I'm doing the disc brake conversion to my 1965 1/2 ton. . I'd like to transplant the 1978 F150 brakes, spindles, tie rods, draglink, I beams and radius arms as a unit as has been recommended here.
I also have the 1978 power steering box but haven't decided what engine I eventually will settle on (now a 289 w/ manual steering) so I'm not installing the p.s. right now. Since I'm using the original 65 pitman arm and manual steering box will it bolt up to the transplanted 1978 steering linkage which came from a power steering equipped truck?
When I do install the p.s. using the 78 p.s. box and a 78-79 adjustable column is there any way to retain the 1965 steering wheel or is that just a hair brained idea? Thanks in advance for your help. Lefty

 

Sorry, went with the disc brake and P/S upgrade at the same time, did have to use the donor pitman. My 65 with 302 has the T18 4speed and able to use the original column, no shortening required, however, steering shaft required shortening, may be able to use the later model shaft, not certain. Also, I used the original manual firewall column support bracket which require slight refab at the firewall. I set the column in position for best alignment and found the firewall column support bracket bolt holes set slightly lower than the firewall mounting holes, thus requiring slight refab. Later found there's a Bendix column support bracket that's slightly larger, not sure, may not have required refab with the Bendix firewall suppport bracket, or perhaps a later model power steering column support bracket may be simular. Suggest before making decision, check the column alignment for fit and go with set up feel comfortable with.



There's an article in the 'Fordification' forum on shortening the steering column, great article, however, article list different length columns based on type box, and yr. truck. Since the article covers the 69 and later models it's important to keep this in mind and not use article spec's when cutting original column.

Another option, use the later model column and swap the dash mounting brackets thus eliminate need for spacers. Seem to recall member posting thread describing later model wiring connections, may have been for a tilt column. Suggest run search on topic and narrow field to the 61-66 forum. May be something in the 'article/spec' forum. Also, may check the 'fordification' forum.

Finally, if the donor truck's engine is from same family suggest taking the harmonic dampner, and any other pulleys, brackets associated with the P/S upgrade. Anyhow, food for thought.