I found a power steering box that claims it will work 65 to 69...and bolts in the original bolt holes and requires no modification.

IS THIS TRUE?!

If so my wife will be happy so she can drive the truck.

 

I bolted a power steering gearbox off of a 72 F-250 onto my 65 F-100 with no problems. I believe there were two different gearboxes offered. I think one is longer and requires a shorter steering column, which is what I have but since I bought the entire 72 F-250 for parts I had everything I needed including the pump, bracket and pulleys for the engine. The other I believe is shorter and will work with the standard steering column. If I am wrong on that some one will correct me.

Jeff

 

Came across this article in another Ford truck forum, unfortunately FTE protocol won't allow posting. If you run a 'google' or 'yahoo' search under 67-72 Ford truck resourse you should be able to find the forum. There is also an article on both shortening and rebuilding a steering column may find interesting. Just sold couple Bendix boxes and opted for the Saginaw.

When Ford started using the Twin I-Beam front suspension in 1965 on all F-100s and F-250s, they also offered a power steering option. Unfortunately, most buyers then didn't opt for this 'luxury'. Today, it's the burning question that every owner of a '67-'72 pickup wants to know: "How do I install power steering into my old truck?" It seems to be one of the most frequently-asked questions in the '67-'72 Ford pickup forums. Well, wonder no more...follow along as we investigate what you'll have to do to upgrade from 'Armstrong' steering to power steering using readily-available factory parts from your local salvage yard. The information contained here also pertains to '65-'66 Ford pickups...as long as it has the Twin I-beam suspension.
NOTE: Since four-wheel-drive steering boxes are located in front of the axle and two-wheel drive boxes behind, the mechanical parts needed to convert to power steering are different; therefore, the details in this article are meant for conversion on two-wheel-drive pickups only.

For the remainder of this article, 'PS' refers to 'power steering'.

Basically, here's all you need to do: find yourself a donor truck in the local U-Pull-It yard which is equipped with PS and swipe the following parts:

'67-'79 steering box
'67-'72 steering column ('73-'79 columns can be used with modifications...see below)
PS pump and bracket appropriate for your engine
PS column firewall mounting bracket and rubber boot
left-side engine perch (depending on application...see below)
steering linkage (everything between the steering box and the wheel spindle steering arm)
...and then just bolt them on and go. However, there are a few things you need to be made aware of, so let's expand on the above listing and discuss why you'll need certain items and some possible complications you might encounter.

Steering box: First of all, Ford pickups were produced with two style of PS boxes: the Saginaw (commonly known as the Ford box, and what you're mostly likely to find in the salvage lot) and the Bendix.

The Bendix box has the same dimensions as the manual steering box, so it is a direct replacement. No alterations of the steering column or frame are necessary with this box. It was the only PS box used in '65 and '66, whether for auto or manual shifter columns, and was also used in the '67 and '68 trucks to a limited degree (and possibly up through '70), mainly for automatics and 'three-on-the-tree' shifters...but it's not going to be an easy task locating one in a salvage yard. They are available aftermarket, if you have the money to spend, but they aren't cheap. The Bendix box is not as hardy as the Saginaw, tends to leak and generates more heat, requiring a good cooler for longer service. A small transmission cooler mounted in front of the radiator has been suggested as the best course. If you decide to use the Bendix box and are able to find one, all you need to convert your truck to power steering is the steering box, pump, brackets and belts. Be aware that if you use the Bendix box in your FE (360/390) truck, there will be some header clearance issues (that is, they won't fit!) Therefore, if you're wanting to add headers sometime in the future, it would be best to go with the Saginaw box.

The Saginaw box began to be phased in by Ford in '68 to replace the Bendix box and was used almost exclusively by 1969. It is more readily available and stronger...but it's also about 2 inches longer than the manual or Bendix PS boxes...which means if you attempt to bolt a manual steering column up to a Saginaw box, it will end up extending into the cab an additional 2 inches. It would work, but it would look funny, it would require some modifications to the column mounting point at the dash...and it would be downright dangerous (in my opinion), being that much closer to your body. In case of an accident, you want to be as far away from the steering wheel as possible. Remember, these trucks were not equipped with airbags! While it's possible to make it work, it's HIGHLY recommended that you do not try this.

dave