor truck and grabbing the power disc bracks as well. You can strip the donor and have a salvage yard take the carcas for crush weight. The reason I say buy it is because running back for little parts that you forgot will kill you. I was able to sell enough parts to zero out the cost.
I have 76 donor parts on my 66 F100.
John
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66F100s Rule
In the cool still quiet of night you can hear chevies rusting away.
I have 76 donor parts on my 66 F100.
John
jowilker
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker|Club FTE since 01 01] My FTE Page
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66F100s Rule
In the cool still quiet of night you can hear chevies rusting away.
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