I have a 77 F250 High Boy which I just swapped in a rebuilt 400. Runs great, I have power assist steering, but it is intermittent. it's easy, then hard, then easy, then hard. I am not sure if I should bleed the system or put in a rebuilt unit. Has anyone experienced this or done a power steering swap?

Thanks,

 

probably just need to bleed the system would be my guess just like a bubble in a hydrolic clutch line

 

if theres play in the steering before the pitman arm, then it can cause problems too. Mine has a sloppy column, and does exactly that.

 

You can get air out of the system by making sure the reservoir is full and then turning the steering back and forth to the stops several times with the truck running. Be careful not to hold the steering at the stops for any extended time as this may damage the Gearbox/pump.

Also recommend checking any U-joints in the steering shaft for looseness and/or binding. Notorious for steering problems.

Tony C.

 

Dod you replace the column? How did you fix it? Appreciate all the responses.

 

I havent replaced my column yet. I have a cab that Im going to drop on my frame, whenver I get some more money. From there, Ill probably replace it with a Borgeson unit.

 

I have p/s conversion info.
Steve

 

Steve,

I will send you an E-Mail.
Thanks,
John

 

be sure to raise teh front tires off the ground when you are bleading the steering system. i dotn remember why but i remember its a good thing to do lol

 

I have p/s conversion info.
Steve

Is there any reason why you won't just post it here?

 

Steve has been very helpful, and responded immediately. I am sure that he will post the info as he was very helpful and gave me the info. He is a true Ford Truck Enthusiast!

 

I did a power steering conversion on my '74 highboy about 16 years ago. The kit was from a guy in Iowa named Scott Ibeling. It uses a 73-79 2wd power box that can be cheap to find. Simple setup that works excellent and has more clearance at the drag link side for wide tires. My dad bought this truck new and the power steering was junk from day one, it used to get so stiff in our Minnesota winters that he cracked the steering wheel trying to turn it. I can post the kit info if anyone's interested.

 

Not sure if I can post phone numbers here, but I will anyway. Ibeling Repair Service (319)347-2491. Scott knows everything about power steering, and has made these kits for 20 years! I have a 71F1004x4 and a 68F2504x4 both with the kits. Worth every penny.

 

I also have a 1977 F250 Highboy I had used to have the same system that you have the manual gearbox with the power steering assist that is less maintenance I feel like and it last longer I have put 2 newer power steering gearboxes and for some reason the worm screw that is connected to your steering column I don't know the proper name for it but the worm screw keep screwing up so I keep breaking something they keep the worm screw in there and they don't make that to rebuild by the hole pump which is between 340 to $500 sorry I'm getting ready to put the manual steering rack on it

 

Make sure you don't have a bad axle U joint. When one freezes up it will steer just like you describe.