quick steering column question

[oldblue]

I have been looking forward to adding power steering to my 72 F100 for a few months now but threw out my back.
I feel up to it now and have been studying the truck.
I have a 4 speed in it now and it originally came with a 3 speed on the column that's still in it.
I have built my own power steering column out of a auto and converted it to manual removing the shift tube and changing to the manual collar out of a 70 F100
I don't want to tare up the cardboard in the cab can I use the existing seal and just shove the new column thought it without unbolting the bracket/boot in the cab?
I do understand that I must use the ps support on the outside and have one . just wondering if the inside cab mount is different from man to power.
I think the biggest challenge for me would be taking the tube out in the truck to remove the shift linkage on the 3 speed to slide it out.
i realy want to keep this clean as posible.

is this possible?

[FORDification]

The rubber seal and retainer used on power-steering columns is different from manual-steering applications.





Here's a shot of what would happen to use the PS retainer with the MS seal...you can see how they don't line up:



I'm sure someone here has a parts truck with the correct steel retainer you could get, and the rubber seal is about $20 from the aftermarket vendors. While I've heard others have made the MS pieces work on PS setups, it's still jury-rigged and doesn't seal the best. While I can understand you're wanting to get it done with parts on hand, you sure don't want to have to re-do it when you find out you're not happy with how it turned out.

[oldblue]

I have the correct power steering seal and retainer I was just not wanting to not cut up the cardboard in the cab it is in pristine condition.

I guess I will just cut it above the column so I can get to the bolts out and try to slide it out trying not to disturb the cardboard as much as possible.

pulling out the shift tubes and then the column looks to be the most promising so I can slide it up to remove the retainer/seal unless someone else has a better idea.

the guy I bought this from 7 years ago put allot of time into the cab and it is very nice inside. he put tons of sound deadener in it.
new carpet, reupholstered seat, matching upholstered door panels and foam head liner in a repainted cab.
I'm real anal about things and I want to do a nice job the first time.

I'm sure you understand.

how do you remove the cardboard pc in the cab anyway and is there repo ones I could replace it with if it gets torn?

[fordman]

don't cut it. lightly pull up on the cardboard. use a short 3/8 socket and ratchet. use 1/4 inch drive if you can. you can get those bolts out without trashing the cardboard. if you have to you can remove the fuse box and the parking brake as well as the one. push through rivet on that side to get the cardboard freed up so you can work easier under there. if you try and pull the column through the rubber it may not work because of rubber against steel doesnt slide very well. and any rust on the rubber or column wont help it come through either. and if there are any shift arms left on the column. it wont come out at all. best of luck. i did it the last tiem i took one off. i was able to save the carboard for my truck.

[oldblue]

thank all for the replies.
I have more time than money at this time and will pull the e-brake and fuse box just in case.
I need to look over the e-brake anyway it pops off from time to time I think a spring has broke off the release handle but never looked it over.
I'm really looking forward to power steering after driving it for 7 years without.
I will let you guys know how it went.
should have it done by this weekend.

thanks again for all you help!

[fordman]

it could be the lock teeth on the parkign brake. the spring is only for retracting the pedal back up into the up position.

[oldblue]

thanks I will look at that.

if I push in the release handle in when I set it I don't have a problem but if I forget it will pop off from time to time.
kind of a pain when I'm working on it in the driveway.
I have just learned to put a block behind the tire.
fixing it correctly would be a bonus.

[fordman]

that does sound like the teeth. i guess it could be the spring under the truck too. it might be worn and not as springy as it used to be.

[ForingaMex]

if I push in the release handle in when I set it I don't have a problem but if I forget it will pop off from time to time.

I think there is supposed to be a spring on the release handle/mechanism. When I pull my release handle to release the brakes it snaps right back in when I let go. Maybe that mechanism is just a bit tight from rust or dirt and just needs a cleaning.
Like fordman said, it could also be the teeth. Hope this helps.

[oldblue]

well I got the power steering in.
what a difference!
don't know why I put it off so long. I have had the parts for over 3 years.
yes, the e-brake was the little return spring.
i am looking forward to disk conversion now.
I just cant believe the difference.
this is my second f100 and nether one had power steering on them.
I will never have a manual steering truck again.
I keep trying to over steer it now!

thank you all for your advice.

[cdeal28078]

I know what you mean. I have had my 71 F100 since I was 15. Dad bought her new. I am 47 now. Mine came with a 302 speed manual and manual steering and brakes.
About 8 years ago I did the automatic, power steering and power disc brakes all at the same time. WHAT a difference.
I put about 275k on my truck all manual so it took some getting used to
clint