power steering boxes

[1968_ONEHUN]

Can someone tell me how to tell the differenc between the steering boxes.would like to locate a bendix box for a conversion.Do they say bendix on them,or how do I tell? thanks

[FORDification]

The two fastest ways: look at the top plate and count the bolts. The Bendix box has four bolts, the Ford/Saginaw box only has two (not counting the steering adjustment in the center of each):



The Bendix box also has that big round protusion coming out of the side, that the Ford unit doesn't have. If you find a box that you think is a Bendix, be sure to see if it's got the "B" script along the side, as pictured here:



The Bendix box, as I'm sure you know, is great for doing a power steering swap, as it's a direct replacement for the manual steering box, and since it's the same size, it means you won't have to get a shorter steering column like you'd have to do with the Saginaw box. However, that round protrusion will interfere with headers...just so you know.

[Tim P.]

Hey just a note on the sag. and the bendix I found that i had to replace the motor mount tower also as the one with manual steering box will also interfere with the saginaw steering box when changing from manual to power steering. They used a different tower on manual steering setup the power has an offset tower as to clear the steering box, of course you can grind on the tower alittle to gain clearence of the box if your comfortable with that. Tim.

[FORDification]

Thanks Tim....that's just on the FE engines, by the way. The small-block stands are already offset correctly. All this info is included in How to add power steering to '67-'72 Ford 2WD pickups located in the Technical Papers section. I've also included side-by-side comparison shots of the two different FE engine stands.

[1968_ONEHUN]

was up at the local pick a part today,did'nt see any trucks with the bendix box.I did however notice that the newer style vans (73on) looked like they were the bendix st. boxes,4 bolts on the top.Is this correct,and can they be used on the f-100's?
Also picked up a brake booster from a 73ish f-100.this should be a straight bolt in hopefully?????? any tips to make it go smoother?? thanks guys

[Tim P.]

Sorry about that Keith was'nt aware about the tec. section on the subject matter at hand Im a FE BB man all the way however a do envie the small block folks as they can wind up the power band much sooner for less money than us big block folks however there is no subistute for cubic inches so I'll stay with the FE,s after all there is no monster like a torque monster. Tim.