Power steering discussion
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Power steering discussion
OK, I've been looking around everywhere, read everything I can find here, and all the magazines and shop manuals I have. I WANT power steering!!!!!!
I know the 61-64 trucks have yet to be converted but lets figure out a way.
I would say the first thing we need is a gearbox (that would fit the frame with an adapter or minor modifications) similar to the 65-72(?) style and modify or manufacture a different pitman arm that would allow a centerlink and a drag link mount to the spindles. I know the spindle arm on the 61-64 trucks can be removed. A manufactured or modified piece could take its place to align with the direction of travel.
Any suggestions or Ideas? I will be searching salvage yards this spring for donor materials and trying them out since I can park my truck for awhile this summer.
All input is appreciated.
Krosati
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I know the 61-64 trucks have yet to be converted but lets figure out a way.
I would say the first thing we need is a gearbox (that would fit the frame with an adapter or minor modifications) similar to the 65-72(?) style and modify or manufacture a different pitman arm that would allow a centerlink and a drag link mount to the spindles. I know the spindle arm on the 61-64 trucks can be removed. A manufactured or modified piece could take its place to align with the direction of travel.
Any suggestions or Ideas? I will be searching salvage yards this spring for donor materials and trying them out since I can park my truck for awhile this summer.
All input is appreciated.
Krosati
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,793
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From: San Diego CA
Power steering discussion
krosati bite the bullet and clip it. I've only driven my 61 a few short test drives and it was worth every busted knuckle,slag burn,crap in the eyes,sore back,late night hour of labor it took to do it. Imagine turning the steering wheel with one finger while the truck is parked Oh Joy. Just a few more details, put the shifter where I can reach it comfortably, Fix the shorted tail lights, and bolt the passenger seat down and I'll be on the road for a real test drive. The only thing is that my wife will want to drive it too. Oh well I guess thats why my mom taught me to share my toys. Good luck, Rich.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
Power steering discussion
If I remember right the pre-60's trucks came with power steering using a simlilur steering gear and wheel shaft. I just can't remember where I saw it. I think I may have been on another website. I will look around later today for the info. Oh that's right it was on E-bay I saw it. Ok look around on E-bay under ford power steering.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Power steering discussion
Have you looked here? http://www.classicperform.com/tech_articles/F-100-steering/Ford-F100-Power-Steering.htm 
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
Power steering discussion
I'm with cobraguy on this one. If you are not doing an "original restoration", clip it. You get 36 years of modern front end geometry, big disk brakes, power steering, independent suspension, sway bar and a nice comfy place to put your engine. Cobraguy, What clip did you use? Pictures?
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Power steering discussion
I know about the power assist and the frame surgery. I also know there are no "BOLT-IN" kits either. I thought we could come up with actual power steering for these trucks.
I just want this to be a forum for the "possibilities" available or not. Nothing is born from going around a problem but rather by facing it head on.
I've read about a gearbox from a GM car (65-80)and a kit from Sacremento Vintage but never heard how it works.
Is there a box that will mount to the frame with little or no mods?
Once the box is mounted, the rest should be just finding the right combination of donor parts.
Krosati
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I just want this to be a forum for the "possibilities" available or not. Nothing is born from going around a problem but rather by facing it head on.
I've read about a gearbox from a GM car (65-80)and a kit from Sacremento Vintage but never heard how it works.
Is there a box that will mount to the frame with little or no mods?
Once the box is mounted, the rest should be just finding the right combination of donor parts.
Krosati
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Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 957
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From: Winchendon MA
Power steering discussion
Why not toss the box alltoeghter and go power rack and pinnion? It can be done! Things that make you go Humm........... 
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Power steering discussion
The problem R&P is the only way to mount it is to the axle. This makes for ugly axles!
Anybody have access to a book or micro fische containing several hundred power steering box specifications?
Krosati
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My friends say I'm too old to play with toys.
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Anybody have access to a book or micro fische containing several hundred power steering box specifications?
Krosati
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I need new friends
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Adrian, Mi U.S.A.
Power steering discussion
My '64 has p.s. but I'm not sure how they did it. I'll try and look at it this weekend to see if I can figure out what they did and used. I do know this they used a caddy column and steering wheel. I don't know if anything else is that other brand or not. I'll post back with what I find. The only problem I have is the steering column joint is too close to the frame, on real sharp turns it rubs. After talking to a alignment shop they think I can fix this with a little bit of heat.
Kevin
Kevin
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Texas
Power steering discussion
Do you have a solid front axle or twin I-beams?
Otherwise, I am all ears, uh eyes!
Krosati
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Otherwise, I am all ears, uh eyes!
Krosati
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
Power steering discussion
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Jan-02 AT 01:34 AM (EST)]krosati I know you have a merc montego donor car for your engine and tranny. I bet you could use that front end in you truck. Go measure the frame rails and think about it. you already have ALL the parts you need. Good luck, Rich.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Power steering discussion
I never even thought about that. I was thinking of robbing the column and the box already but it never occured to me to check the frame measurements. I'll do that this weekend and give some feedback.
Krosati
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Krosati
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Power steering discussion
Krosati,
Not many modern power steering boxes have the pitman arm oriented to come out the side. A modern box with the pitman arm out the bottom could be utilized if you eliminated that fore-and-aft drag link configuration. Say you positioned a 70's-up F100 PS box similiar to a 70's F100. Now the pitman arm motion is side-to-side instead of fore-and-aft. You might even be able to use the 70's drag link/tie-rod assembly. If not, what about the 4x4 drag link/tie rod assembly?
If the rear-steer setup wouldn't clear, the E100 vans are a front-steer setup with a PS box out in front. You could swap steering arms side to side to make it front steer.
A side benefit is this would make sticking 73-up disk brake spindle assemblies on the solid front axle easier. It eliminates the need for the steering arm.
Food for thought...
Adios,
Brett
Not many modern power steering boxes have the pitman arm oriented to come out the side. A modern box with the pitman arm out the bottom could be utilized if you eliminated that fore-and-aft drag link configuration. Say you positioned a 70's-up F100 PS box similiar to a 70's F100. Now the pitman arm motion is side-to-side instead of fore-and-aft. You might even be able to use the 70's drag link/tie-rod assembly. If not, what about the 4x4 drag link/tie rod assembly?
If the rear-steer setup wouldn't clear, the E100 vans are a front-steer setup with a PS box out in front. You could swap steering arms side to side to make it front steer.
A side benefit is this would make sticking 73-up disk brake spindle assemblies on the solid front axle easier. It eliminates the need for the steering arm.
Food for thought...
Adios,
Brett
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Power steering discussion
Brett, Your post went over my head like a rocket. Can you try to splain that again. I have converted power to non power 65 & newer trucks, so I have a clue, ok.
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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John
jowilker email me
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.