I have a 73 F250 4x4 with the closed knuckle front axle and drum brakes. I want to update to the later style true power steering (not power assist) so that it doesn't wander all over the road. I could replace the existing solenoid and actuator at an appreciable cost, but I don't think it's that great of a design and fear that it won't be long until I'm back where I started.

When I got the truck, the 4wd was inoperable because the spider gears had the teeth stripped entirely off them, and the knuckles leaked. So I went through and replace the spider gears, all bearings and seals (including the costly knuckle seals), and brakes. So of course I'm hesitant to replace what is essentially a new front axle.

I wouldn't mind going to disc brakes, and would try to find one with limited slip. But is the change to a later open knuckle style axle necessary if I had a newer steering gear box and the appropriate linkage?

I'm not totally familiar with interchange either. Can someone tell me what years trucks I can source the steering components and/or axle from? As far as I know, the 77.5-79 f250/350 when they changed over to the lower profile has what I need, but it may be easier for me to find a newer donor truck in my area, if anything else will work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I am in the same boat you are, I have a 1975 f250 4x4 and want to install front disc brakes, I talked with 75F350 and He knows more about the axles on these old trucks than anyone I know, He advised me to install a 1977.5-1979 F250 axle swap for the ease of installation in order to get disc brakes. There is also an article with step by step instructions complete with pictures to do the power assist to integral power steering swap located under articles or just search this forum.

 

check threads on this by 75f350, hes got lots of good pics. you really can use whatever box you can bolt to the frame and the pitman will swing the correct way.