Steering Column - Manual to Power

[dmoses42]

I have a 1972 manual steering column, and bought a used factory power steering box. Can I just buy new power steering shafts and rag joints / unions and be done with the shaft? If so, should I buy '73-'75 or '76-'77? Or should I try to find an actual power steering column? I know I have to have the pump, brackets, hoses, pulleys, belts, etc. Right now I want to know the best way to connect my 1972 steering wheel to this power steering box. As a side note, this is a 3 speed column, and later will be made a floor shift for an AX15, but will be ran as a 3 speed for a year or so. Thanks for any input!

Don

 

[thegreatjustino]

There was no difference in the columns when it came to power or manual steering. The shafts were slightly different. Use the shafts for your year column. The 76/77 upper shafts are shorter and will not work in the earlier columns.

 

[dmoses42]

Mine is a 1972, power steering wasn't an option if it wasn't a Stroppe. Unfortunately mine isn't one of those. It's a solid shaft wheel to box. That is why I'm asking. So, would it be better to use a '73-'75 set of shafts or a '76-'77 set of shafts? Is one superior to the other? Are upper and lower shafts available for both date ranges? Is there going to be an issue when I go to a floor shifter and go to a smooth shift collar? Will all the rebuild parts for '73-'77 columns work in a '66-'72 column even though its not a power steering column?

 

[Johnnyb]

Does the budget support a new Ididit column? You can get those with or w/o shifter and then add collapsable steering shaft.

-JB

 

[bronco italiano]

Does the budget support a new Ididit column? You can get those with or w/o shifter and then add collapsable steering shaft.

-JB

ididit column is beautiful with the tilt option and the collapsible shaft is a great safety addition.

 

[cldonley]

I replaced my rag joint with this and bolted it right up to the stock power steering gear box. I cut off the shaft and welded the joint on. Mine's a 69 with 3 on the tree. Just get the size that fits yours. I don't see the steel version offered on WH website anymore. Maybe DirtDonk can chime in? https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Billet_Steering_Yoke_FR1700/Bronco_Steering_Yokes

 

[awest5321]

I bought a steering u-joint from Jegs that fit my steering box splines and fit a d-shaft on opposite end. Cut my original shaft to length then ground the flats for the d. Tighten it down and ready to go. Use loctite on screws for safety.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Mine is a 1972, power steering wasn't an option if it wasn't a Stroppe. Unfortunately mine isn't one of those. It's a solid shaft wheel to box. That is why I'm asking. So, would it be better to use a '73-'75 set of shafts or a '76-'77 set of shafts? Is one superior to the other? Are upper and lower shafts available for both date ranges? Is there going to be an issue when I go to a floor shifter and go to a smooth shift collar? Will all the rebuild parts for '73-'77 columns work in a '66-'72 column even though its not a power steering column?

As stated, the Bronco being equipped with power versus manual steering made ZERO difference in the columns. Only the steering shafts were different. The columns themselves changed in 76/77. Again, no difference in the columns between power and manual steering. Use the power steering shafts for your column - the much more common length 66-75 column or the shorter 76/77 column...