Power assist steering upgrade

[averagef250]

Hey guys, some of you probably remember a thread I posted awhile back about the positives of power assist steering and some ideas I had for revamping it to fix it's downfalls.

I didn't get too far with my idea for adding a torsion style servo valve to the old push-pull box and eliminating the push-pull valve that's the crux of the system because I found a company that already makes something I could adapt.

http://www.sweetmfg.biz/products2.asp?edit_id=23

The outfit is called Sweet Mfg. and caters to racers. They build a couple different styles of remote mount steering servo valves. I finally got around to ordering one. I'm going to install it in my '71 and report back on how it works. I want to use an aftermarket ram eventually, but haven't done enough research on that side of it yet.

Something like this could be adapted to both F-250 and F-100 4x4's as a simple, rugged, bolt on power steering. If it works well and there is interest I might try to market something in kit form.

[sideoilerfe]

That looks pretty cool. I have the ram assist in my garage. I bought it, installed it and it only worked turning right. I don't know if it is the ram or the valve on that drag link. It (the drag link valve) also doubled the play in the steering. So, I took it off and put more air in the tires!

That steering servo valve in that pic looks like a great idea. I'm assuming one would make the intermediate shaft two pieces with that servo in between the two. If you made a bolt on kit with that servo valve and possibly a better ram I think you'd have plenty of customers, starting with me.

Keep us posted.

[averagef250]

Your problem is in the valve. If it added slop to the steering that's a good indication the valve is atleast out of adjustment and a good chance the ballstud is shot.

I prefer power assist to the power box for the way it turns big tires with ease. The push-pull valve is the main problem with the system. Eliminate that and use a better quality ram and I think you'll end up with the best power steering setup you could get for a 4x4 that drives both on and offroad.

My plan is to try mounting the valve in the steering shaft with a U-joint on one end and a splined collar welded to a new steering shaft on the other. I would prefer not to mount the valve and add two more U-joints than necessary to the system. The more joints, the more slop given some time. A kit would include the valve, a new slip shaft with U-joints on both ends, the correct length hoses and fittings for the height of the truck (lifted needs longer lines), a new ram and brackets for the ram.

The ram is the tricky part. I hear good things about the double ended cylinders like Howe offers. They are outrageously expensive though, they are not easy to install and add two extra joints to the steering. I think a good quality, rebuildable 2.25" bore 8" stroke single ended cylinder would work really good. The offroad cylinders typically have a 1 1/8" stem, much larger than the 5/8" one the factory used.

Sounds OK in theory atleast.

[Doug Comer]

Sounds good. I have acess to alot of hydraulic cylinder info where I work. Let me know if I can help. Doug

[69CSF250]

Dustin this sounds like somthing that I'd be interested in... I'll be watching for updates to this thread. if you come up with a kit in the future it will be on my list of upgrades for my 72... Thanks a ton...

[averagef250]

I called Sweet and spoke with one of their gurus about my plan. He gave me some background behind the valves, how they work, why they are used in racing and in the end he fealt the valve will work perfectly for what I have in mind.

The only reason these valves are used in racing is because many classes use power rack and pinion steering, but there's an issue with running a power rack with a dry sump oil system. The steering valve on the rack competes with the engine driven oil pump for the same area so racers came up with the idea for the remote servo valve to gain the needed clearance.

Really nice guy. He gave me advice on what size torsion bar to order for street use since there are lots of choices and said if I'm not happy with the steering feel they'll work with me to get exactly what I need.

[averagef250]

If anybody local is interested in this I'm looking for a few brave soles to help me test it out. I want to a find a couple '66 slickside, bumpside and dentside F-100 and F-250's to run it on and find out the exact differences between years (steering shaft lengths, spline counts, clearance issues, etc.).

If you're interested I'm offering to charge only for parts, install it for you and in return I get to take some pics of the parts installed and you'd have to actually drive the truck now and then and tell me how it works.

[sideoilerfe]

When are you looking to start? Will you be making a new steering shaft or cutting the original? PM me with some details.

[averagef250]

PM sent!

[71PA_Highboy]

If anybody local is interested in this I'm looking for a few brave soles to help me test it out. I want to a find a couple '66 slickside, bumpside and dentside F-100 and F-250's to run it on and find out the exact differences between years (steering shaft lengths, spline counts, clearance issues, etc.).

If you're interested I'm offering to charge only for parts, install it for you and in return I get to take some pics of the parts installed and you'd have to actually drive the truck now and then and tell me how it works.

I would be interested as a 'Self-Installer' since something tells me you aren't going to fly to PA to do it for me.

If there is anything I can do to help otherwise, let me know!

Eric

[Chaseman]

I'm a bit interested in my truck being a test mule and I live fairly close. How much do you think parts would be?
Also my truck is 1971 F250 4X4 Dana 44 Front axle Manual Steering , around 31.5 inch tires (285/75/R16)
this is such a great idea , cause I have the ram assist power steering on my Mustang and I've never been a big fan of how ford set it up in the first place.

Also I'm a big fan of yours , cause when I see your posts I know I'm going to learn someting new or is going to be to the point helpful.

[Chaseman]

$700... I'll have to hold off on my truck being a test mule for the time being but keep me in mind. I'd love to help in your research on better power steering.

[mcolussy]

hey you happen to get them parts toghether for that powersteering or some picks of it if its done thanks

[ROBT257]

I have a 72 F250 4x4 with 360. An uncle has a set up, rusting away, 75 4x2. Can the power steering from the 75 be used on my 72?

[sideoilerfe]

I was curious on the progress of this project. I'd love to see some pics if anything has been done yet.