Help with power steering choices

[broncochevy]

OK I know this question is been asked, some time has gone by and some different options are now available. I have a 67 bronco, power steering is going on it, I’m not sure what box to use. Obviously a no modify, direct bolt on sounds good, and with that said Toms Bronco parts box looks pretty Bitchin. It looks like the 4x4x2 boxes with Bronco bolt pattern. Price tag is kind a high though, and it seems like in all the threads I’ve read about power steering, there are many members supporting the 4x4x2 box. I see the pros for it, not really sure about all the cons except for it doesn’t directly bolt on. I realize there’s going to be steering shaft modifications, a pump that needs to be selected and installed, pulleys, belts, brackets etc. with all power steering conversions, but I would like a little more insight on what boxes are available; and the pros and cons of each. I don’t really want to hack up and weld all over my frame in the steering box location. I believe west coast broncos makes a 3/4” plate that bolts to the frame in existing steering box holes and has holes for the 4x4x2 box making it a little simpler to install. Also know about the xterra or Delphi box, not quite sure if they are the same or if the vendors version of the Delphi is a direct bolt on.
Tell me about all the options please, and the reasons why or why not to do them. Obviously the lower the cost the better, But I can spend money where it does need to go. This Bronco is not going to be a trail thrasher, but on the other hand it will see it’s fair share of four wheel drive use, steep roads, fire brakes, rocks etc. primarily a hunting rig driving to and from the hunting grounds. And when I say rocks I mean rocks on the road or trail and not solid steep Moab rocks.
Paul, I’m expecting a huge response from you here, LOL. Teach me!

 

[sykanr0ng]

One of the important bits of information that helps when choosing a power steering system is what your tire size will be.
Larger tires need stronger steering components.

Also what engine you have or plan to have will help decide which steering pump to use.

The Delphi box the vendors sell is basically the same as the Xterra, more expensive because of the convenience of having it made up for you.

 

[Timmy390]

I got my made for the bronco borgeson delphi steering box off ebay. Been running it for many years with 31's and now 33's with zero issues. Ran it with the stock bronco PS pump and now with a canned ham.

It uses the 3 existing Bronco mounting holes and you can drill the 4th (I did) if you want.

Pitman arm fit it with no modifications.

Tim

 

[SteveL]

Without going ram assist the 4x4x2 box is the strongest box. For a pump get a saginaw. Ford pumps dont like big tires and rocks. Find brackets used or from the nearest vendor. Steering linkage you have a choice of tie rods or hems. That's up to you for your situation and local laws on heims.

 

[broncochevy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The Bronco has 31’s on it right now, probably 33 is when it’s running, maybe 35s as I’m seeing more and more of those and they look better than I remember. I like the idea of having to Windsor based stroker, but as of right now there’s a 302 on the engine stand

 

[Timmy390]

35's are big.....I recall 33's being at the limit of the delphi box. I'm sure others will chime in.

I would pick a path and buy everything needed for that path. Changing after the fact can be costly.

Tim

 

[Timmy390]

This is from an old BCB tech page.....

The STOCK BOX was only an option for the 73-77 Bronco but is found on many 66-77 Broncos, and was designed to turn 28" tires. Today there are not many stock boxes available, their were not many available to began with because there were an option in the last few years of the Bronco. We wouldn't recommend using this box for tires bigger than 33". This box is a direct bolt in.

The INTERNATIONAL SCOUT BOX is found on many Scouts, and was designed to turn 28" tires. It looks like the Bronco box but the bolt pattern is backwards 2 bolts in the front and one in the rear. This box can't be bolted on as is it will need to be converted to steer the correct way. This box will bolt to the frame on the out side and you will need to drill 3 new holes and use a smaller u-joint.

The DELPHI BOX This box is found on Nissan's and Toyota's is new and has 4 mounting bolts but is designed for small tires. The mounting ears have a tendency to break off when stressed, the fittings are metric and it requires a different pitman arm. We wouldn't recommend using this box for tires bigger than 33". This box will bolt to the frame with 3 out of the 4 holes but requires other modifications. MY NOTE, the borgeson delphi box required NO modifications and pitman arm fit it. yes fittings are metric but you can buy adapters.

The F100 4x2 BOX this box is found on 73-83 trucks and strong enough for big tires but too long to mount correctly to the frame, under frame brackets are available but puts extra stress on your frame and because the box is longer it will inner fear with the tie rods, when they are over the knuckles and for the price you buy the box and under frame brackets you could just buy the better box. You will also have to
smash the driver side of the radiator because the box fits on the inside of the frame. You can use a stock pitman arm. We wouldn't recommend using this box at all. This box will not bolt to the frame without lots of work.

