clearancing engine perch for power steering box?

[SAD66]

I installed a 74 power steering box on my 66 f100 2wd and it's hitting on the engine perch and the shock mount. I've read about an offset perch for that purpose but I don't know where to find one. Also I could grind the perch and shock mount but I'm concerned about weakening them. Any experience or suggestions with this? thanks.

[William-in-St George]

You can loosen the box and shove a shim between the box and the shock mount. Then tighten the bolts and pull the shim out and see if that helps. I grind a bit off the bottom of the gear box (its thick there). Grinding the mount and frame is ok, these parts are really thick and strong anyway. Also you can try washer/shims on the bolts between the frame and the box. Sometimes a BFH on the frame will work as well. I use shims between the box and frame to correct alighnment issues between the box/cab and steering column. On these old Ford there is usually a lot of wiggle room for these type of adjustments.