Disc Brake conversion questions

[bwc302]

Hi gang, I have found me a donor truck for the disc brake swap and have started taking the front suspension off and have discovered the following.

At sometime in the past the previous owner had take the steering box off and when putting it back on did not tighten it down all the way on 2 bolts and busted the other off. In doing this it caused the Pitman arm to wobble out the steering arm that goes to the passenger side spindle.

I see on the steering box that you can replace the piece that connects to the Pitman arm, but what are your thoughs regarding if you trust the steering box or is it no big deal since it should be rebuilt anyway?

I realize that the steering arm will need to be replaced, is there any other items that I should be concerned about with this?

Thanks,

Bobby

[lobuck76]

If someone was driving the truck with the draglink loose on the pitman arm, the hole is probabley wallered out . If I read that right. If bolts are twisted off in the gearbox you may be able to drill them out and clean the holes up with a tap. The chain parts stores will swap out for a rebuilt unit for about $150. I bought one at o'reilly auto for my bronco and it's working out fine. Hope that helps

[flyboy2610]

Is this manual or power steering? Ford or Bendix box?

[bwc302]

This is a 76 Ford/Saginaw P/S unit.

If the steering link (as described above) is wallered out, can I use any link from a 71 - 79 or does this tie into the disc brake conversion pages where I should use only the 75 - 79 year model link since the rest (I beam, spindles, etc.? came from a 76?

Thanks,

Bobby

[67effie]

I used a power steering box and pitman arm from a '72 and front front spindles and rotors from a '76 and retained all of the drag links and tie rods from my non disc non power steering '72.

[bwc302]

67 -- did you have to grind down the spindle steering arm as is noted in the disc brake conversion FAQ?

Thanks,

Bobby

[67effie]

No I didn't but it might also have to with that I also installed drop I-beams at the same time.

[bwc302]

ahhhhh... that would explain it.

Thanks,

Bobby