Steering gearbox identification

[Schmidty]

Hello,

I just bought my 1968 Ford F-100. It has a 360 and is 2 wheel drive. The power steering gearbox was leaking terribly so i removed the box hoping to replace it with a different box that came with the truck. After removing the box I noticed they are different. I believe I pulled a Ford Bendix gear box from the truck but am not 100% sure. I am going to try a seal kit first and I believe I located one but want to make sure I order for the correct box.

So here are my questions:

* Can anyone verify the box that came off is the Bendix type? It is the one on the right.

* Does anyone have a part number for the rebuild kit?

* Is it worth the time and effort to rebuild one of these or would a a refurbished unit be the way to go?

Thanks,

Schmidty

[jimmy828]

This might help you. http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm

[Schmidty]

Thanks, that definitely helps. Hopefully the seal kit I ordered will fit. Anyone have any tips when rebuilding these gear boxes?

[basketcase0302]

Pay particular attention to the sector shaft, (especially upon inspection to verify if it is scored or not):
http://www.stangerssite.com/HowItWorksSteeringBox.html

[Busboy]

The box on the right is definitely a Bendix box but it was supposedly not used after 67 due to leaking and overheating issues. I can tell you that I've tried to reseal mine unsuccessfully, then I obtained two used ones and they both leaked as well. I gave up and bought a reman unit from Redhead steering gears. It wasn't cheap but I was able to send them 2 extra cores for a credit. It works great.

[Schmidty]

Still on the hunt. Tried a seal kit from napa and the guy guaranteed it was for the bendix gear. Nope, for the ford gear. Then I opted to by a reman unit from an outfit in San Diego. Even got the expedited shipping. Then no tracking number, so I called and they said that they didn't actually have the gearbox. Waiting on a refund. Back to square 1. Might just opt for the redhead. Frustrating.

[66f250cs]

Looks like a Bendix box to me. Does it have the flying B on it as part of the casting? If so, it's a Bendix. The Ford (Saginaw box) is superior to the Bendix from what I understand. The S# break is supposed to be at 96,000 IIRC, but the S# for my 69 F250 is 96227 and it has the leaky Bendix box. I will be spending my money on the Ford box and accompanying steering column in order to get away from the inferior box and limitation of parts. Also, the Bendix box can't take the heat as well if you go with headers in the future. Heat was the enemy of the Bendix unit.

[Schmidty]

Ended up sending the gear to Steer & Gear in Columbus, OH for a rebuild. Should be back on the road in a few days!