So here I am knee deep Into the front end rebuild including lowering, steering and just plain refurbishing. I guess now is the time to make decisions while its all apart, thats where I like input from fellow enthusiasts. First I've mocked up both the manual toyota steering box and power toyota steering box. I nixed the idea of manuel steering because I already have it, but the manuel 3 speed is not allowing the power Toyota steering box to fit. I still have the option of the factory steering gearbox as well. I am also contemplating disc brakes and/or maybee dual master cylinder. I have a set of big chevy calipers off of a 73 Monte Carlo. Another thing is I have a 3 speed manual tranny, do I want to do a Chevy tilt column? I have'nt seen many at the wrecking yard for manual trannys. Almost wonder If running a 3 spd manual will be more of a hinderance than a help. I will probably run a mono leaf for a 3 inch drop for now, I think I will be happy with that but thats about all I have decided on so far. So if any of you 57-60 owners would like to share personel experience with thier builds that would be cool. also all the folks here that have any ideas of thier own they'd like to share thats way cool.
Thanks all

 

My suggestions: Go with an automatic and save yourself a lot of hassle, definitely go with disc brakes but if you are using a dropped axle you may need F-150 rotors/calipers (dependent on what kit you use), use a GM tilt column (get an Ididit or Flaming River if you have the bucks), use stock springs with leaves removed instead of mono-leaf, go with a firewall mounted brake MC for less hassle under the floor, and use the Toyota PS box instead of the manual...

 

"but the manual 3 speed is not allowing the power Toyota steering box to fit."

I have not done the Toyota conversion but want to some day. I am under the impression that you can retain the original column shift with this conversion if you use the straight coupler instead of the u-joint type coupler. The u-joint is too long, I think 3", the straight coupler is much shorter, but am not sure of the length.

 

I'm sure it's easier to do an automatic, but trucks have shifters and 3 pedals...IMO. In either case, an OD trans will pay for itself pretty quickly and saves a bunch of wear and tear on the engine. I just sold a 3-sp/OD trans for a Y-block for $150, that is your least cost (possibly highest aggravation tho) option.

 

Just curious if I do a C6 conversion, will it work? I already have a 390 conversion and the 292 Y Block bell, with a 61-66 manual 3 speed. If I do a C6 conversion should I look for one out of a say 67-71 and use the bell housing off of those years of trucks and then just run a trannsmission crossmember that I see in magazines and catalogs. Anybody done that set up in thier 57-60 F100?