What years did Ford run the Stock Power Steering Box??

[hc37180]

Just curious, I know my 74' came stock. When did Ford change over to a different box if at all in the Broncos? I am guessing they started putting a different one in the full size rigs starting in 78?

 

[demesauce]

Early 73/Late 72

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, the EB box changed internally in '76, with a change from roughly 6 turns, to the quicker 4.5 turns lock-to-lock.
The physical change came with the new full-size Bronco in '78, but that box was already being used on the F150 prior to that if I'm not mistaken.
Since the new Bronco at that time was basically just a repurposed F150 anyway, those systems were already in place in the truck line. Just the addition of a wagon version with the name "Bronco" is what happened when the old body style died an early death.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Thinking more along those lines, Ford had a very similar, if not exact steering gear box like the full-size truck one from the early to mid-sixties. Lincoln Continentals, other full-size cars, and maybe even some trucks, used one that was VERY similar. Might even have been the same box.

For the '73 to '77 Bronco though, that one design case was unique to the Bronco line and was not found on any other vehicle. Like other key systems, such as differentials, fuel tanks driveshafts and steering links, were also unique to the Bronco.
Other stuff like bumpers and tail lights and other items were used across the Ford lineup.

Sorry. You only asked about the steering box. But it got me to thinking about other stuff I've seen.

Paul

 

[hc37180]

This is great because I find more often than not the question of compatibility the more I branch out to different components of the EB's. I have learned a ton about rear diff's, front diff's and now I getting knee deep into the power steering and disc brakes so all info is appreciated. Plus it helps my Craigslist screening when looking for good used parts .

Thinking more along those lines, Ford had a very similar, if not exact steering gear box like the full-size truck one from the early to mid-sixties. Lincoln Continentals, other full-size cars, and maybe even some trucks, used one that was VERY similar. Might even have been the same box.

For the '73 to '77 Bronco though, that one design case was unique to the Bronco line and was not found on any other vehicle. Like other key systems, such as differentials, fuel tanks driveshafts and steering links, were also unique to the Bronco.
Other stuff like bumpers and tail lights and other items were used across the Ford lineup.

Sorry. You only asked about the steering box. But it got me to thinking about other stuff I've seen.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Yeah, parts scrounging takes on a whole new level of concentration when you're trying to mix non-standard parts on Broncos!

The other thing to note, which you may already know, is that most of the non-EB Ford boxes will not bolt directly up either. They may "fit" acceptably well, but only after modifying things like drilling new holes and changing steering shaft u-joints and such.
Not to mention notching the core support for box clearance, and tweaking the inner fender/wheel well for shaft and joint clearance, like Ford did starting in late '72.
Some use adapters, others (like us) shift the box forward which means you need to clearance the body mount for proper fit.

There are boxes that are near fits from Toyota and Nissan as well, which you can read about on the forums here. They take more adapting than I like, but are legitimate candidates anyway, and are proven very reliable if treated right.
Seems that so far, the 4-bolt boxes we sell in our upgrade kits are the only others that virtually bolt right in.
Even though it has four holes, at least we can get the three important ones to line up.

Paul