'73 highboy power hydraulic to gearbox swap? Will it work?

[averagef250]

Basically a knuckle that has a flat top. it needs to have aenough meat on it to either mill it flat and tap it for studs or is already that way from the factory. Here is a ton of info on crossover steering and the brake down of 44 steering.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/flatop_knucles.html

What are you talking about?

All the poor guy wants to do is plop the newer box on his frame and plow some snow. He doesn't need any of that stuff. Besides he has a closed knuckle drum 44. These don't have flattop knuckles or anything like that. The knuckles are completely different from anything open knuckle.

The 78-79 box fits OK and works well. You just need the box and the 78-79 tie rod that goes to the knuckle.

Ideally, you'd want to run a 76 or newer disc brake axle with the 78-79 box. The steering ratio gets out of whack with the later box on an early axle since the early axles have a shorter steering arm on the knuckle.

If you can get the whole axle for a reasonable price I wouldn't pass it up. The 78-79 axle is a big step above your current 44 front.

[Wes]

Like I said I would grab it all esp if high pinion 44 I have the driver side steer arm I removed from a 77 d44 when we went cross over. if you need it let me know.

[willysrul]

I was under the impression that he wanted to use his original axle. I don't know how this would work. If there was enough room in there to put a "Y" type steering in then great. I know sometimes the leaf pack and angles would make this very difficult and that is why some people go to crossover steering (much simpilar). I also do not know how a hydro assist system works with manual steering. What powers the ram and tells it what to do? Where is the steering input for the ram?

If he is getting a newer axle then power steering is a snap. Put on the box, connect the steering linkage and away you go.

Not trying to start a pissing match or give false input just trying to figure out what he was wanting to do with what parts.

[nytreeman]

Where bouts you at in NY?
I have a lot of family up in Elba around Batavia. Run a lot of excavating and plow trucks as well as some OTR.

Vernon Ctr NY SW of Utica about 50 miles east of Syracuse

[longboss351]

Don, Here is my 73 F250 I put a D60 out of a 79 in the front and also the 79 4x4 gear box in it also. I did cross over steering. I am the one that has had the post about no power steering at iddle. I think I hay have figured it out? Brass adapter on gear box high psi side, restriction. Other than that it works great! If you need any more pictures or have questions email me at chrisdlong@yahoo.com
Chris AZ

[nytreeman]

I was under the impression that he wanted to use his original axle. I don't know how this would work. If there was enough room in there to put a "Y" type steering in then great. I know sometimes the leaf pack and angles would make this very difficult and that is why some people go to crossover steering (much simpilar). I also do not know how a hydro assist system works with manual steering. What powers the ram and tells it what to do? Where is the steering input for the ram?

Yes I want to use my original axle,but without the rams,the stock setup with the manual box uses a power steering pump to run the rams through the built in valve body on the left steering ram,it's a very strong setup but when the rams get wore they leak,and get alot of side to side play in the steering and they cost a fortune new

[nytreeman]

thanks for the pics longboss351,I'd love to swap out my D44 for a 60 but my front axle has been all rebuilt and I'd hate to take it out now

[longboss351]

You can still use your 44, put a plate in the frame like I did for the 78-9 gear box the pitman arm will swing out to the tire then hook up the drag link like a 78-9 to the nuckle. I had mine like that for a long time then went with a 60 then cross over steering.
Chris