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Hello fellow Ford fanatics !! I've been so pleased with a recent steering upgrade that I've been telling anyone and everyone who would listen.
I have a factory 1975 F-250 4X4 High Boy. Factory height. 35 mud terrains. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gears and factory 'Trac-Loc'. Added a 'Lock-Right' to front factory Dana 44 with 4.09 gears. 360 V-8. Stock with Hedman ceramic coated long tube headers and dual exhaust. Cast Iron 4 barrel intake with Autolite 4100 carb. NP-435 4 speed tranny with 6.69 granny gear. NP-205 transfer case. Was lucky enough to get it from the original owner a few years back. They live nearby and alsways seem to come up with some part they stored away and had forgotten about. Great people.
Anyway, after adding an aftermarket A/C system to the truck (I live in Phoenix...need I say more?) I began to focus on the antiquated 70% bundle of snakes power assist steering. Mine NEVER leaked....but the steering was a bit sloppy, and quite heavy. Anyway, I think I've been REALLY lucky with the fair amount of 4 wheeling we do, and not snagged one of the gazillion power steering hoses from the old system.
I began eyeballing, researching and pricing integral steering systems just over a year ago. After much research I decided upon the steering conversion from Benchwork Steering. They can be found at benchworksteering.com. The owner is Pat. One of the appeals to Benchwork Steering was the genuine time and consideration Pat afforded me on the many times I called to ask more and more questions. No pressure and NO being blown off or rushed !! Just great conversation and answers.
Finally, in early December 2009 I made the decision to have the conversion done to my truck. I opted to pay $100 more for thr 14:1 ratio versus the standard 16:1 ratio because i still have the closed knuckle drim-brake front end and felt the 14:1 ratio would be beneficail. WOW is truly the only way I can describe how my truck steers today !! I retained my factory p/s pump and location but gained a beautiful Saginaw integral steering gear and heavy duty components.
Pat developed this system many years ago, and as such, has A LOT of experience with them. He sells the kits and will install them for you if desired. I opted to have mine installed by Pat for two reasons. Time and the fact that he's done more than I can count !!
I truly wish I'd done this sooner as it has really made a great difference in how well the truck steers, handles, turns and manuvers. AND, no more hanging power steering hoses just begging to be ripped off while romping around.
When cjecking their website, benchworksteering.com, click on the power steering conversions tab and check out their 1967 - 1977 F250 power steering conversion kit and you'll see exactly what I now have. If you're still dealing with either a manual, or old-school power assist steering system, do yourself a BIG favor and check out benchworksteering.com. Go FORD !!
I have a factory 1975 F-250 4X4 High Boy. Factory height. 35 mud terrains. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gears and factory 'Trac-Loc'. Added a 'Lock-Right' to front factory Dana 44 with 4.09 gears. 360 V-8. Stock with Hedman ceramic coated long tube headers and dual exhaust. Cast Iron 4 barrel intake with Autolite 4100 carb. NP-435 4 speed tranny with 6.69 granny gear. NP-205 transfer case. Was lucky enough to get it from the original owner a few years back. They live nearby and alsways seem to come up with some part they stored away and had forgotten about. Great people.
Anyway, after adding an aftermarket A/C system to the truck (I live in Phoenix...need I say more?) I began to focus on the antiquated 70% bundle of snakes power assist steering. Mine NEVER leaked....but the steering was a bit sloppy, and quite heavy. Anyway, I think I've been REALLY lucky with the fair amount of 4 wheeling we do, and not snagged one of the gazillion power steering hoses from the old system.
I began eyeballing, researching and pricing integral steering systems just over a year ago. After much research I decided upon the steering conversion from Benchwork Steering. They can be found at benchworksteering.com. The owner is Pat. One of the appeals to Benchwork Steering was the genuine time and consideration Pat afforded me on the many times I called to ask more and more questions. No pressure and NO being blown off or rushed !! Just great conversation and answers.
Finally, in early December 2009 I made the decision to have the conversion done to my truck. I opted to pay $100 more for thr 14:1 ratio versus the standard 16:1 ratio because i still have the closed knuckle drim-brake front end and felt the 14:1 ratio would be beneficail. WOW is truly the only way I can describe how my truck steers today !! I retained my factory p/s pump and location but gained a beautiful Saginaw integral steering gear and heavy duty components.
Pat developed this system many years ago, and as such, has A LOT of experience with them. He sells the kits and will install them for you if desired. I opted to have mine installed by Pat for two reasons. Time and the fact that he's done more than I can count !!
I truly wish I'd done this sooner as it has really made a great difference in how well the truck steers, handles, turns and manuvers. AND, no more hanging power steering hoses just begging to be ripped off while romping around.
When cjecking their website, benchworksteering.com, click on the power steering conversions tab and check out their 1967 - 1977 F250 power steering conversion kit and you'll see exactly what I now have. If you're still dealing with either a manual, or old-school power assist steering system, do yourself a BIG favor and check out benchworksteering.com. Go FORD !!