Power steering question
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
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From: Spokane, WA
Power steering question
Hey guys,
Been away for awhile, my '66 has just been sitting in my shop waiting for to get back to where I walked away from it last July. My how time flys when you get busy. Why I've got the motor out I decided I would do a power steering conversion at the same time. I used the '66 Bendix type box rather than the Ford since I didn't want to modify the column. With the box in the truck the steering wheel is about an 1" to 1 1/2" away from the column. Is there an adjustment I'm missing? I thought using the early Bendix type box meant no steering column mods. Thanks for the help.
Been away for awhile, my '66 has just been sitting in my shop waiting for to get back to where I walked away from it last July. My how time flys when you get busy. Why I've got the motor out I decided I would do a power steering conversion at the same time. I used the '66 Bendix type box rather than the Ford since I didn't want to modify the column. With the box in the truck the steering wheel is about an 1" to 1 1/2" away from the column. Is there an adjustment I'm missing? I thought using the early Bendix type box meant no steering column mods. Thanks for the help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Are you sure that you have a truck gear? A Bendix truck gear should bolt up in the same spot.
Did you drop the column at the dash and not put it back in the right spot? Doesn't it have an adjustable slot there, where you could move the column up to the wheel?
John
Did you drop the column at the dash and not put it back in the right spot? Doesn't it have an adjustable slot there, where you could move the column up to the wheel?
John
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
It's definitely the Bendix box (I had the later Ford box on hand also and it wasn't even close). I didn't drop the column at all inside the truck. Maybe I need to loosen it and see if there's any adjustmen? Thanks for the info.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1966 F100 2WD
Here's one problem:
C5TZ3524H .. Steering Shaft / Use with MANUAL Steering / 35 5/8" long.
C6TZ3524J .. Steering Shaft / Use with Bendix POWER Steering / 34 15/16" long.
Here's one problem:
C5TZ3524H .. Steering Shaft / Use with MANUAL Steering / 35 5/8" long.
C6TZ3524J .. Steering Shaft / Use with Bendix POWER Steering / 34 15/16" long.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Easily fixed by removing the rag joint mount and re machining the shaft shorter. Re weld the rag joint mount to the shaft.
I have done this many times to modify the shaft to suit when rebuilding columns.
Garbz
I have done this many times to modify the shaft to suit when rebuilding columns.
Garbz
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
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From: Spokane, WA
I think Bill hit the nail on the head, according to earlier posts on this subject it sounded like there were NO mods required when using the Bendix box. Oh well, live and learn. If I have to modify the shaft (I want to keep my original column) I will probaly switch to the Ford box which is easier to find. Anyone in the market for a reman Bendix power steering box?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
It has alway been my understanding the Bendix and original manual box are the same length, it's just the Bendix is wider and usually an issue if intend installing headers. That being the case, don't understand how the column, and or, steering shaft would make a difference. If column, or shaft were rebuilt could it possible be a part was installed incorrectly. It's been some time since working on the steering column, seem to recall the lower bearing should be seated in the lower bearing race located at the end of the column. Also, the clamp at the end of the steering shaft should be loosen to allow the column to be fully seated, and then tightered. Would not seem rag joint would make a difference. Interesting problem, will trac the outcome, perhaps member more knowledgable with the Bendix swap can shed some light.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2005
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From: Spokane, WA
From Bill's post, it seems that the shaft in the steering column was shorter on factory power steering models. That being said, it doesn't make any difference that the Bendix box and the manual box are the same length (which they are). Since my truck came from the factory with manual steering, I most likely have the longer shaft. The headers are close but clear the Bendix box o.k. I have a '68 F100 parts truck with factory Bendix power steering setup. Is the shaft the same from 66-68 on power steering trucks? If so, I could use the shaft from the '68 column if it will work in my column. Bill?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The answer is, the steering columns are not the same.
C6TZ3524J .. Steering Shaft-Use with Bendix P/S / Fits: 1966/68 F100/250.
C5TZ3524H .. Steering Shaft-Use with manual steering / Fits: 1965/66 F100/250 / 1967/68 F100/350.