Saginaw steering box identification (help!)

[71F100-390]

Recently bought a '71 ford f100 4x4 that has been converted to power steering by a previous owner. The set up doesn't look like any I've seen so far, not a standard conversion by any means. Its a Saginaw box, but it has an input shaft thats slightly larger than 3/4" (36 spline ford steering shaft doesn't fit!). Also has 4 bolts on the top plate (vs 2 for ford saginaw stuff) It's bolted to a 1/4" (maybe bigger) steel plate that's bolted to the outside of the framerail. There's play in the box, and I'd like to replace it, but I'll have to find out what it is first! # on the box is 7809253, has a 3 bolt mount but seems to be reversed from most Ford stuff. Pic below. Can anyone help me out here?

[Wes]

Looks to me like a chevy piece, something 2wd.

[71F100-390]

Yeah I thought it might be GM, but so far no luck finding it. It looks kinda like a box out of a 55-57 chevy truck, but that doesn't quite match up either...

[sideoilerfe]

It almost looks like a Jeep Wagonneer box. Looks like a hack-job to me. I think a 76-79 F150 4x4 box would work a lot better than that. At least they naturally bolt to the outside of the frame rail.

[71F100-390]

I think a 76-79 F150 4x4 box would work a lot better than that. At least they naturally bolt to the outside of the frame rail.

The thought has occurred to me, it would certainly make a few things easier. My only immediate concern (not knowing a whole lot about 4x4 steering) is how it would effect the rest of the steering set up, which also has been modified (I think). This is what I've got now...(pardon the grease! haven't had time to properly degrease her)

[71F100-390]

Well I went to a couple auto parts stores today, still no luck. Checked a whole range of GM stuff, no luck. Actually looks a lot like the manual box for a Corvette, but, no power steering models for those until they went to racks.

The search continues...

[FORDification]

I've contacted a few friends of mine in the GM camps, to see if anyone has some vintage parts manuals that might have that casting number listed. I'll let you know if I hear anything back.

[71F100-390]

I've contacted a few friends of mine in the GM camps, to see if anyone has some vintage parts manuals that might have that casting number listed. I'll let you know if I hear anything back.

That's awesome! Thanks! Even if it doesn't work out, I really appreciate the help!

[Joshpow]

That ain't grease! That's the old truck trying to paint its own undercarriage! That's half the fun of an old truck. Grease, rust, gasoline, and oily hands. All thos things make my 72 fun for me anyway. If it's like my 72 it'll replace the grease if you get it off. I think mine just likes to be a greasemonkey. Never mind the grease. That'll be a really nice truck when you get the steering right. It looks great just the way it is.
As far as the slack, have you tried to see if you can adjust it out? Or is it just worn beyond doing anything for it?

[71F100-390]

I honestly haven't tried adjusting it yet. Its in bad enough shape that I know it will only be a temporary fix, but I should still see if I can adjust some of it out until I figure out what box it is to get it replaced.

[Wes]

Ok went digging through my p/s boxes and found this one , does yours look like this ? I traded a buddy for that box and he said it , if I remember correctly, was from an IHC Travel All or Scout. If I was going to fix your steering, I wouldn't do it the same way. A 78-79 bronco would work much better.

[71F100-390]

Thanks Wes!

Its pretty similar to that, not exactly the same but the upper portion of the box looks close. Its probably out of an international, just maybe a different year/model maybe? Seems to be the story with this thing, its close but not quite the same as anything I've looked at so far.

I should probably just go the later Ford route with the steering, it seems like a pretty common swap. As with anything though since the truck has already been modified my concern is the amount of fiddling it will take to make it happen on this particular rig, and I hate tearing stuff apart before I know what I'm going to have to do to put it back together...