Was power steering an option? I have a guy that has supposedly factory power steering for my truck that I am interested in but its missing the bump,bracket and pulley. Then another guy that parted out a big f series truck with this power steering pump,bracket and pulley that mounts on the water pump:

 

Yes,it was an option, called ram assist steering.

 

So I guess it is worth getting then.. Should I use that pump or get a car pump?

 

If NumberDummy sees this, he'll chime in, but they are hard to find as not many would pay extra for the luxury of P-S on a work vehicle back then.If the price is right, snap it up.There are rebuild kits for the pumps.

Mind if I ask you his asking price?

 

I want to grab it just kind of low on funds at the moment. He said it came off of a 59 I just want to make sure that is right.

 

I don't know enough about all the variations, i.e, larger vs smaller trucks, etc.

The ram is not easy to find, either,but can also be rebuilt, as seals are usually leaky.
Hope it works out for you.

 

Ok thanks!

 

Dealer installed Power Assist P/S. Forget it, NO parts available! P/S pump is an Eaton, but it's not the same 900 or 1000 series pump used in 1953/64 Ford/Merc Passenger Cars, 1965 Mustang's w/a generator.

The ram has to be cut open to install the seals. Where will you find a seal kit? Where will you find a seal kit for the leaking P/S control valve? Where will you find the specific to Power Assist P/S suspension parts?

I haven't a clue why grown men fell the need to swap in P/S in these trucks. Your grannies drove huge cars without P/S for decades.

 

Sorry for passing out bad info, if I take your meaning correctly Bill.So, you are saying the rams cannot be rebuilt?

Guess you just cured me of my longstanding desire for P-S. You saved me Time and money, lots of wasted time searching eBay these past few years.

 

The rams can be rebuilt, but have to be cut open to replace the seals.

The phone just rang, guess who is calling? Look in a mirror for the answer!

 

Damn, well that ruins my plans. I thought the seals and everything to rebuild the kit was available

 

56, I spoke w/Bill and he clarified a few things - I think.

Rebuild kits for the truck pump are difficult to find, ones for the car pump are easier to find.

The ram can be rebuilt, seal kits are, I believe available. But they are a PITA , as you have to cut the ram apart to service them.

The control valve also frequently leaks, can't remember what he said concerning rebuilding those.

Exacerbating the bad reputation of ram assist steering is the fact that many owners put on big beefy wide tires, inducing pressures on the system that it was not designed to handle. They originally were using skinnier bias ply tires back then. So modern users may complain when it does not meet their expectations.

I drive a 65 Fairlane with ram assist as my daily driver now, have no complaints. On a 50's era truck, unless you have close to stock-size tires, the handling characteristics may be less than satisfactory, if your only reference is a modern car

So, it can be done, but probably with great trouble and expense, neither of which I am up for.

 

I wish I knew of a place local that could rebuild them for me.

 

Where do you live in CA? In Maryjaneville like i buzzard bait does? Here in LA LA Land? Or somewhere else?

Steve: I found a source for the dealer installed Power Assist Eaton P/S pump seal kit, and a few Eaton pumps-NOS

 

I'm right next to Whittier. Maryjaneville? I keep away from stoners.