I need power steering!!!

[bicyclemonkey]

I would like to add power steering to my '73 F-100 4x4 and to my understanding, power steering wasn't an option of 4x4's until the '76 model year. I found a '76 donor truck but will the gearbox bolt up to my '73 frame?

I was told by one guy that the '73 used a unique frame (may be a load of hooey) and it wouldn't work and I was told by another person that it would.

Can anyone help me here?

Thanks,

chris

 

[TexasRho83]

You can always drill holes where you need to place the box and install it that way...I'd reinforce the frame on the opposite side as well.

 

[bicyclemonkey]

I thought about drilling holes, but thought it would be much easier if one happened to be a direct swap.

 

[TexasRho83]

Remove the one from the donor truck and line up the holes to see what's up!

 

[bicyclemonkey]

Remove the one from the donor truck and line up the holes to see what's up!

I can't, the donor truck is out-of-state.

It surprises me how little info I've been able to dig up on the web about adding power steering to a '73 4x4.

 

[Blade]

welcome!
and it takes some time for these guys to find a thread some times. im sure somebody will come along and help even more!

 

[TexasRho83]

Have you tried looking on Craigslist for a box? Or maybe another parts truck that's closer to home and cheap?

 

[1973 F-100 4x4]

I would like to know about this as well, as I also own a '73 F-100 4x4 with manual steering.
I have been searching for some info on this since last year, and have come up empty handed.

 

[bicyclemonkey]

I found a pic online of a '77 model 4x4 gearbox and it doesn't look like the holes will line up with my '73 manual gearbox. This gearbox has the lower right mounting hole a little offset. On my manual box it lines up with the upper right mounting hole.

 

[fordrka1975]

I know on my 1975 2 wheel drive if you convert to power you also have to change the steering column as well. When you are talking out of state doner you may need column also,just food for thought. Randy.

 

[bicyclemonkey]

Right, I'll need a shorter column or I can have a welder shorten my factory steering shaft. It looks like I'm SOL. If i want power steering it will require drilling new mounting holes on the frame. I'm not sure if I want to risk messing up my frame...If I don't get the gearbox mounted in the proper location I'm screwed.

 

[polarbear]

I'm forwarding this thread along to someone who's done it on a '73.

 

[bicyclemonkey]

I'm forwarding this thread along to someone who's done it on a '73.

Thank you! Much appreciated.

 

[Proeliator]

Its not a direct bolt in swap, but it is easy to do. You either need the late 70's 4x4 box, or even more common (and what I used) any of the 70's 2x4 boxes thats ported for power steering.. This gets the sector shaft pointed straight down which also sets you up for your crossover steering conversion which is also cheap and easy. Add your Ford pump/pulley setup or grab a saginaw setup out of a Ford van which will have the brackets to bolt right up...done. You shouldn't have to mess with your steering column at all. What I did was weld in a plate for strength that allowed me to position it exactly how I wanted which also guaranteed the stock fit with the steering column and link.

 

[polarbear]

Thank you Seth!

 

[bicyclemonkey]

It looks like it would be easier to install the linkage type, control valve power assist steering instead. I found all the parts in the LMC catalog. I've heard that that type of PS is not as good as integral power steering but anything's better than manual + 33x12.50's!!!