How is this supposed to work? I have a '75 F100 frame with power assist steering that I want to convert to normal power steering. So... I buy a parts truck with the box I *thought* I needed, but suprise!... the '75 frame does not have the holes in the frame to mount the box. The inside of the frame also doesn't allow access to the inside of the boxed frame area to install the steering box back there.

So, what can I do?

"What I have" is the frame I want to use, it doesn't have the holes I need. "What I want" is the box on the frame of the parts truck; I want to put this box on my other frame. Here are some pics of what I'm working with:

What I have ---> http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF0014.jpg

What I want ---> http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF0010.jpg

 

measure twice, make template, and drill you some holes in the frame you want.

 

Well that sounds like no fun at all. I would have to cut away some of the inside of the frame also to access the bolts to tighten the nuts. I may just try to fix my other (crashed) frame.

 

My '79 F250 4x4 has the steering gear mounted onto a boxed-in section of the frame. I do not know if that is the case for all models or not; however, the holes are on both sides of the frame - the bolts go through the entire section. However, Ford put some spacers in the frame so that when those bolts are torqued, they don't collapse the frame.

Not sure if this helps, but it might give you some ideas.

 

I was thinking the bolts went all the way through as you mention, and I would prefer it that way, but was suprised when I found out this old junk I have is different. Here is a pic of the frame with the power steering box, it has an access hole in the frame to get in there to tighten the bolts. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2...3-19-06009.jpg

I'll go look at my '79 Bronco and see how it's done.

 

the holes should go all the way through the frame then you wouldnt have to cut the frame to tighten your bolts up.

 

460 0,there is a good article in the Tech section on how to power steer Your truck the right way.I have done this conversion three times and it works perfect.Have fun.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"

 

for what it's worth, i have done a lot of research and found sources for replacement parts if you should wish to keep the power assist steering.

 

I'm not for sure that any of the steering parts are bad on my frame since I've never drove it. I just don't like the cluttered look of all the hoses.

 

You can get ahold of the clips that allow you to route the hoses nicely.. mine uses these little loops that wrap around the hose, for a not-to-tight fit, and then fastens to the bottom of my engine crossmember, over my leaf springs, and to the valve.

I was annoyed by the routing of mine when I bought the truck, but in the end made sure alll the hoses were secure and safe, and that they didn't rub or chafe each other when I make turns, etc.

You can get nice steel braided lines done up also to make it all look a little better.

I just went to a Princess Auto location and had them build me 4 3000 psi rated steel core hoses with 5/16 flareless tubing connectors on the ends, and all I had to do was add the short pieces of steel tubing and flare the ends that go into the valve, and into the ram, & p/s pump. Final cost: $30.

:-)

You will find the majority here will suggest the modification to allow the integral power steering setup to be installed on your truck. Definitly a valid idea, and the guys here have a lot of experience doing it.

Integral power steering offers the potential to be a lower-maintenance solution, but the feel of it can be awfully dead (over-assisted), and off-road performance is inferior to the hydraulic ram power assist setup.

To convert to integral you also need to chop off the top lip of the frame rail in the front, cut out a piece of the rad - saddle, and weld in a plate to mount the integral power steering box. Definitly work for a long weekend, assuming your front clip comes off without a lot of fuss.

If I were you, I'd minimize your costs by trying to activate the power assist system, evaluate it's condition, and what might be wrong with it, and see how much it costs to repair, before diving into the costly (in hours and dollars) operation to convert to integral.

Power Assist Steering costs:

All hoses made up, assuming you can flare the ends of the steel tubing: under $50
Rebuilt Bendix Control Valve: $250 or less.
Ram Cylinder rebuild: Depends on who you find to do it, and it's condition, but you can rebuild for under $250, or you can find replacement rams for $250.

The system uses the same power steering pump.

My verdict: If the entire power assist steering setup is shot, and you would need to spend $500-$600 anyhow, then you might want to consider the conversion.

 

Here is a new post I created, it will help you see where I am in this project

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...81#post3524881



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