Is there a diff between MS linkages and PS linkages

[dablack00]

I'm converting from PS to Manual Steering and I need to know if the steering linkages are different.

If guys have converted to PS by using just a column and box then I should be able to go the other way too......right?

thanks
Austin

[dablack00]

Ok, I've looked into it a little more and I have the early style pitman arm (C9#). That means I have the early style linkages and the early style linkages will bolt up to a manual steering pitman arm....right?

[fordman]

the steering linkages must match the pitman arm and they linkages should match the spindles because of thier thickness. the 73-79 linkages are longer or shorter i don't remember which.

[convincor]

bump ttt
looking up the steering parts at NAPA, all 67 -72 f100 2wd trucks used the same drag link which is what connects to the pitman arm. Wether it be P/S or manual it's the same part.
The only way the 73 up parts would come into play is if your trucks converted to disc brakes.

[dablack00]

Convincor,

Acording to: http://www.fordification.com/str-susp_variations.htm

Lots of parts changed in mid-71 so I don't really trust the NAPA site. I also remember when you are ordering suspension parts, lots of places will ask you for the serial number from the truck if it is a 71. I have the early 71 parts (before the change).

Now the question still is, will a manual steering pitman arm, mount up to steering linkages from a 67-mid 71 PS truck?

Another way to ask the question is, are the 67-mid71 manual steering and PS linkages the same?

I hope so!

[dablack00]

I just looked in the NPD catalog and it looks like they do seperate between pre mid71 and post mid71, so we know there is a difference there (just like Keith's article says). Also in NPD, they say their post mid 71 drag link can be used for PS or MS, so it looks like there is no PS and MS specific drag link. It is only matching parts to the year, not the option (PS or MS).

SO, that means that my early 71 PS drag link should bolt up fine to a 67-mid71 manual steering pitman arm. Then later if I decide I don't like the MS, I can always put the PS back with out messing with the steering linkages.

YAY!

[kaptnkaos]

Hey dablack00

I did the PS upgrade on my '68 CS...
The PS box I had was from a '71 CS, it had the later style pitman arm. I had to change to the old style 67- early mid '71 style pitman arm.
After swapping pitman arms, everything went really smooth...
The pitman arm retaining nut takes a 1 5/16 inch socket, which is about 1/16th of an inch larger than most 1/2 drive socket sets go.
I took my PS box to a machine shop and they loosened the nut, let me remove the pitman arm with the proper puller(mine).
I swapped the pitman arms and they tightened the nut... all at no cost.
As far as swapping columns goes... I used my manual column,('cause it was already the right length) and just swapped the center shaft from a PS column.

KaptnKA S

[dablack00]

Hey Kap,

Thanks for the info. I've rebuilt a couple of the ford PS boxes, so I've been down that road a couple of times and have all the tools (including that big boy socket for the pitman arm nut).

Yeah, from what I have figured out, there is no manual steering drag link or power steering drag link, there is only pre-mid 71 drag link and post mid-71 drag link. As long as your pitman arm (PS or MS) matches the drag link (pre or post mid-71), then you are all set for either PS or MS.

This is something that I have been confused about for some time so I'm glad I have finally cleared it up in my head.

[kaptnkaos]

Right on...

[willowbilly3]

I guess I must be lucky. I have mixed and matched later boxes on 3 different swaps and never ran into that issue. 2 of them were F250s and 2 were 72s though. I do know you need different pitman arms and also the F350 uses the same box but apparently it's own pitman arm.