Well i got a 79 pitman arm to install on my 79 steering box. It looks to me that when you turn the wheel to the driverside lock the drag arm would be on severe angle. Is this normal ? Would a drop pitman arm be better? I did my conversion just like Bucks I just want to make sure before I put it all back together.

 

First, I just want to say thanks to everyone for all the information they've given on this thread. I'm thinking about throwing a disc brake 44 from a 78-79 F250 under this 75 F250 I have and this thread answers most of the questions I've had. About 15 years ago I did the same swap with an old 75 F100 I had, and put a 79 front end/steering on it, although this has a few differences mainly dealing with the leaf spring front end. In that swap, all the stock parts from the 79 were used and was realatively straight forward, aside from cutting and sleeving the intermediate sector shaft and plating the frame for the relocated steering sector to the 79's location. I see now that with stock springs, the inverted "T" will not work at all if using a 78-79 4x4 sector? Just to clarify that point. But, if I use the short drag link (stock) push-pull style (correct), sector and pitman arm from stock 78-79 F250 4x4, those will all work together? Although, still with the limited stock travel at the drivers wheel too. I am simply looking to get rid of the power assist all together, and disk brakes front and rear will be done too. I saw a picture of a rear disc setup someone said took longer to get the parts for it than did to convert it too. If that was on this thread, I am interested if they could elaborate on what parts were used and the application they were originally used on. Are they e-brake calipers or is a line lock used? Down the road I will probably lift the truck some and switch to the inverted "T" or crossover style unless I can see a simple way to do it in the first place knowing every part I'll need. I need simple now so I can change the steering quick and make it "truely" road worthy. Thanks for any further insight guys. I'm just setting here pumping water over the ocean building a 7 mile ice road in Prudhoe Bay Alaska out to BP's Northstar Island, board to tears researching this upcoming projectthat awaits my future R&R. Lots more searching this great site in weeks to come too. Thanks again guys.

 

I use a 77 thru 79 pitman and it works great so far. Also the stock draglink. Your draglink should messure 13 3/8's c/c or 13 5/8's ?

colt 45

 

I am not worried about the length its the angle it is on.
Paul

 

Anyone out there?

 

Does it feel like it's binding at all when you turn the wheels? Do you have some pics of what you are talking about.

 

more pics of the conversion

 

does any one know where to get a steering shaft or parts to make one cheaper than borgeson?

 

I will try to post some pics but it looks like all the other 79 box on highboys it just looks like the pitman arm to the hub where the drag link connects is on down hill angle with the pitman arm being higher I just wanted to know if that is the way the others came out. I have not seen a good pic so I was unsure. I was thinking that a 3in drop pitman arm maybe the way to go.
Thanks Paul

 

Thanks to all of you out there. I never would have been able to do my P/S swap with out your help. Thanks again. PS love those hight boys...

colt 45

 

Nice conversion there bob. Looks great. AFA the steering shaft, I'd really recommend the Borgeson shaft. I know its expensive, but you won't regret having it.

 

well i read all the post on this conversion is this the newest box that will work for the push-pull type i have a 76 and a 77 highboys going to convert both for my sons. there not lifting the suspension just the body and installing 390s

 

79 is the newest I know of, but newer ones may work too, I didn't check into it.

 

i was just wondering think i will walk a couple scrap yards. if i found some 79s how long would they last maybe the casting was updated

 

Have any of you guys out there put headers thru the fender wells on your high boys???

I'm thinking of doing that on my 77 f-250 4x4. Maybe someone has photos...

colt 45