i'm trying to figure out a way to install power steering and power brakes on my F250. its a daily driver and I would like to use only ford parts. i'm trying to restore it a little at a time. does anyone have an idea.
thanks
denon

 

Perhaps the simplest way is to go with a factory - like setup. This consists of replacing your existing drag link with one that has a control valve mechanism, usually mounted on the Pitman arm end. Then, you'll need a hydraulic cylinder that connects to the axle on one end and the tie rod on the other. You will also need a power steering pump powered by the engine, along with its attendant brackets. Finally, There are high pressure and return hoses that tie everything together.

I believe I've seen these kits in the catalogs of resoration companies, such as Sacramento Vintage Ford. If my memory serves correctly, they are in the $500 to $700 range.

The performance of this type of power steering doesn't always measure up to the road feel offered by a later integral unit. You have to keep an eye on the hoses, since they are exposed to road splash and weather, and they also flex a bit. The control valve limits the travel of the left front tire on left turns (remember that the wheel will also be traveling up and down due to bumps).

An integral unit dispenses with many of these objections, but you will have to do a lot of engineering to your steering system. The stock sterring column is usually replaced. Then, you will need to either turn the unit sideways to allow the Pitman to swing in a vertical plane, or go to a crosslink steering system. This is not bad, but do use the special righthand tie rod end that some hot rod shops offer with provision to accept the crosslink's end. (I've seen some of these that some cobbler has welded. Not only would I hate to trust my life to such an arrangement, I'm not to keen on sharing the road with someone else driving one!)

The trouble with the integral setup, as I see it, is that the space in old Fords is pretty limited in the steering box area and the integral boxes are large in comparison with the available space.

Remember that, in order to avoid "bump-steer" you need to duplicat the original geometry of Ford's steering, or put a lot of thinking into a crosslink system. Otherwise, you will be all over the map on a bumpy road, since the up and down travel of the axle will cause the wheels to turn slightly. Great for dodging torpedos, tho!

Here's and interesting angle you may wish to check out: a fully integrated power steering unit (no ram cylinder) that fits 52-59 Ford and Mercury. It may well be adaptable to trucks, or maybe Frank can whip you up something. Steering ratio is 3 1/4 turns lock to lock. For the cars, it uses the original column and bolts directly to the conversion pitman arm. Kits include steering box,pitman arm,rag joint,column bushing with needle bearings. Call Frank at (701) 223-2269. He was getting $720 for these kits almost a year ago; can't tell you the price now.

 

Find a junkyard near you that has older vehicles and look for a `57-`60 that came equipped with power steering,there recognizeable from the outside because they had fancier steering wheels with a chrome horn ring.