Another Highboy Steering conversion thread
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Halifax, NS
Another Highboy Steering conversion thread
Yes, I did try and find my answers in the archives, as well as attempting to hijack another thread about it, but no luck - so here goes.
After being a long time fan and advocate of the power assist steering, I'm going to eat my words and pursue a conversion to integral.
I am now using my truck commercially for plowing, and cannot deal with unreliable steering. Also, the area becomes a big mess up front, when you consider steering hoses, the control valve - AND the fab / mounting requirements to install a newer plow system on one of these trucks.
Having said all that, here is a question:
What is the simplest, most straightforward swap for integral? I have a 4x4 box available to me off a 78 Bronco, and I also have 2WD boxes.
I don't have any added lift, or monster tires to deal with, so I want the simplest swap with the least amount of modification required. Is this as simple as bolting the 78 4x4 box to the outside of the rail and hooking up the same pitman arm in place of the control valve assembly ??
Any thoughts are most appreciated!
After being a long time fan and advocate of the power assist steering, I'm going to eat my words and pursue a conversion to integral.
I am now using my truck commercially for plowing, and cannot deal with unreliable steering. Also, the area becomes a big mess up front, when you consider steering hoses, the control valve - AND the fab / mounting requirements to install a newer plow system on one of these trucks.
Having said all that, here is a question:
What is the simplest, most straightforward swap for integral? I have a 4x4 box available to me off a 78 Bronco, and I also have 2WD boxes.
I don't have any added lift, or monster tires to deal with, so I want the simplest swap with the least amount of modification required. Is this as simple as bolting the 78 4x4 box to the outside of the rail and hooking up the same pitman arm in place of the control valve assembly ??
Any thoughts are most appreciated!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Which style steering do you intend to use? The F150 / Bronco box will not work with push / pull style steering. Because the pitman arm faces forward, the wheels will turn the opposite direction if used this way. While the pitman arm can be re-indexed, the configuration / orientation cant be changed, and it will not work.
Dont consider using the 2wd box. This box requires too much hacking of the frame.
For ease of use, ease of installation, and cost effectiveness, the Saginaw box has got to be the solution. It really does not get any easier than this.
Probably why so many of us have gone this route.
Dont consider using the 2wd box. This box requires too much hacking of the frame.
For ease of use, ease of installation, and cost effectiveness, the Saginaw box has got to be the solution. It really does not get any easier than this.
Probably why so many of us have gone this route.
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I used the 2wd box on my 77 F250 4x4 and I love it! I had to trim a 1 inch by 2 inch peice from the lower frame rail that was more then compensated for by the plate I added. I love it. Can't say enough about it. I don't have any pics right now though. PLus I was even able to upgrad eto a 1 ton drag link. good luck. I got the kit from Ibeling repair in Iowa in case you're interested just google it
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From: Big Sky Country
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Halifax, NS
Actually, I'm now reading this thread, learning a lot.
Thanks 75 F350
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7930533
I need to clean up the front end of my truck a bit, newer plow mount to be installed, etc.
I gave power assist a good run, educated myself quite a bit on it's operation, but have now had enough. I want simplicity now. The way I'm using the truck has changed.
For me this comes after arguing for power assist for years. (Eating crow.)
Thanks 75 F350
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7930533
I need to clean up the front end of my truck a bit, newer plow mount to be installed, etc.
I gave power assist a good run, educated myself quite a bit on it's operation, but have now had enough. I want simplicity now. The way I'm using the truck has changed.
For me this comes after arguing for power assist for years. (Eating crow.)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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Actually, I'm now reading this thread, learning a lot.
Thanks 75 F350
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7930533
I need to clean up the front end of my truck a bit, newer plow mount to be installed, etc.
I gave power assist a good run, educated myself quite a bit on it's operation, but have now had enough. I want simplicity now. The way I'm using the truck has changed.
For me this comes after arguing for power assist for years. (Eating crow.)
Thanks 75 F350
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7930533
I need to clean up the front end of my truck a bit, newer plow mount to be installed, etc.
I gave power assist a good run, educated myself quite a bit on it's operation, but have now had enough. I want simplicity now. The way I'm using the truck has changed.
For me this comes after arguing for power assist for years. (Eating crow.)
That was a pretty good thread. Buck did a fine job of installing that 78/9 box to his rig. He has a super nice truck and his attention to detail shows.
The question was asked about which Sag box to use. I used a box from a Dodge Motorhome. This 4 turn 16:1 ratio box is similar to a 2wd chebby box, and has a sector shaft that is splined all of the way around. This permits the pitman arm to be re-indexed and still function properly.
Mine has been operational for a few years of hard use. Whan I say, "hard", I mean that my junk gets abused on a regular basis. Emphasis on abused.
With minimal effort, this box bolted up and the steering is exceptional.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Halifax, NS
I seen the pics of your saginaw setup on another thread. I'll do some research to see what boxes I can find, and what their ratios are. I certainly would like steering that's more like my 78 F150!
What pitman arm did you use?
To be clear, this is pretty much a bolt on for me with the saginaw box, with the right pitman arm, indexed to give the proper sweep, each direction?
Thanks again.
What pitman arm did you use?
To be clear, this is pretty much a bolt on for me with the saginaw box, with the right pitman arm, indexed to give the proper sweep, each direction?
Thanks again.
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From: Halifax, NS
Reading up on Saginaw boxes now. Is yours a "Saginaw 700" ??
"GM Saginaw 700
Enjoy the benefits of a quick ratio for easy parking and low speed cruising, plus the benefit of a slower ratio for highway driving." ]
It says it's 16:1, where the others, a 525 and 605 are meant to be 22:1 from what I can make out.
Apparently any of them can be rebuilt with 16:1 steering.
"GM Saginaw 700
Enjoy the benefits of a quick ratio for easy parking and low speed cruising, plus the benefit of a slower ratio for highway driving." ]
It says it's 16:1, where the others, a 525 and 605 are meant to be 22:1 from what I can make out.
Apparently any of them can be rebuilt with 16:1 steering.
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