76 F250 steering conversion
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76 F250 steering conversion
Help please, I would like to convert the power assist steering to a crossover setup. Which is the best to use, if i put a 78-79 box on can i make it crossover or can it only be push pull. Ive seen allot of people use saginaw and realy liked that but not sure wat box to use and how to install. I plan on putting 8 inch SD springs in and have 39 boggers thanx.
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The 78/9 4x4 box can be used for crossover design. THis requires some modification to the original crossmember.
A saginaw box can be bolted to the outside of the frame, but be sure to use a box that can allow the pitman arm to be re-indexed, and that the rotation is correct.
With a little searching. you can find specifics. This is common and has been discussed here quite a bit.
A saginaw box can be bolted to the outside of the frame, but be sure to use a box that can allow the pitman arm to be re-indexed, and that the rotation is correct.
With a little searching. you can find specifics. This is common and has been discussed here quite a bit.
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Thanx I have searched and im still not sure which saginaw box to use. Ive found out about a chevy 700 saginaw and a dodge but im not to sure and not sure wat pitman arm to use. I guess i could go to a local auto parts store and look at boxes to try to find wat one to use.
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Saginaw pitman arms are interchangeable, as long as they use a sector shaft that has splines 360 degrees around the shaft. Chevy 4x4's are the exception. These do not use this style secter shaft and they cant be used for crossover.
SOme motorhomes are decent candidates but a stock pitman arm may not be usefull.
You may end up modifying the hole for a new tie rod end, or you can drill it for a big ol bolt:
SOme motorhomes are decent candidates but a stock pitman arm may not be usefull.
You may end up modifying the hole for a new tie rod end, or you can drill it for a big ol bolt:
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So your saying i should use a box from a old motorhome but find a different arm. I heard i could use a 78-79 drop arm or a 2 wheel drive chevy arm. wat year motorhome and make box should i look for.
Post Fiend
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You wont use a 78/9 ford pitman arm on a saginaw box. It wont fit.
You will want to find an arm that has a slight drop to it. You will require some drop so that you can clear the frame, and still maintian enough angle on the box so that the steering shaft is not working at a wicked angle.
Also be aware that many 2wd chevy pitman arms have a TRE built into the end of the arm, and these will not work.
You will need an arm that has a tappered hole in the end so you can attach another Tie rod end, or spherical rod end.
Example:
You will want to find an arm that has a slight drop to it. You will require some drop so that you can clear the frame, and still maintian enough angle on the box so that the steering shaft is not working at a wicked angle.
Also be aware that many 2wd chevy pitman arms have a TRE built into the end of the arm, and these will not work.
You will need an arm that has a tappered hole in the end so you can attach another Tie rod end, or spherical rod end.
Example:
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I have a question. Is it possible to just swap out the power assist and put in a regular steering box? I would like to put a regular power steering box. What are my options there? My truck will remain stock height, Its a highboy and is high enough for me.
Sorry to the OP for Hi jacking.
Sorry to the OP for Hi jacking.
Post Fiend
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I have a question. Is it possible to just swap out the power assist and put in a regular steering box? I would like to put a regular power steering box. What are my options there? My truck will remain stock height, Its a highboy and is high enough for me.
Sorry to the OP for Hi jacking.
Sorry to the OP for Hi jacking.
These options are still the same. The 78/9 4x4 power steering box can be used for a stock type steerring system as well as the saginaw.
The same modofcations will have to be done, and the only difference is the installation of the pitman arm and design of the drag link.
Integrated power steering ugrades have also been written up and there are many threads already covering this exact topic.
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
Ed, did you have to do anything to get your steering shaft not to interfere with the shock mount or brake line bracket. I was looking over my truck yesterday and was trying to picture how the saginaw box would work and it looked like the steering shaft would not clear those things.
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I relocate the stock brake line. Because I strive for maximum wheel travel, I have to locate the brake line below the frame, and not through it. This means that the brake line bracket is no longer in the way, but the stock shock mounts can be a real pain. In some cases I have used borgeson joints that are small in diameter to route the shaft around any such areas.
In other cases, the shock mount is also relocated to prevent them from being in the way.
If I dont make custom shock mounts, I use a 99-04 Super duty shock bracket, and lean in towards the rear of the truck for added clearance.
In other cases, the shock mount is also relocated to prevent them from being in the way.
If I dont make custom shock mounts, I use a 99-04 Super duty shock bracket, and lean in towards the rear of the truck for added clearance.
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