We did a conversion on an early bronco....Didn't even think about it...Used a Scout II Box...cuz it is basically the same box...Only problem.....YEP...You Guessed it!!!....Backwards steering!!! VERIFY BEFORE YOU BUY!!! LOL

 

I am wanting to run a push and pull for the time being and then later run a X-over or a Modified T. I was going to do the Dodge reverse box w/ bracket, but now just want to do a push/pull that I can mount right to the outside of the frame (inside fender well).

I just want to be able to drive the truck again. But since I have all of the front off. I would like to get the box mounted.

See:


That is why I was wanting to mount a box that I can run both the push/pull now and the X-over or 'Mod T'. Any ideas would help. I think the 79 F150 4x4 box might help or a chevy box. Just wonder what you might think 75F350.

 

I can understand why one might want to consider the crossover for a later date, but in all reality, converting to the inverted "T" now is a snap. See, you already have provisions for a link at the pass side end of the tie rod. You will just have to make up a drag link with a slight bend in it to clear the pass side leaf spring when the thing is turned all the way to the right. Notice the bend in the 99-04 Sd trucks, and you will see what I mean. Converting the stock D44 axle now may be a little expansive since the pass side knuckle has to be converted and machined to accomodate the steering arm.
However, it is still a good time to make the change to the inverted "T" now. I mean the difference in labor and total costs involved will be minimal. After you install a D60, then the steering arm can be bolted to the top of the knuckle and you are golden. You will only have to modify the drag link to fit, and the entire thing is done.
WHichever box you use now, will only dictate how much work you will have to do later.
To me, it only makes sense to perform a task once. I would set up for the crossover design now, and not even mess with the push pull system.
On a stock truck the push pull work alright, though it is still very limited. Get a truck twisted up on the trail, and when you cant turn you will see what I mean, unfortunately it is too late because all of the effort has already been put into it.
You have the clip off, so making any modification now will be a snap, it is just goint to depend on how much work you are willing to do now, and later.
Set up for crossover, and install the inverted "T" now, and minimize work later, or install what you can now, and do it all over again when you decide to make the conversion.
That decision will only be made by you. I have done redundant work before, and I now choose to do the work one time. While I still find myself doing more trial and error, in an attempt to find the correct combo, I still try not to take steps backwards.
You know that you will eventually go with crossover steering, so make provisions now, so you dont have to do more work later when the truck is together and more difficult to work on.

 

I won't be doing many trails or anything extreme in this truck. I just want to build it back from a rusting state and fix her up for streetable driving, and some farm work. The main reason I love cross over is I run it on a Samurai, and love it. My highboy is for the love my grandfather's old truck. I would not want to risk hurting it off road. I have loved this truck all my life. It's a 76 and I was born in 80. This thing is like an old dog, I just don't want to see it rust to the ground, but at the same time I can't stand the Bendix Ram Assist any more. But right now it is manual steering as it throws belts like she don't want to wear a dress to church.

 

[QUOTE=Action4478;7220864]I put a chevy box on mine ..not much modification


[URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2097335870100331771SnSyxt[/QUOTE]

how did you mount the chevy box? i had one i was going to put on my highboy and it would not sit flat against the frame. the chevy frame was dented in so the bolts would tighten up. and the pitman arm stuck out too far. the drag link would hit the tire with the wheel straight. only ran 31 inch tires and didnt need extreme flex, just wanted easier driving on the street.

 

I can 100% appreciate the fact that the truck may never see any extreme trails, but the advantages of proper steering geometry are not limited to extreme trails, or heavy off roading. The sheer design of the leaf spring, and axle movement during normal suspensions cycles will promote bumpsteer. It is just a fact, and unfortunately there be default. Fixing the steering with slightly more cost in material is minimal for the amount of return one recieves.
Driving on the road is probably as important as anything for me, and I have driven my truck in both conditions. I can tell you from experience that the stock design has many limitations and does not drive so well.
Anyone who says that it works just fine, has not driven the same truck with a crossover style system. I agree that the push pull can appear to function just fine, but it is not until the driver can make an actual comparisson that he / she can feel the difference.
It is almost as if someone has seen the light for the first time.


