From what I've read through searching the dentside forum, there are many ways to go about this. I'm trying to figure out steering for my 75 high boy. I'm getting a D44 from a 79 f250 for 200.
First, how do i tell the difference between high pinion and low.
Second, what steering is the best to use.
I've heard of swapping the ram assist over, or using the integral steering from 77.5-79.

I have also heard of Crossover steering, and I was wondering how I would set that up.
75f350 brought it up a lot.

Thanks in advance guys

 

The D44 on your '75 F250 is a low pinion, the D44 on the '79 F250 is a high pinion (assuming they are original to the truck) the difference is pretty obvious, the pinion gear enters the axle higher on the HP axle than it does on the LP axle.

 

Unfortunately your D44 swap is gonna be expensive if you consider a true crossover design. Even though this design is probably the best, there are alternatives that can still share the same advantages. If you consider some type of power steering box that will allow you to turn the pitman arm from left to right you can consider inverted "T" style steering and with a modified drag link, you can clear the pass side spring.
If you look at your stock 75 tie rod, and notice where the steering ram mounts to it, you can then imagine using this location to mount the end of the drag link. The other end will mount to the pitman arm, and now that it moves from left to right you will have great steering and all of the advantages of the crossover design.
This would keep costs down, and still perform very well. Assuming that you are not lifted to the moon, and since you are using a D44, we can probably assume that you will keep tires at or under 37 inches tall, so this does not require much lift and your drag link angles should be just fine.
For additional ideas, look at 99 to 04 Super duty steering to get an idea.
Many trucks had this style steering (F100 and F150's, not F250's) so the parts can be purchased without a hassles, and this can pretty much be a bolt on deal.
The only real modification will be the steering box, but this can be a pretty easy deal.

High pinion = pinion enters axle higher than the axle center line

Low pinion = pinion enters axle lower than axle center line

You will also enjoy your disc brakes. Expect drivehshaft modifications.

 

Thanks, what kind of steering box would i want to use for the inverted t?

 

Saginaw boxes with 360 degree splines on the sector will work. Thats either a Dodge 4x4, or 2wd chebby boxes. The pitman arms will have to be changed and the tapered hole will have to be changed to accomodate your tie rod end.
Since the Ford 3 bolt box was always installed with inverted "T" and inverted "Y" steering you are gold with that.
The F250 78/9 box has sector shaft that has a pitman arm that can be re-indexed so this will work as well.

 

hmmm, well 75F350 you seem to the man with the plan around here when it comes to steering. I'm not planning on lifting her any higher, 2 inches if i ever rearch the springs. The inverted T seems to be the way to go for now, Which ford steering boxes would work best? What would be the steps that I go through?

 

Since the truck you are working with is a 75, you will have to use a 78/9 powe steering box, and this will require some cutting and welding of the frame for clearance.
Once this is installed, the pitman arm can be re-indexed to swing from left to right instead of front to rear.
Then a drag link can be made to connect the pitman arm to the tie rod on the pass side. The clearance issue with the spring will require a slight bend in the drag link but this is minimal, and probably the easiest and most cost effective alternative.
Many stock parts can be used.

 

looking for the same type of setup for my 77 f250 hi boy. has a 460 and the ram style power assist. the power assist ram on the frame leaks and I have read that the parts are hard to come by and not really that good of a setup. will that same box from a 78-79 truck fit my situation?

 

Welcome to FTE

Here's the sad news:

D4TZ3A764A .. P/S Ram Cylinder Seal Kit / Obsolete

Fits: Bendix Power Assist P/S: 1974 F250 4WD from serial number T80,001 / 1975/77 F250 4WD (High Boys)

WESLEY OBSOLETE PARTS in Liberty KY has ONE = 606-787-5293.

SOEBY MOTOR CO. in Walhalla ND has ONE.

No other Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

 

Your truck can be upgraded with the power steering box from the 78/9 f250. It will require some fabrication.
Search for this upgrade as it has been discussed many times.
Repairing the power assist is not cheap.