power steering swap

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May 28, 2006 | 11:28 PM

1966 f-100

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power steering swap

hello every one,i going to change my 66 merc 1/2 ton from manual to power steering . i have a box out of a 73 to79 truck, with a floor shifter will the steering cloumn out of a 66 with a 4 speed work with out shorting it?

May 29, 2006 | 04:26 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

In short, NO.The new gear is longer on top where the shaft connects to and requires the shorter one from the same donor truck.

John

May 29, 2006 | 05:41 AM

daveengelson

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Boulder Creek, Ca

Should not need to shorten the column just the shaft. Not sure, taking the shorter shaft out of a late model column may work. Note, in my case, found aligning the column to the steering box brougth the column slightly lower where the column and boot mount at the firewall requiring slight modification.

dave

May 29, 2006 | 06:22 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Hi Dave, I think as a group of responders, we want to keep our answers simple. While you are quite correct, a poster might not know a whatcahmycallit from a thingamagig, like you do and could become more confused.

The forum would be better served recommending installing the donor column along with the gear. IMHO

John

May 29, 2006 | 03:58 PM

jav409

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Joined: Aug 2004

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Thats what I did, pulled the box,pump, cooler, lines, and colum out of a 79, found a pump mount out of a 72 the 79 had a 460. I chose the auto colum cause I was thinking of converting to a automatic, sence then I have, every thing bolted up, had to modifi the wireing and used two long stainless bolts to
hold the colum up. has worked ever sence. As an added benny I was able to go to a 13" wheel and this left lots of room for me and that steak dinner with all you can eat shrimp, if ya know what I mean.

May 29, 2006 | 05:07 PM

daveengelson

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 6,305

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From: Boulder Creek, Ca

Came across a 66 column w/ auto shift from salvage yard someone had already shortened. Did not need the 66 column so took the shortened shaft and stuck it in my original 65 column, with the 4 speed. Did not have to deal with modifying the mount at the dash or wire harness. Intend to upgrade my other 65, and already obtained the column from 76, will be swapping the mounting brackets. Unless, decide going w/ automatic and putting the shortened 66 column to good use.

dave

Last edited by daveengelson; May 29, 2006 at 05:15 PM.

May 29, 2006 | 06:46 PM

"Beemer Nut"

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From: "Islander"

You can change a manual box system to a Ford PS box, also need column, firewall mount plate, left motor perch and pitman arm then bolt it in. If you use a Bendix PS box that will bolt in as it is the same length as the manual box. To locate a Bendix PS box well rebuilders want $250 core charge alone. Bendix box made for 67 to early 69 Ford trucks only, not used on other Fords. The Bendix box your looking for is a hard to find item, they tend to leak at the steering input seal and the seal kit is not available thru Ford anymore. This is why I changed out my Bendix box, column, pitman arm and firewall mount.
The Bendix is more sensitive than a Ford box at speed, another reason why I switched to a Ford box, made another dust collector on the wall with the Bendix box.

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May 31, 2006 | 11:15 PM

cdherman

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Parkville, MO (KC)

I think this may be blocked by the powers that be, but the best place to get better information on this swap is over at www.ford ification.com Pics and detailed information.

Leave out the space.