Gentlemen, Please note that from 1965 to 1979 everything concerned with the operation to the Ford F100 & F150 pickup trucks from the firewall forward will interchange 2wd to 2wd, and a lot items 4wd to 4wd. There are two steering column shaft lengths for the 2wd. One is for power steering, it is shorter of the two lengths because the power steering gear is longer on top where the hydraulic lines connect. The other for non power steering and it is longer of the two. You can add power steering to your now power steering truck, just by exchanging the steering gear. You can use your same column, but you must cut your column shaft or exchange it for one from a power steering app. A lot of folk find it easier to exchange the complete column, rather than opening the column and pulling the shaft to change it's length.

You will please take note that column styles changed through the years. There were larger outer columns used and wheel styles also changed, but the lengths of the shafts are the same. The 78/9 tilt uses a different connection under the wheel for the turn signals and horn, and the wheel from an earlier truck cannot be exchanged and the horn and signals still work. You must exchange the unit complete. You may also have to modify the fit of the column under the dash where it is held in place.

I have not done this, but have read threads here in the past where tilt columns from full size Ford family cars can also be used for tilt in your 65/79 truck.

Power disc brakes from the mid 70s to 79 will also exchange to the 65 and newer truck. You will have to make some mods for brake light switches, pedal height etc. but it all will work.

That is what makes owning a Fort truck from that era, so great! :-)


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 quite of night you can hear chevies rusting away.

 

Muchas Gracias John. I copied it to my Favorite Places. That was a Valuable post.

Now, about the Electric windows and Door lockes....???

 

This thread has produced a lot of valuable information.
Did not mean for my question to start a head-butting contest.

I am not looking for originality, just like to upgrade the
beast.

Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.

 

Would this also apply to F250s of the same years?
Joe

 

Joe, I asked that question of a guy in a wercking yard. He looked in his computer, and sure enough, the Gearbox's are all the same up to and including F350, for many years. I'd betcha it'l all work.
What John said bout the short and long shafts was news. I'd have missed that one.

 

Joe, I believe that the differences between the F150, 250, & 350 is all below the chassis, in springs and axles etc. I highly suspect as TP posts, the answer is yes.

John
jowilker
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker|Club FTE since 01 01] My FTE Page

[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NC Truck Owners] NC Ford Truck owners group

66F100s Rule
In the cool still quite of night you can hear chevies rusting away.

 

All
From the previous posts it looks like any tilt column I could put in my 1972 F250 Custom with power steering would be the same length of the existing column. The real reason I would like to put a tilt steering column in would be to get the steering wheel further away from my chest---OK, so really away from my belly! If in the process, I could also get bucket seats or 40/20/40 seats, the combination of tilt steering wheel and seats would give me a more comfortable ride -- I think. The factory bench seat/steering wheel set up in a 1972 F250 with automatic transmission, forces the angle between your thighs and your stomach (assuming a flat six-pac stomach) at an uncomfortable 90 degrees(Even more uncomfortable if that stomach has a more elliptical shape). What I really want to accomplish is more of an easy rider type sitting position. The smart thing might be just to go with a newer truck, but if the tilt steering wheel/new seats can be done relatively cleanly with a cost of say under $400, as a figure to throw out, then I would be tempted. Solving this little problem would influence how much effort and expense I would want to put into rebuilding the 390 I have on board.
Joe

 

i know i guy who has a few 78-79 tilt wheels for sale if anyone is interested email me at :PJsPARTS(No Email Addresses In Posts!) and i'll see if he still has them and how much.

 

 

any tilt wheel will fit from a 78-79 f series , 77 will not nor will 80 and up, cruise is not a problem if you get a wheel with cruise on it . Modifying a conventional wheel to tilt would be a nightmare, the shaft and case are both split to allow for tilt.
I made this swap on my own 79, only took about 1 hour to complete.
yu will allso need a colum lower trim cover from a tilt truck, the non tilt is about 2 inches longre but can be cut to fit

hope this helps , duste

 

I have a 78 and a 79 bronco...one with tilt, the other without...they are the same except inside the cab, obviously, where the tilt mechanism is....the tilt was found in the Ranger XLT package, which can easily be spotte din a scrap yard on the side emblems...