Power steering box differences? What's the big deal?

[mrtleavitt]

While checking out the forums around here I've seen a lot of topics on changing out steering boxes. From my understanding the box to have is from a '73-'79 Ford, if I remember right it's called a Saginaw or something like that. I'm just wondering what's the big advantage from these styles of power steering boxes compared from the '67-'72 style. I have a '72 style box that doesn't leak and has never given my any problems, so I'm wondering what's all the fuss about. Anybody shed some light on this for me?

[convincor]

your 72 would have the same saginaw box as the 73-up.
Sometime in 68 they started to change over from the Bendix box which is the POS leaker.
More info here- http://www.fordification.com/powersteering.htm

[averagef250]

Why do we call the 68-79 2wd box a saginaw box?

Just wondering because they were made by Ford and Ford calls them a "Ford box" in the factory manuals. They have Ford script cast into them and Ford casting numbers. All the GM and dodge Saginaw boxes I've seen say Saginaw on them.

[fordman]

made in saginaw mi i think.

[FORDification]

I'm pretty sure they were made by Saginaw for Ford.

mrtleavitt: The point to mentioning the Ford/Saginaw box is simply to distinguish it from the Bendix PS box. These were the only two PS boxes available. The Bendix unit is prone to seal leaks and overheating, so it's a major upgrade to swap out the Bendix for a Ford/Saginaw. The Bendix was only used for a couple years ('67 thru '68 or '69) before it was replaced with the Ford/Saginaw, which was used up through '79 (and probably later).

[Maltybuck]

I can vouch for the Bendix being a POS. The Bendix in my '69 that was supposedly recently rebuilt is leaking like crazy. Perhaps due to the exhaust header nestled inches away helping it overheat?

Either way, my question is this: I need to replace the Bendix ASAP. Is it worth switching over to the Saginaw? I understand this will require either a swap or modification of the shaft. I probably won't be brave enough to tackle this myself, so I'd be paying the local shop. Overall the truck is in pretty good shape, but I don't intend to drive it more than one or two thousand miles per year. Would trying to install one of the steering fluid coolers help?

Thanks!

[fordman]

it cant hurt to put a cooler in. they a=sat the saginaw is better than the bedix because of leakage problems and heat problems.