A "New" Power Steering Question

[NoCJ4CJ]

I have searched the threads in detail and found a lot of great advice on power steering upgrades, conversions, etc. I can't find specifc input on the "Ford Extreme Duty Steering System" previously sold by WH complete with ram, etc. I have an opportunity to buy brand new in the box ($1400). This is going on a '74 Bronco with 35's. Currently I have sloppy original power steering. Linkage downstairs is all new so now I am replacing critical components from the box up now (pump, box, lower steering shaft, etc)

Any input on this system? Ford F-100 4x4 box I believe? I used to rock crawl heavily so I could have used ram in the past but I've cleaned the ol' girl up so she will now mostly see street, hunting trails and occasional rock garden. Ram is probably unnecessary for me but if it's a great set up I would consider it for the price. I am looking at one of the Delphi or Borgeson non-ram kits otherwise (about $1200). I was told the Ford kit is bolt and go with no fab/retrofit needed but I am concerned that may be inaccurate info?

Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.

 

[DirtDonk]

Completely inaccurate info! Nothing at all that's "bolt-n-go" with the Extreme kit.
At least that's what my memory says.

It's the "4x4x2" box that everybody loves, but it's a big beast. And since when is a hydraulic ram ever a bolt-on proposition? Like maybe never?

Well, it might be if the brackets are such a way, but I don't remember out kit being quite that simple. Here's the ram kit by itself, and you can see it's not bolt on, but the instructions on that page should tell the tale for sure. https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Extreme_Steering_Ram/Bronco_Ram_Assist_Option
Lots of setup and mock-up and, if not exactly "fabrication" (because most of the stuff is there) I thought there was some welding involved.

Even if we're not offering it right now, you might still be able to get in touch with someone that has the instructions. Maybe give us a call in the morning and see if someone can e-mail them to you. I don't have them on my computer or I'd do it right now.

This is a great Bronco gearbox, but certainly overkill for what you say you're now using your rig for. You need to notch your forward body mount to push it as far forward as it will go, re-drill the frame for the other two holes, and possibly still massage your inner wheel well to fit the box.
That's just for the box. Ram is more mounting and more plumbing for no real gain on smaller tires. You still running 35's or larger?

If I sound like I don't like the kit, that's not the intention. It's a great setup and perfect for some. But not for modest size tires and non-extreme use. For those it's just overkill. Maybe in a good way, but with other options available, overkill is not necessarily a good thing.

The other boxes you mentioned are in fact more like bolt-n-go propositions. The boxes are usually modified in that one hole is slightly re-drilled so you don't have to drill the frame.
Maybe we already did that with the 4x4x2 Extreme box, but I don't remember that being the case. Could be wrong though...

If you definitely want it, by all means see if someone has the instructions. Maybe a member here has them if we don't have them handy. Probably something Jim has, but if he's not at his desk or not hauling a laptop around, it might not be a quick get.

Good luck.

paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Heck, maybe the guy selling the kit has the instructions. Check that avenue...

Paul

 

[NoCJ4CJ]

Great info! Thank you. That was my fear. I get that you are not saying it's a bad setup....but sounds way more involved and more complicated than need be for my application. I am still running 35's but for my app I think maybe your WH deluxe steering kit is probably the way to go. Thanks again.