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Power steering conversion for 55 F100 with 3 on the tree
Looking for info on possible conversion to power steering on a 55 F100 with a replacement 292 Y-Block and three on the tree. Before posting this, I have been searching various vendors on line and reading ancient posts on this site, some going back over ten years, and from what I can figure, this is not going to be a simple process. Unless I havent stumbled upon the right place, I find no kits that will work with the three speed shift column. It looks like this would be a bits and pieces type operation, finding parts in yards to all eventually go together. I am hoping I'm wrong on this. Any help out there? Somebody has had to have tackled this conversion...right?? As always, thank you for your help.
John
Last edited by johnnyv; Jul 13, 2022 at 06:48 PM.
Reason: typo
I know that adapting the electric assist from newer vehicles has been getting more popular. There's quite a few vehicles that have the assist built into the column, which appears to be the preferred method for retrofit. I don't know of anyone getting it done on our trucks, but I am seeing conversion kits starting to pop up on Google. This is one that I saw on summit.
I don’t believe there is a kit that makes this conversion and you are correct that it is doable but involves a fair amount of fabrication and alteration. Here is an outline of how I did mine on my 54.
1. I used an older Toyota pickup power steering box and an aftermarket frame mount. Today there is a similar but improved kit available from CPP.
2. The stock steering column will no longer be supported at the bottom by the stock steering box. The column was cut and supported at the lower end by a fabricated clamp to hold the column to the floor on the inside of the cab.
3. The stock removable panel in the floor where the column and pedals pass through was replaced with a heavier fabricated 1/8” steel panel.
4. The stock steering shaft was shortened and coupled to the Toyota steering box using a rigid coupler from Borgeson. I was able to find a bronze sleeve bearing and a lip seal of the correct size to insert into the lower end of the shortened column tube.
5. The shifter shaft also needed to be shortened so the lower mounting assembly could be moved upward on the shortened column tube. This is a good time to rebuild the lower end of the shifter shaft to address the ware that causes the shifter handle to be sloppy loose. ALBUQ F-1 (Ross) wrote an excellent how to post about this.
6. After the shifter lower mounting assembly is relocated upward on the column (#5 above) ,the shifter linkage arms at the low end of the column need to be cut, straightened, and rewelded because they will hit the fire wall.
7. Alter or fabricate new shift linkage rods to the transmission. Provide plenty of threads on the ends for adjustment.
Hopefully someone with experience will chime in but electric would be my preferred method . You will be modifying your column under any circumstances and electric would eliminate any steering box , power steering pump and hose work .
Yes, thanks EBEAR. I hope someone with experience with Electric Power Steering (EPS) shares their experience. This discussion could become very interesting with new ideas. I suspect the technology has developed over the years making EPS something to consider.
I installed a Volvo electric power steering pump on my Toyota power steering gear. When I added A/C on my Y Block I couldn't figure out a good setup to allow me to use the stock nor aftermarket power steering pumps.
The pump I used takes a pretty sizable amount of real estate under the drivers side outer frame rail and I had to drill a filler hole in the floor but does not interfere with the running board. Bad news is it has a special fitting on the Volvo pump that was really hard to find. If you go this route be sure to grab both hoses with the pump. I also didn't use the stock steering column but I have an automatic shift on the column. There was lots of trial and error on the shift lever on the bottom of the shaft and making linkage from it to the trans. Luckily I was hooking to a C4 that has a neutral safety switch mounted to the tranny.
Ok here’s my two cents. I used to have a 3 on the tree shifter. I went to floor shifter. I also added power steering kit from cpp. It uses a Chevy power steering reservoir. This come with hose and a new steering box. I also put in a new steering column from summit racing. I have a 292 y block. And you will have to get a pulley for the power steering belt. You use a power steering bracket I think for a t bird. If you want pictures I can post later on. And also I bought cpp kit from summit racing saved on shipping.
thanks
jerry
I’m currently building a 55 F-100 restomod. I wanted electric power steering. I decided, in the long run, it was easiest to install a Crown Vic front end. I then bought the adapter to install a late model Mustang electric power steering to the Crown Vic front end. I now have disc brakes, sway bar, slightly lower stance, lighter weight and electric power steering. All in one package.
This may be more involved than what the OP was interested in, but it was worth the effort.
I don’t believe there is a kit that makes this conversion and you are correct that it is doable but involves a fair amount of fabrication and alteration. Here is an outline of how I did mine on my 54.
1. I used an older Toyota pickup power steering box and an aftermarket frame mount. Today there is a similar but improved kit available from CPP.
2. The stock steering column will no longer be supported at the bottom by the stock steering box. The column was cut and supported at the lower end by a fabricated clamp to hold the column to the floor on the inside of the cab.
3. The stock removable panel in the floor where the column and pedals pass through was replaced with a heavier fabricated 1/8” steel panel.
4. The stock steering shaft was shortened and coupled to the Toyota steering box using a rigid coupler from Borgeson. I was able to find a bronze sleeve bearing and a lip seal of the correct size to insert into the lower end of the shortened column tube.
5. The shifter shaft also needed to be shortened so the lower mounting assembly could be moved upward on the shortened column tube. This is a good time to rebuild the lower end of the shifter shaft to address the ware that causes the shifter handle to be sloppy loose. ALBUQ F-1 (Ross) wrote an excellent how to post about this.
6. After the shifter lower mounting assembly is relocated upward on the column (#5 above) ,the shifter linkage arms at the low end of the column need to be cut, straightened, and rewelded because they will hit the fire wall.
7. Alter or fabricate new shift linkage rods to the transmission. Provide plenty of threads on the ends for adjustment.
Here are a couple of pictures:
I am thinking about putting power steering on my 1954 f100 and I see you did it. Can you give me any details about your installation.I am in western Ma
How satisfied are you with the power steering modifications you did. I also have a 54 f100 that I would like to upgrade to power steering. I am in western Mass. Ware
How satisfied are you with the power steering modifications you did. I also have a 54 f100 that I would like to upgrade to power steering. I am in western Mass. Ware
John, the power steering conversion using the Toyota box works well. My only complaint is the low steering ratio requires too many steering wheel turns lock to lock. These days these steering boxes will be hard to find. Classic Performance Parts developed a similar improved version with a faster ratio. I believe they sell a kit with the box, mounting bracket, pitman arm and hoses. You will also need a power steering pump mounted and driven by your engine. I used a Toyota pump and fabricated the mounts and belt drive.
I will PM you with my phone number if you want to talk.
John, I like your 54! That year looks great in Meadow Green. How long have you had it? Is it a family heirloom? It looks pretty stock and not chopped up.
And I see you're new here so, welcome to FTE the best Ford truck forum on the World wide Web. You should start a new thread and introduce yourself and tell us about your truck with more pics. Here's my Meadow Green 54.
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