New to forum, need help identifying 69 steering parts

[Stafford Man]

I am new to this forum, and I could use some help identifying some parts for my 69 4WD restoration project. I am sure these are not original, and I have looked at every pats catalogue and engineering diagram I can find on 67 to 79 F series and Brocos, but have yet to see this setup.

It has the long (48") tie rod on the right side, and attached at 6" from the right end is a power assist ram, and attached at about 12" is the drag link. The drag link has a valve body placed in the middle. Since the steering is worn out I need to get some parts, and if I can't figure out what parts to order I'll have to consider a complete new steering solution (I really want to keep it at least power assisted). Any help or suggestions welcome.

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4646
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4645
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4648
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4647

[averagef250]

I'm not as familiar with the 1/2 ton stuff as I am with the F-250 4x4 stuff, but I have seen that power assist several times under early 70's F-100 4x4's.

I would suggest going to something different. It is very rare and you likely will not find parts for it. If you wish to keep the power assist instead of converting to a power box, the first thing to do is get rid of the tie rod mounted push-pull valve and go to a modern valve. Sweet manufacturing makes stand alone torsion style steering servo valves that are very high quality and rather affordable (around $300).

You can place one of their compact servos ordered with the softest torsion rod in your steering shaft between the column and box. Use either your existing ram if it's in good shape or go to an aftermarket ram like one made by Howe. The benefit to the aftermarket ram is it is higher quality and uses JIC style hydraulic fittings like the servo valve. With these parts all you need do for hoses is have some standard hydraulic lines made to the lengths you want. Replacement will no longer be a huge expense or hassle like it is with the stock Ford power assist hose setups.

You can of coarse go with a later 70's F-100 4x4 power steering box and eliminate power assist, but the power assist does work better and eliminates the need for a a steering stabilizer.

[Stafford Man]

I probably should have posted here rather than the suspension/steering catagory. I have a 69 F100 4WD which has had power assist steering added after the fact. I have looked at every diagram and parts cataloge I can find and I have not seen this setup anywhere. Can anyone help identify what this is so I can try to find the parts, or can you suggest a different approach. I am doing a body off restoration so this is a good time to fix the steering. In this setup the long tie rod end is on the right (48") and the power assist ram attaches to the right tie rod end about 6" from the end, and the drag link about 12" from the end. The valve body is in the middle of the drag link.

If I can't figure it out I'll need to consder a different solution. The tie rod end and the steering box are pretty worn. Any help will be much appreciated.

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4646
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4645
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4648
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... &pos=-4647

[Wes]

That is the power steering from a 73- to 75 maybe even to 771/2 f250 (possibly f350) 4x4. If you look up info for that truck you should find some.

[averagef250]

Wes, that is not F-250 steering. That is in fact F-100 power assist. It is not common at all and does not interchange with F-250 stuff. I wrote up a lengthy response to this question the first time it was asked in the suspension forum. It's not the best idea to ask the same question in two different forums, you'll get answers wherever you post it.

[Wes]

I wasn't aware that type system came on a f100 I have only seen it a few f250 dent 4x4.

[Thunderfoot]

I Moved and Merged these 2 posts together here in the 4x4 section so that others can follow the answer to the question.

Please let a Moderator know if you accidently post in a wrong section and we can move it for you with ease.

Thanks

to the site btw.

[Stafford Man]

Thanks for the advice and welcome.

I did finally figure out what it is. I have the power assist ram, garrison valve body, tie rod ends and center link off a 73 to 75 F150, with a hacked PS pump bracket probably off a 351.

I have a 69 2WD F11 donor truck with PS/PB, so I am stealing the bracket and pulleys from it to replace the bracket. I found the steering parts at Green Sales, and an outfit called Lares Corporation in MN can rebuild the ram, garrison valve body, and manual steering box, so I should be in pretty good shape in a few weeks.

This is the near final stage of a body off restoration, my last detail is I'm going to try to put the PB booster off the donor truck onto my 4WD so I have power drum brakes. Once it is on the road I'll drive it most days, rain, snow or shine. A lot of folks are horrified and feel I should drive a different vehicle and save the truck for special occasions, but I figure if you have it, you should enjoy it. The original lasted 40 plus years, I should be able to drive it for another 20 anyway.

Later this year I think I'll re do the 360. It has a mild cam, headers, and an edelbrok intake. I think it is time to stroke it and do something to the heads. I'm open to suggestions (anyone know where a fellow can find an original 428 crank?).