manual to power steering conversion with headers
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Trinity US
manual to power steering conversion with headers
I just bought a 71 F100 explorer with manual steering. It has a built 390 with edelbrock intake and carb, a nice engine. It has manual steering and I purchased a Bendix power gear and other goodies to convert. I was told the bendix power gear and the manual would swap. They seem to be the same length, bolt pattern etc. My problem is that the 390 has headers and the power gear is slightly broader, thus no fit. I have a 69 f250 camper special that I had considered putting this 390 in. It has power steering. Will the 390 with headers go in my special since it is p.s.? Should I forget trying to convert the 71 to p.s. as long as it has the 390 w/headers? I thought that maybe a 302 that I've had my eye on would go in the 71 and allow me to then convert it to p.s. I figured the 69 f250 would have a larger engine compartment. What to do? 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
manual to power steering conversion with headers
The 69 and 71 have the same size engine compartment. I think the basic problem is the headers. These can be replaced with headers that fit around the power steering gear or you could convert to a stock ford exhaust. All of this is a lot of work and can get expensive. I'd make sure the manual steer is in good order and drive on. Inflate the front tires to max recommended by the tire manufacturer, give it a good lube job and try that.
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Trinity US
manual to power steering conversion with headers
Thanks. I did some checking and found out about the headers. I had no knowledge at all about their application. I had never bought any, all my vehicles have run stock. I think I'm gonna do the engine change anyway and switch the 71 over to p.s.. I'll then have a set of headers for sale. Thanks for the tip! We gotta keep the economy going!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: eudora ks
manual to power steering conversion with headers
if you change the power steering gearbox from the bendix model to the ford model and a power steering steering column from a truck equipped with the ford power steering gear box you can use your headers. the only other option that may work with the bendix gear box is perhaps the block hugger design headers. but this is only a guess because i haven't tried it. i have the same problem on my 1966 f100 sb. i used the bendix box because i wanted to use the factory column after my power steering conversion. if i had it to do again i would have used a 67 to 72 power steering column and retained my factory wheel. 20/20 hindsight don't you know. LOL. jim
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Trinity US
manual to power steering conversion with headers
I posted this question seperatly today but here it is again. I'm thinking now about going with the column, steering gear and all out of a 77 automatic. I would then convert the 71 over to auto trans. and use the steering stuff to put the 71 over to p.s. .Will the 77 column' gear and all hook up in my 71?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: eudora ks
manual to power steering conversion with headers
yes the 77 column will work. the only thing you may have to change is the bracket that bolts to the dash. the 77 column may need the bracket from the earlier column to bolt up to the dash correctly. lol.
jim
jim
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BrotherMabe
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Feb 3, 2013 02:40 PM
jcardoso
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Apr 8, 2008 07:08 PM
foot947
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Feb 10, 2004 12:21 AM
