convert to power steering
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
convert to power steering
How hard is it to convert to power sterring on my 1978 f-100? Im 16 and dont know much bou these trucks just that there alot easier to work on than my 1999 Ford contour!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 781
Likes: 18
From: East Texas
You will need a steering gearbox for power steering, power steering pump, pump bracket (for the same engine as you currently have), cooler line, high pressure hose, return hose, and steering column from a truck with power steering (preferably from a 78 or 79 as the pumps were better on those years). You may need a crankshaft pulley with a groove for the power steering pump if your current pulley does not have one. You'll need to replace your current gearbox and steering column with the units for power steering. If you haven't, you might want to invest in at least a Chilton or Haynes manual to get some idea of the setup.
You may also need an idler arm for power steering, but I'm not sure. I did this swap one time, on a 74 F-100. BUt it was 30 years ago and I've slept since then.
You may also need an idler arm for power steering, but I'm not sure. I did this swap one time, on a 74 F-100. BUt it was 30 years ago and I've slept since then.
Last edited by firstonraceday; Feb 20, 2007 at 09:58 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Nebraska
Ok heres a question. Is it unusually hard to turn the wheel? Seems odd that its got a/c but no power steering. Look close at the steering gear box. See if it has threaded connections for hoses.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
not really, it's really easy to turn when going moving but just idling or going slow, you can barely turn it unless your muscling it! i thought that it was kinda odd to, but i dont know, thats why i asked.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
You will need exactly everything Firstonraceday said. I needed a pitman arm...the power steering shaft was diff. It was a very easy conversion once I had everything. I'm no way a fabricator or a mechanic. I'm handy, I guess thats a good way to put it, anyway...it was simple. I did it about 3 years ago to my(now gone) '76 2wd 300/3spd. Oh yeah, I could only find an automatic power steering column. So I had to convert my 3 on the tree to floor shift. Mike
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
I have nothing more to add than what what said, but I also find it crazy that a truck has A/C but no powersteering. "It might be hard to drive my truck, but at least I'm cold".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Did it have power steering originally, or didn't it?
The info on your VIN plate will tell you.
Look on the plate/sticker your VIN is located..see where it says AXLE?
There are three digits, usually two numbers followed by a letter (like 38A), post them here. They can be decoded. That will tell whether truck had P/S or not originally.
The info on your VIN plate will tell you.
Look on the plate/sticker your VIN is located..see where it says AXLE?
There are three digits, usually two numbers followed by a letter (like 38A), post them here. They can be decoded. That will tell whether truck had P/S or not originally.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Feb 21, 2007 at 05:09 PM.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jscozz
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
1
Nov 6, 2013 02:41 PM
kmusmc
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Apr 29, 2005 08:45 AM
