'68 to '72 power steering conversion
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'68 to '72 power steering conversion
We have a '68 F-100 2wd that we want to convert to power steering. We found an assembly and pump from a '72 F-250 2wd. Can we use the '72 parts on our '68? Are any modifications needed or does the '72 simply bolt on? Thanks in advance for any help.
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'68 to '72 power steering conversion
It doesn't look like anyone has replied to this yet, but since I am in the middle of a similar problem I'll tell you what I have found. The answer is "there is a 50% possibility".
Ford transitioned from a Bendix unit in 1967 and previous models, to a Ford-built unit in '70 or so and beyond. The '68 and '69 models could have bolt patterns for either unit, but---and this is the part that sucks---not both. In fact, the designs are different enough for both that there isn't any way to tell whether your '72 Ford unit will fit until you pull the old gear box and attempt installation.
The Ford units are readily available on the rebuilt market. The Bendix units are incredibly hard to find, and very expensive when you can find them. (Guess which one mine is, sigh.)
It's worth a try, though! Power steering rocks, and if it doesn't fit you can always just put the stock parts back in. The parts are relatively easy to swap, just pull the Pittman arm, yank 3 or 4 bolts out of the frame, and disconnect the steering wheel, and Bob's your uncle. Try to fit the gear box before attempting to install the pump etc, since of course it doesn't make sense to fart around with the pump until you know the gear box will fit.
Good luck!
Ford transitioned from a Bendix unit in 1967 and previous models, to a Ford-built unit in '70 or so and beyond. The '68 and '69 models could have bolt patterns for either unit, but---and this is the part that sucks---not both. In fact, the designs are different enough for both that there isn't any way to tell whether your '72 Ford unit will fit until you pull the old gear box and attempt installation.
The Ford units are readily available on the rebuilt market. The Bendix units are incredibly hard to find, and very expensive when you can find them. (Guess which one mine is, sigh.)
It's worth a try, though! Power steering rocks, and if it doesn't fit you can always just put the stock parts back in. The parts are relatively easy to swap, just pull the Pittman arm, yank 3 or 4 bolts out of the frame, and disconnect the steering wheel, and Bob's your uncle. Try to fit the gear box before attempting to install the pump etc, since of course it doesn't make sense to fart around with the pump until you know the gear box will fit.
Good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2001
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'68 to '72 power steering conversion
you'll need to swap out the steering column with the column from the donor truck (or a donor truck with the same kind of steering box if you don't have access to the same donor truck you got the box from)... the center shaft of the steering column is a different length power vs manual steering. You'll also need all the brackets that attach the box to the frame. It's definitely possible though.. you just have to go to pick and pull and find all the right pieces. Check out the 67-79 forum...lots of people talking about their experience doing this modification.
Greg
67 F100 CCS 390 cruise-o manual steering(for now).,
Greg
67 F100 CCS 390 cruise-o manual steering(for now).,
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