Power Steering

[patrickc]

I'm hoping to put power steering in my 68 soon, and from everything I've seen it doesn't look like it will work with the original radiator fill tank. I'm just trying to find out if I need to replace the radiator first before I tackle the power steering.

[Cortez]

I don't know about the radiator fill tank, but I upgraded to PS on my '67 and it really didn't take up any more space than the original gear box...just had to add the PS pump and lines. You could always get junkyard radiator overflow tank if you need to go smaller or relocate it.

[patrickc]

I wasn't sure, it just looks real cramped where the P/S pump goes. Besides I would rather put the money in the power steering, any good suggestions on that. I do have a steering box from a 73. I don't know anything about the condition though.

[Cortez]

Go with a Ford solution. I did the Nissan pathfinder swap, and although it bolts to the frame in the existing holes, I had a helluva time fabricating a drop pitman arm to match my lift height. It works good now, but I had to graft two pitman arms together to get a drop length that was good...save yourself the headache if you were ever considering the Nissan solution.

[Justin]

Going with the steering box you have would be a great place to start, as you've got little to lose other than some time if it doesn't work out. If you're feeling like being extra secure, you could sent it to one of the rebuilders. There is a good one in Texas, but I'm drawing a blank on the name. Frankly, if that one doesn't work I'd talk to cascadejohnson about the 4x4x2 boxes he builds. That is a really powerful, durable solution if you're willing to do some minor modifications to the frame (drill a couple of new holes and put in a little bit of reinforcement).

[airbur]

I found a rebuilt '76 Bronco power steering box through West Coast Broncos. That and a couple new pulleys, pump, filter, and lines and it didn't take up much more room....

Yes, I painted it red....don't ask me why....I don't like it....it is what it is:)

[airbur]

I found a rebuilt '76 Bronco power steering box through West Coast Broncos. That and a couple new pulleys, pump, filter, and lines and it didn't take up much more room....

Yes, I painted it red....don't ask me why....I don't like it....it is what it is:)

Oh Man! You know what they say about ladies who wear Red? They dont wear any underwear!

I knew I could count on one of you guys to make me feel right about it:)

[Justin]

Zilla, are you knocking pink? I was thinking about doing PS box in a nice lavender.

[ClayJ]

My kids tease me all the time about the Bronco being so faded it's pink.

[patrickc]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm getting ready to order everything else I need minus the steering box, hope it works.

[patrickc]

Just started my power steering install. The box is from a 73 Bronco, so I figured it should fit right in. It looks like I'm going to have to grind out a little on the lip of the radiator support. Has anybody else ran across this.

[sbolt19]

Yup, pretty typical. The late '72 and up have a different core support & inner fender apron than mid '72 and older. They were put there for the extra inch or so in length of the box & for the steering column rag joint.

[airbur]

Exactly the same on mine....I still need to get int here and fix it.

[patrickc]

Getting close to being done. According to the instructions I need to drill through the upper u-joint and the steering shaft with a # 7 drill bit. What size is a #7 drill bit? After that I tap the hole with 1/4"-28 tap. Also what is everyone using for power steering fluid?

[airbur]

I just use Napa standard stuff...

https://www.napaautoparts.com/Catalog/C ... 0006532578

Sorry, can't help with the drilling specs...I used a new lower column. Good luck!

[patrickc]

Finally got everything hooked up and went to test run. The new P/S pump is a lot noisier than it should be, any suggestions?

[BFD305]

Might take a while to get everything primed. On ours we turned right to left (stop to stop) a few times and refilled the reservoir. I know on my sons even if it is a little low it starts howling a bit.

[akaFrankCastle]

Recently heard from another Bronco guy that some of the rebuilt/new Saginaws are coming with a notice that there may be some howling/squealing for the first 500 or so miles. Break in period or something. Put the front end on jack stands and work that wheel back and forth, just as BFD said, to work out all the air in the system. Keep checking the fluid level and ensure you are topped off. And, as always, check your belts to make sure they are tight.

[patrickc]

Worked it back and forth for a while then let it sit for a while. It doesn't whine near as much now, even took it for a test drive. So much nicer now!!!

[Shawns Fords]

Ive used a spoonfull of friction modifier to quiet them old pumps. some of them get quiet and some do not.