How to Install Power Steering on a '64 Ford Truck
by William MachinInstalling power steering in your 1964 Ford truck is one project that puts your mechanical expertise to the test. For openers, you have to adapt a power steering box and steering column to your truck. Once you've managed to install a new pitman arm on the box, you retrofit a mount for the power steering pump so the pulley and belt operate off of a new fan pulley on your engine. The installation often requires modifications in order to make things fit. Organize your standard gauge tools and compile the components to install power steering in your '64 Ford truck.
Steering Box and Column
Step 1
Clear the area around the manual steering box by removing the brake lines and fuel line. Remove any wiring at the area of the manual steering column inside the cab of the truck.
Step 2
Remove the steering column bracket under the dashboard and pull the manual steering column out. Remove the manual steering box and the attached pitman arm from the engine compartment.
Step 3
Install the power steering box bracket in the engine compartment, making sure the longer end of the bracket faces the rear of the truck. Attach the power steering box in the bracket using machine bolts that you thread into the bracket and tighten securely.
Step 4
Insert the spline at the lower end of the power steering column through the opening in the floorboard where the old column was removed. Position the spline at the opening in the power steering box.
Step 5
Turn the steering wheel spline at the upper end of the column to align the spline gears as you push the lower end of the column into the steering box. Secure the steering column into place at the inside of the truck cab using the original steering column bracket.
Power Steering Pump
Step 1
Attach the new pitman arm to the output shaft on the power steering box. Connect the drag link to the arm at the existing steering rod.
Step 2
Remove the mounting bracket from the power steering pump. Devise a secure attachment for the bracket at the side of the engine, making sure the pump pulley aligns with the fan pulley on the engine. A minimum of two bolts is necessary to hold the bracket in place. Reattach the power steering pump to the bracket.
Step 3
Connect the rigid power steering fluid lines between the power steering box and the pump. Tighten the fittings securely at each end of each line.
Step 4
Remove the alternator belt and fan belt. Remove the existing dual pulley from the end of the engine crankshaft. Attach a triple pulley to the crankshaft.
Step 5
Install a new power steering belt on the pump pulley and new crankshaft pulley. Adjust the belt as needed. Reattach the fan belt and alternator belt to the triple pulley and adjust the belts. Fill the power steering pump with fluid.
Tips
- Look at 1964 Ford truck websites for additional information on power steering conversions.
- Obtain some components by visiting auto salvage yards or online sources.
- Removing the engine hood to create working room in the engine compartment.
- Consider using a Toyota truck power steering conversion kit for your Ford F100 truck.
Things You'll Need
- Standard gauge sockets, ratchet and wrenches
- Power steering box and steering column
- Pitman arm
- Power steering pump with bracket
- Rigid power steering lines with fittings
- Triple crankshaft pulley
- Power steering belt
- Power steering fluid
Warnings
- Test the power steering on private property before driving the truck on public roads.
Writer Bio
William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.