Hi there everyone--

I have a 74 F-250 4x4 with a power steering gear box that's getting a little sloppy. I'm not having much luck in finding a replacement & have come to the conclusion that this has been added after the fact. That being said, I'm trying to figure out which gearbox I have. There are some numbers stamped into the side that read as follows "7802644". Does that mean anything? Is it possible it's out of a 1978?

Thanks for any help!

Jason

 

If the box mounting has not been modified, its not likely its from a '78. i assume you have power assist steering, so you have a valve body for a drag link and a ram doing the 'assisting', as opposed to the 77.5-79 f-250 box that is integral, which means its all built in to the steering box and doesnt use an external valve and a ram. you can convert to the later model box with some cutting and welding here are some links:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/..._F250_4x4.html

this second one uses a 2wd steering box:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Highboy.html

look closely at your steering system, you might find the play is not in your steering box. block up your front axle so you can push and pull on all parts of your steering to find any joints that might be loose. have a friend turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch all the parts for slop.

as far as the play in the gearbox, you can adjust it. use the search function to find other posts on it. also check the steering forum. be carefull, you can harm your box by adjusting to much.

i dont know what those #s would be, maybe someone else here or in the steering forum can help you.

i have a 77 highboy, with bendix-type power assist steering, i just finished some work on my steering, i found a bad outer tie rod, ball stud, and loose steering shaft when i jacked up my front end.

also, you might want to read post #8 in this thread, ( or the whole thread )
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=102632
sounds like you might have a highboy too.

and, welcome to FTE!

 

The numbers you need for proper IDENT are on a Buck Tag attached to the PSB.