CPP sells a 3/4 inch tie rod assembly for the F1 pickups that is advertised to be good for when power steering is added (ie: Toyota power box). The larger size and beefier ends would do that I'm sure. I was about to order that but got to thinking ..... would a 52 F6 tie rod assembly be the same length, and fit the steering arms? I have a parts truck with that still in place.

I got the assembly removed, sat it by the F1 setup ..... and sure enough ... the length is the same .... just larger in diameter. The kink in the deal though is that the tie rods are not the same for the tapered end that fits in the steering arms.

So.... the question is: what tie rod ends actually will do this conversion. The 3/4 threaded ends are needed to fit the F6 tube, and then the tapered stud needs to match the size of the F1 ends. Does anyone have the CPP stuff and might know what that tie rod part is from? I'm sure they are getting some ready made units to make up this assembly. It used to be possible to look up the details of all this in a NAPA catalog, but that seems to not be so anymore.

Thanks in advance.

Bob in Spokane

 

I'm undergoing the similar problem right now. Its a 53 F-100 and I have the Toyota box in it now. I am using NAPA tie rod ends (269-2174 and 269-2175) which are for a GMC truck application. I found a machine shop who had GM taper reamers and they cut the new larger taper holes. Ford taper is unique and I couldn't find a set of beefier tie rods that had the Ford taper so I went with what I could. The tie rod ends I am using are straight and therefore will not go any lower or higher than stock. They are however, 5/8 diameter and I will buy a new rod with both right and left hand threads with sleeves for the tightening. It will be a bunch stronger anyway. The new tie rod tapers didn't eat up very much material in the steering ends to weaken them.

 

I finally got with one of the more experienced NAPA guys at the store I frequent, and we were able to figure out that the following NAPA tie rod ends have the right tapered ends to match the F1 steering arms, and have the 3/4 NF threads needed to fit the F6 tie rod tube. The numbers are:

269-2760

269-2761

They happen to fit 1/2 and 3/4 ton Dodges from 1986 through 1993. Guess a Ford can work with these?? (grin)

This gives you an easy source for the beefier tie rod ends, and the added strength that will work best for power steering upgrades.

Hope this helps a few folk.

Bob in Spokane.

PS: I'm pretty sure these are the same exact units that CPP sells for $49 each ...... I got mine for just over $30 each, and they are already on the truck. Hoorah!!

 

Excellent Information - That's why I joined this Forum. Really useful stuff.

 

Nice work Robert. If I didn't already have the new tapers cut I would have gone with your NAPA guy''s advice.

My partsman is doing really well at the special school and it's all he can do to get through his parole plan. Wish I had yours.

 

Super news about the tie rod ends, now where do I get an f6 tierod?

 

I am very pleased with the guys at my local NAPA store. Great service and great knowledge. Not all of their stores are so staffed, but at least this one is!! It's the one on East Trent Avenue in Spokane.

The F6 tie rod is the same as for the F4, and F5 trucks from 1948 through 1952, so start looking at any parts rigs available locally. JobLot very likely has some, and CPP sells just the tie rod if you need that. Their prices are retail, but at least they do have the parts. I was fortunate enough to have a parts truck I bought a few years back for the stake bed and hoist. The rest was just gravy.

I just like knowing that I can get replacement ends from a local parts store if needed.

BTW....... I am looking for a driver's side running board from any of the F4 - F5 - F6 trucks of 48 - 50 vintage. I have three already, but all are too rough. Not sure why that side seemed to always get whacked, but anyway if there is anyone in the area near Spokane that might have one in excellent shape I'm buying. I also have a lot of trading stock for these Fords, including the F1 boards I'm not using. Let me know if you have one.
No ... the 51 to 52 boards are not the same. The earlier ones are much beefier, which of course makes them a bunch more difficult to straighten.

Thanks

Bob in Spokane