Power vs Manual steering column

[wildcard]

I've been trying to find the info without any luck.
I'm thinking about replacing the entire column. I may have found an automatic column and was wondering if I could use it to replace my manual shift column. The shifting parts are not a concern, as my shifter has been moved to the floor. I was thinking though I had read where they weren't interchangeable because of length or something. Any advice ?

[fordman]

there are three lengths of column for our trucks. saginaw power steering bendix power steering and manual steering. the bendix power steering and the manual steering columns are only 3/4 inch in difference. so they will interchange easily enough. the saginaw power steering and manual steering wont interchange because of the length of them. it has to do with the length of the steering box. and how close it is to the firewall. the saginaw power steering box is longer and sits closer to the firewall than the manual or bendix power steering box. so each column has to match the power steering box. because of the steering box length the columns are made to match the length of the steering box.

[wildcard]

Thanks fordman. I"m completely confused now. I have a manual steering box. Are you saying I have to have a manual steering column ? I don't have any idea what brand or make it is. Also, what all year models will fit ? Mine is a 71.

[onetuford]

What fordman is saying (to make this real easy) is if you need a column get one from a truck with manual steering.

Here is a picture of the gearboxes mentioned earlier:



This is right out of the technical articles page under "How to install power steering in a '65-'72 2WD twin I-beam pickup".

[fordman]

with a manual steering box you need the long column (manual or bendix power steering). not the short column (saginaw power steering).

[wildcard]

OK, I'm on the same page with you now. Thanks a lot guys.