If you have converted the power assist steering in a 197x 4x4 Highboy to one of the 2wd integral power steering units, do you have pictures? I would like to see pictures of the mounted steering box and clear pictures of the mounted pitman arm. Where did you find the pitman arm for this job?

Thansk.

 

On my '75 highboy and I used a saginaw box from a '80's Dodge 4X4. It's the same box that all the big 3 have used in many applications but this one sits on a cradle bracket that that bolts on the outside of the frame and the pitman swings the same way as your original. It's mounted farther forward than the original so tire clearance is no problem and the drag link is longer which is better for the geometry on a lifted truck. Even with 38X14.5R 17's I can turn the wheel with 1 finger sitting still. I don't have any pics of it right now but I added a 1/4" plate at the front of the framerail where it doglegs inward to make a flat surface to mount the bracket then used one of the existing holes and drilled 2 more. I used the stock Dodge pitman and the steering arm on my D60 and drilled them both out to 3/4" and made a chromemoly drag link with heims on each end. The steering shaft uses the stock u-joint at the top, the slip from a later Ford P/U in the middle and an aftermarket weld on u-joint at the box end. I had to cut a half circle notch out of the core support for the end of the box then some custom hoses finished the job. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.

 

I used the gearbox from a 78 F250 4x4. Easiest conversion IMO. Pics in my gallery.

 

I don't want you to think I forgot about your question. I took some photos today and will try to get them up tonight. I apologise, I'm not too computer savy.

 

Bucks...

The 78 box is definitely the easiest route but I cannot find a good 78 box. They sure seem hard to find. Which pitman arm did you use? Is it the one from the 78 highboy?


Ford....

Thanks in advance for the pictures

 

My 76 highboy has had the 2wd steering box conversion-works great! There is a plate welded on the inside of the frame, where it flares up, and the box mounts parallel to the frame. It has I believe a 79 F-250 pitman arm, with an adjustable draglink. Only thing I wouldve changed was make it a total bolt in assy. Save ya grief if you ever have to go thru an inspection. Im guessing the steering rod from the column is the original highboy one. Only oddity I can think of is the rad support and 3/8" of the rad side flange(mount) had to be trimmed for clearance of the box. If I had a camera, would be much easier, heh

 

I just posted photos of my steering system in my gallery. It may not be anywhere close to factory but it sure works well.

 

first question, what are those rims your running? and what size are they.

second question, what did that box come out of? it looks like it could be mounted where the original box was, making a cleaner more factory looking install. or i could also see that box being mounted on top of the frame rail. what made you choose the outside the frame location?

 

The wheels are 17X9" Moto Metal 951's. As for the steering, the box is off an '80's dodge 4X4. There's still lots of them around. Beware, even though there are millions of these boxes in many makes of cars and trucks they don't all mount the same and this one is considered a reverse rotation compared to most. I wrote a description of how I set it up earlier in this thread. The reason I out it outside the frame is because its that way on the dodge, of course their frames are shaped differently and kick in where the box mounts so it looks cleaner on those trucks. I suppose you could mount it atop the rail if you eliminated the cradle bracket and added a very stout horizontal plate to bolt it to. The box mounting bolts go straight up from underneath. However, you would need a very long pitman to reduce the angle on the drag link, especially on a lifted truck. Inside the rail might be a possibility if you welded a plate to bolt it to then notched the lower flange of the rail for access to the bolts. You wouldn't be able use the bracket I used because the box won't fit if you turn it around. Having it mounted farther forward has worked well on my truck because the drag link is much longer than stock. I agree that cleaner look would be nice. Then again 11 years without a glitch, hmmm.

 

Nice Rims!

so are they cheap and easy to get?

i was thinking flatten the top of the frame and weld on a 1/4-3/8" plate then mount it to that. useing the stock pitman arm with a custom drop draglink.

i thought of this way because it would be similar to the factory setup so that might be best. just more food for thought i guess...

 

Thanks. The wheels are easy to get (I got them at 4 Wheel Parts) but cheap is relative. They run about $250 each.

Your idea might work out well. I'd like to see what others come up with using that box. Just make sure the plate is well supported since it will try to lift up off the frame when you turn.

Obviously you would need a straight pitman instead of the offset one I took from the dodge but the drag link would need a crazy bend in it with a stock length pitman. That might cause problems considering the short distance between the the pitman and steering arm in stock position. Then again its no different than lifting the truck and there are ways to deal with that.

 

I did a swap on my truck and used set-up for a 79 f150 super cab 4x4 box pitman arm and link and it just about bolted on would have to go look to see what mods if any I did, When I did it I looked at brother in laws since it is leaf spring also its where I got idea from. been drivn for 4 years no problems

 

Did you make the Link or have it made? Can ya remember what ya used and where ya got it?

I am at the point now I am finally getting around to making the link from the box to the knuckle. I still have to get the pump and box piped up, fun part is getting the pump pulley to line up with the rest of the pulleys.

 

Actually a friend made it. It's two 3/4" heims with jam nuts and chrome moly tubing. He used two pieces of tube and sleeved it. I believe one of the heims has left hand threads which makes it easier to adjust.

 

I've done the conversion with a 2wd box...might be tough to get pics...but...i did NO hacking of the frame...and NO welding...it's strictly bolt in..only cutting involved was to the core support...a notch...i use the pitman from a 77.5 to 79 F-250 4x4 and Tie rod ends from a 69 F-250 4x4...with a custom made adjusting sleeve...works GREAT!