The F150 4x4 BOX this box is found on 75-79 F150 and 78-79 big Bronco and is strong enough for big tires and fits on the frame but was designed for a forward facing pitman arm, when installed in an Early Bronco and you turn the steering wheel left the tires go right. You can use a stock pitman arm. You can't use this box without converting. This box uses the stock front mounting hole, because the box has a wider and stronger mounting surface the two rear holes need to be re-drilled.

The F150 4X4X2 CONVERSION BOX this box is strong enough for big tires and fits on the frame and because it has a 4X2 gear inside the 4X4 box it turns the correct way You can use a stock pitman arm. We run this Box on All of our Broncos and on our Baja Race Bronco and have never had a problem with one. This box came on hundreds of thousands of F150 4X4's and big Broncos so their are more parts available
for them. If you have both boxes - here is how to convert them. We would recommend using this box for tires smaller than 38" This box uses the stock front mounting hole, because the box has a wider and stronger mounting surface the two rear holes need to be re-drilled.

Tim

 

[broncochevy]

That’s what I was planning, I don’t like restrictions. The vehicle is not running right now it’s likely to be on 33’s with a minor lift when running and a 302. 302 runs so that will get the bronco moving sooner. However, I would like to end up with more power and torque sooner than later, I likely will not do that first.
Sykanr0ng, Are you saying if it’s low power, and tires under 35s , that the 4x4x2 box is not recommended and to use the Delphi? I’d rather have a little overkill than not enough, especially if I’m going to go bigger tires later. But I’m just one of those overkill kind of people, I’m just not sure if I’m reading your post correctly or if I misinterpreting it.
Heading to the wrecking yard as I have Sunday Monday off

 

[Builtnotbought0]

I got my made for the bronco borgeson delphi steering box off ebay. Been running it for many years with 31's and now 33's with zero issues. Ran it with the stock bronco PS pump and now with a canned ham.

It uses the 3 existing Bronco mounting holes and you can drill the 4th (I did) if you want.

Pitman arm fit it with no modifications.

Tim

I did the same one you did. Very happy with it. and Im running 35s

 

[broncochevy]

Timmy, thank you sir. You’re a heck of a help. Thanks.

Thanks to all. For your help.

 

[DirtDonk]

As you have read the 4x4x2 is likely the strongest of the options. But it goes against most of what you were hoping to do. Or avoid that is...
1. It requires a new position on the frame, therefore frame modifications to make it work.
2. It does not require the reinforcing/adapting plate, but many like to use it. Personally I think they're too thick and cause other things to interfere. Expect to have to modify your wheel well if you use a spacer.
3. It's physically larger than a stock box by quite a bit. Care must be taken in setting up the mounting location to make sure it does not interfere with other components.
4. Like the others, it still requires different hoses.
5. Like the others it will still require modifications to the steering shaft.
6. Like most of the others it does fit the Bronco pitman arms. But if you install it slightly wrong, most of your pitman arms are long enough to touch the tie-rod if your suspension can cycle that far.

So yes, it's a nice "upgrade" at least in strength, but while overkill can be a good thing, it certainly does not qualify for the "ease of installation" award.
It's not hard if you're planning to modify things around it, but it's not just a bolt-on.
So how high up your list is a bit of overkill, compared to ease of installation and fewer mods, and cost?

Paul

 

[sykanr0ng]

As you have read the 4x4x2 is likely the strongest of the options. But it goes against most of what you were hoping to do. Or avoid that is...

2. It does not require the reinforcing/adapting plate, but many like to use it. Personally I think they're too thick and cause other things to interfere. Expect to have to modify your wheel well if you use a spacer.


Paul

The BC Broncos frame reinforcement plate is 1/4 inch thick and not likely to cause much of a misalignment problem.

The West Coast Broncos adapter is 3/4 inch thick, moving the steering box over that much will be more likely to cause a problem.

 

[DirtDonk]

Just a 1/4" for BCB? That's good. I thought they were at least 3/8" (which probably would still be good) but 1/4" is even better.

Thanks

Paul

 

[SteveL]

I've got a couple of chucks early 4x4x2 boxes where the rear holes are drilled in the box to match the stock frame holes. On the 66 its mounted right to the frame. On the 72 I reinforced the frame after hearing of some guys having issues.

 

[broncochevy]

Ah, decisions/decisions. I went to a few junkyards today and no dice on the 4x4 box. I did not see a pathfinder or exterra either. Maybe my decision will get made for me if I cannot find one in the yards...

 

[SteveL]

4x4x2 boxes pop up in the classifieds fairly often. Maybe check with justino