As far as the above questions regarding the chebby box, chebbies used a saginaw box, as did dodge. Not a chebby box, but a saginaw box.

Here is a saginaw mounted in a Highboy, and utilizing crossover design with a high pinion 78/9 D60F:


In the case of extreme travel and extreme trails, this would ne be remotely possible with the stock steering system. I have tried, and I too faught the system for a while, and after a little compliance, I wondered how or even why in the heak I ever drove the truck with stock design steering.

 

i was referring to action4478 where he said he did in fact use a chevy 4x4 box, as that is also the box i have. i understand the benefits of crossover steering, just thought stock would be easier just for a simple upgrade. also had never heard of need for crossover on nonlifted trucks, only lifted, although i had wondered about it myself. 75f350 you seem to be a very knowledgable guy with much helpful information. i appreciate your input. you might be interested in hearing about my truck also although i have no pics of it on here. 79 f-350 4x4 460. no lift, shackle flip rear and removed lift blocks. stock front springs. clears 36 12.50 16.5 although im sure not nearly as much flex as yours.

 

Its cool man, and thanks for the kind words. Since you have a 78/9 truck, x-over becomes a bit of a task. Space is a limiting factor here, as the spring does get in the way, heak so does the frame for that matter. You will require a minimum of 4 inches of lift to accomodate this amount of lift, but the highboys have enough clearance to meet the requirement in stock form.
I also believe that if the 4wd Chebby style saginaw box is used, it will have to be monted in such a way that the pitman arm can swing like a manual box in a high boy. This places the box on its side really, and this can provide additional clearance for the tires.
Several guys run this box in the push pull configuration, and several have used a bracket from a donor dodge as well.
Mine is bolted to the frame directly, and I use some small pieces of DOM tubing to make some stand-offs so the large body of the box can clear. Small amount of work, oh, and the inside of the frame has been beefed up to prevent it from tearing.

Gonna have to take some pics of your truck. I love the 78/9 grille, as you can see, all of my trucks have them, and the genuine F350 has a special place in my heart.

Keep this in mind, if you have the 79 truck, you have the number one most desireable box already. This is already an integrated PS unit, and it is capable of both push pull, and crossover. Your box does not have to be changed........

 

i used to own a 77 highboy that i was trying to put the chevy box on. never happened. ended up just running manual steering. the kid that owns it now his dad works at a ag shop and he put power assist back on. made own brackets and used some combine or tractor parts i think instead of just ford parts. i could have gave him the stuff if i knew he was going to do it. i still have the parts i took off of that pickup.

i just wondered how action got his to work since it is the chevy 4x4 box mounted flat. i have seen several with dodge boxes. do some of the saginaw boxes mount flat? apparently dodge is easier since it is more common. just trying to figure out the simplest, even if not necessarily strongest, integral power steering for a highboy in case i end up with another or can help someone else out. good info to have.

i thought it looked like crossover steering would be tight on an unlifted truck. not planning on doing it on mine at the moment or changing gearbox. i know what i got. thats why i bought that truck. it already had everything i wanted for my highboy. 460. Hp D60. good power steering.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong here....But I'm pretty sure it's the 2wd Box or dodge box you want to use...The Chebby 4x4 box doesn't use a spline tapered out put if I remember correctly...It has a pinch bolt through the pitman arm not a nut on the end. So you aren't able to change positions.

 

100% correct!

 

The 3 bolt box was used on 4x4 F-150 and full size broncos right? After reading another post I decided the box of a bronco wouldn't work on a high boy but this doesn't appear to be the case.

 

You can use it on a highboy, but you must use at least the inverted "t" design. Just like the bronco / F one fitty used.
Crossover is the desired method, you just have to keep the pitman arm off of the spring when the driver side is at full compression.

 

Was the steering box on the 1979 F-250 4x4's with the D44 mounted inside the frame? Was the same box used for both the D44 and the D60 axles in that year?

 

Yes sir............ and yes sir......