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steering box identification and new ?s

hubdawg

Full Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
280
Picked up a new project but need to identify the non stock gearbox. Ford tag says SPA AN 75C 310 OR 31C . This 70 has a 5 1/2 lift with a 2" body lift and no steering column. Trying to find a floor shift manual tilt unit, sounds like 85-91 f150/f250 will work. This rig will probably have 35s or bigger for wheels and has disc all the way around. No master or booster when I got the rig any suggestions for a donor.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
48,861
Sorry, those numbers don't mean anything to me. Maybe someone else will know.
In the meantime, why not post up a pic. Many of us, myself included, have an easier time identifying steering boxes from their look rather than their part number.

Does it mount to the inside or the outside of the frame?
Does it have a big stylized "S" cast into the inside of the vertical part where it's hidden by the frame?

Paul
 
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hubdawg

hubdawg

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Feb 4, 2013
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280
Sorry thought it was a secret code on the tag
 

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hubdawg

hubdawg

Full Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
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what's the advantage or disadvantage of it, good for this lifted app and do I need anything special to connect to a f150 column. Noticed I don't have a drop pittman arm is this okay
 

thegreatjustino

Contributor
Red Head Grease Monkey
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
15,933
Loc.
Stockton, CA
Pros: inexpensive, four turns

Cons: mounts to the inside of the frame, requires a shorter drag link, hangs down really far, it's a conversion that was popular back in the 80s and 90s when there weren't as many conversion options as there are today. Nothing inherently wrong with it, but not a lot of people's first choice these days.

Don't use a drop pitman with it. It hangs down so far, the standard pitman arm is fine.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
48,861
Sorry thought it was a secret code on the tag

It probably is to some. I just don't have that specific knowledge.

And what they said.
If it's still in good shape, it's probably a good choice for that much lift. The tall box makes the steering angles a bit better from the get-go, even without a dropped pitman arm.
As said, you have a shorter draglink, but we sell one for that specific setup (http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Adj_Drag_Link_P_S_F100_Kit) if you're still using your stock type tie-rod or one of our adjustable replacements.

The box is stout, easy to find parts for or have rebuilt, less expensive to replace if needed, is quick, without being too quick, and has a good "feel" when steering.

You do have to be careful when choosing a custom radiator (we make one specifically with more clearance in that area) or when installing any new replacement radiator mounts. Or when messing with the body mounts because the body can shift slightly and bring the radiator with it.
Some of those issues are similar to other boxes except for a stock EB box, but they're all surmountable.

About the only other thing I can think of that you should watch for is if the PO didn't mount it using braces welded to the frame. The reinforcing nature of the brackets helps to strengthen the frame in that area.

Paul
 
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