Hi folks,
I'm planning on installing power steering in my 1965 f100 standard cab. It still has the original 3-speed manual column shift tube and collar, but now has a C-6 floor mounted shifter. I'm installing the Saginaw box, and understand the traditional method is to cut the column housing, shift column, and steering shaft 2-3 inches and weld them all back together. I have a PS steering shaft from a '72, so no need to cut the existing steering shaft. Is there any reason I can't just remove the shift column and levers, cut +/- 3 inches off the engine end of my existing column housing (essentially at the existing shift lever cut out) then press in a new lower bearing? I plan on replacing the firewall bracket and boot to correct the column angle for the new system and replacing the shift collar with the smooth C3DZ-3790-A "extension" that was originally for the 4-speed. A pic of the existing manual steering is attached.

 

I can't say for sure on a manual column, but that's exactly what I did with my original COM auto shift column (I shortened the steering shaft as well). It's very tight though, which is why I hesitate to say it will work, there's a lot more going on there with a manual column vs. an auto column.

 

Thanks for the reply Prostock. I think I may have solved my own dilemma. I'm going to remove the column, steering shaft, shift tube and levers. I'll cut the end of the column housing at the shifters cutout (closest to the firewall), and weld in an aftermarket lower bearing support flange (this is a replacement for a worn lower bearing support flange that is normally integrated into the column below the shift levers. I'm going to chop the column housing and weld it above.) See diagram below. For the $10 cost of a lower bearing flange and with a few of spot welds, I can keep my '65 column and install PS at my convenience. Until then, I can still use the longer steering shaft with the manual steering box. (I'm also replacing the bearings, bushings and lower seal)

 

Just a quick update. I removed the column and used a tube cutter to cut the column 3/8 inch behind the shift openings. I welded in an aftermarket lower bearing cup. (Dennis Carpenter: Column Bearing Cup Support Flange - Lower 1965 - 77 C5TZ-3508) Unlike the original "press in" flange, this is a cup and the replacement lower bearings need to be carefully seated and tack welded into place. I couldn't use my old flange because it had been damaged. There's enough length on the remaining column to accommodate the manual transmission firewall bracket, seal and clamp (I removed the shift tube, replaced the 3-speed shift collar with a 4-speed floor shift collar and reassembled) I'm doing my PS upgrade in stages, so now that the column is shortened, I'll next replace the left side engine perch. Then add the PS pump and brackets. Finally, I'll replace the steering shaft with a shorter c.1970 shaft, change out the firewall bracket and seal, then mount the steering box.

 

No such basic Ford part number of 3508.

Pic: Which part are you referring to?

 

Bill, it's a fictitious part number, an aftermarket replacement for the lower bearing flange/cup/sleeve that is integrated into the column.

 

What year/vehicle did the replacement left engine perch come from?

 

I'm looking for a '70-'72 to get the firewall bracket, engine perch, and steering shaft.

 

What vehicle did the replacement perch come from? From a 100 or 250? Years ago, I notched mine to fit the PS unit. Welded a piece in to reinforce it. Since I have it apart, I figured I'd go ahead and replace it.
I'm assuming any left perch from the Sag PS units.
???

 

1969/76 F100/250 2WD & F350 360/390.

 

Thanks Bill, should have pointed it out to you. Pretty much the ones with the new Saginaw. When I snagged a Saginaw and installed it years ago, it was pretty much by the seat of the pants back than. Ya worked with what ya had.

 

Here's the finished product, with the shift tube and levers removed and the column cut.. The MS firewall bracket and longer shaft are reinstalled for now.