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convert to power steering

Posted: September 16, 2009, 5:17 pm
by willy12844
I think I may have asked this a couple years ago, but being that my memory is the 2nd shortest thing on me, I need to ask again. Is it possible to put power steering on my 65 F-100 twin I-beam? If so what's needed? where do I find it? and any idea of the cost?
Thanks Folks,
Bill

Posted: September 16, 2009, 5:32 pm
by macgiobuin
I'm gonna say "Yes" because when I purchased my '66 F100, someone had already converted it to power steering. I can't help with the "how" part, though.

power steering

Posted: September 16, 2009, 6:27 pm
by azratrod
i know your talking about a twin i beam truck, but over the weekend i met a guy here in phoenix that has a power steering unit and all of the parts for a factory power steering set up on a single i beam truck. he even has the exploded factory parts page copied and the and the factory directions. he wants $400 for everything. im sure ford had a twin i beam set up too

Re: convert to power steering

Posted: September 16, 2009, 7:31 pm
by Falcon Interceptor
willy12844 wrote: Is it possible to put power steering on my 65 F-100 twin I-beam? If so what's needed? where do I find it?
Of course, twin I beams are all mostly the same until 79
Installing disk brakes and power steering in a 2wd 65-72 F-Series pickup
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/ ... _6572.html

For the most part, any 73-79 pickup can be your donor
You will need the complete I-beams, steering linkage, steering box, steering column retainer, master cylinder, and proportioning valve from this truck. Or I believe you can just get the brake setup.

Some will also bring up the idea that 65 up cabs fit on the later frames which already have all the upgrades, that does cause wheelbase issues and the beds. Lot's of people here do both.

Posted: September 16, 2009, 7:34 pm
by Obsa
Bill,

What you really need to do is find a 73-79 F100 donor truck. This would give you all the pieces you need to convert to power steering. While your at it you can add power disc brakes up front. My son bought a 78 302 automatic with power steering and brakes for 400.00 took the parts he needed and parted oput the rest of the truck. This of course depends on you having a space to park it why you pull parts.

Posted: September 16, 2009, 7:36 pm
by Obsa
Dang Dusty your confuser is faster than mine

Posted: September 16, 2009, 9:38 pm
by 65 66 Ford
Bill, the first thing we need to know is about your transmission. Automatic or manual? Is it on the column or the floor? This will detemine what power steering box you will need. The Bendix box is the most expensive and least dependable, it was the only style available in 65, 66 and 67. This type would only require the bendix steering box, bendix pump and mounting brackets. The saginaw box is the least expencive and more dependable, it was available from 68 thru 79. Also need a saginaw pump and brackets for your engine type. If going this route you will need to replace the steering column with a power steering column with P/S mounting bracket. There are no 3 speed on the column power steering columns made. If you have a 3 speed on the column you must use a bendix box or make major modifications to a 3 speed column (shorten 2 inches).

Posted: September 17, 2009, 9:48 am
by Truckfarmer2
That is not true, I have 3 donor trucks (75,77,78 ) that have 3 speed on the column AND power steering. I doubt you will ever see a TILT 3 speed column.

Posted: September 17, 2009, 3:24 pm
by 65 66 Ford
Truckfarmer2 thanks for the correction. I have never seen or heard of 3 speed with power steering. I also checked about 10 local yards and all said there was no such thing. I will put this info in my log.

Thanks

Posted: September 17, 2009, 9:42 pm
by Hawkrod
3 speed power steering columns are definitely a rare animal but they do exist. I have a couple of them hanging in the shop right now. Here is a picture of the lower end where it sticks through the firewall. You can see that the PS column has bends in the levers so they clear the forewall. Hawkrod

Power steering column is on left:
Image