78 Bronco p/s box on 69 highboy

[fomocoguy]

Hey all! I am exploring my options for power steering and need some straight foward clean cut answers to the complexity of installing a later model 4wd p/s box on my highboy, and I hope some of you have done this and can help out. I just want to know what is involved with putting one of these boxes on my truck. I've read the information on the main site many times over, but it is not directed toward a highboy and from what I understand it's different for the half ton. So, what I want to know is can it be done without having to change the steering design? Can anybody give me a step by step to simply adding a 78 p/s box (only because I read these are easier) to my stock truck with no lift and without changing to cross over steering (unless this is better) or making any major modifications that will require a machine shop? I can do minor machining, but I don't have a welder. I'm new to custom steering work, so please be patient and fully explain things for me. Thanks!

[FORDification]

Did you see this: http://www.fordification.com/powersteering4wd.htm

[fomocoguy]

Did you see this: http://www.fordification.com/powersteering4wd.htm

Yessir I have. The info is great for using a 2wd box, but the burning question in my mind is because of this quote from the article:

"On a side note, if you can find / afford the ’78-’79 4wd sector definitely go this route with the conversion, as it is almost a direct bolt on to the Highboy".

This leads me to believe that I could drill a hole or two and mount this box easily with no real issues, plumb it up and go, but I know it can't be that easy. However, I'm dieing for more information! What part isn't direct? Does any of the article apply if you are using the 4wd sector? If so, which parts? Does any part of the 4wd sector have to change? Will it basically be the same for an F100 (like you were/are doing) and an F250, aside from the inner/outer frame location difference? It hurts my head...

[Wes]

I have , I put a 78 bronco box on my 67. Cross over drag link, machined flat passenger side knuckle, high steer arm, and 4" more inch lift to add clearance for drag link. Custom made front drive shaft, probably a rear too. new longer brake lines. Can see my thread in 4x4 section has some of the info, thou allot of the picture links are no longer working.

[averagef250]

The 78-79 1/2 ton and 3/4/1 ton boxes are different. Like Wes said, you can use the 1/2 ton box, but I doubt you'll be able to make it steer off the knuckle like the factory installed box and crossover steering is impossible without a lift.

The 78-79 F-250 4x4 box will work without a lift, but you will need a welder to install one.

[fomocoguy]

The 78-79 1/2 ton and 3/4/1 ton boxes are different. Like Wes said, you can use the 1/2 ton box, but I doubt you'll be able to make it steer off the knuckle like the factory installed box and crossover steering is impossible without a lift.

The 78-79 F-250 4x4 box will work without a lift, but you will need a welder to install one.

The 78-79 F250 4x4 box sounds like something I'd like to look into. I really don't want to lift it and go through all the trouble of longer driveshafts and such. What kind of welding would be needed? I have local shops that could do that part if I really needed them to.