Steering question

[Supermike]

I know I've got bigger fires to put out, but you've got to keep your eyes open for certain things and grab them when you find them.

With that in mind, I hope to eventually convert my '67 to power steering. Based upon what I've read here, I would PREFER to use the "Ford" steering to avoid the heat and leaking issues that are more common to the Bendix steering.

HOWEVER, I would also like to continue using the 3-spoke style steering wheel that is "right" for our trucks with the classic horn ring. I'm not a huge fan of the later "padded" or aftermarket wheels, and the old wheel just reminds me of when I was a kid.

Given that info, I found a 2WD automatic column for sale that was pulled from a '72 F250. It's black, too! That's exactly what I want/need IF it will fit my '67 and I can use the old-style steering wheel. Can anyone advise?

If not, what are my options down the road for updating to "Ford" steering but keeping my old-style steering wheel?

Thanks!

[68F250]

The latter column will work with the old steering wheel but you have to cut off the stub on the end of the shaft.

Don't you have 3 on the tree?

[Supermike]

The latter column will work with the old steering wheel but you have to cut off the stub on the end of the shaft.

Don't you have 3 on the tree?

Nope... 3spd Cruise-o-Matic (FMX) Auto.

So just that nub off the end and it'll work?! I would really like to get this, but it already has a bid with 4 days left. I'm going to watch it...

[68F250]

Oh wait I just remembered. The latter column has two connectors coming out at the bottom vs one like our older models, it can be rigged but it's not plug-n-play.

[Supermike]

Connectors? Does anyone have a picture?

Shoot... at risk of someone else wanting it more than me, here it is.

[68F250]

Oops, I'm loosing it here, must be the meds.

The later column has one connector not two like ours, sorry.

Keith has a picture here, will try to find it.

Ok check this article out, it shows the things we've been talking about.

http://www.fordification.com/powersteering.htm

[Supermike]

Thanks again, Barry!

Wow... this is really starting to sound pretty convoluted just to use the Ford/Saginaw steering.

Seems I have two options:

A) replace the column, cut off the nub to use my older wheel, alter the wiring to ensure it works, notch the engine mount or find a perch from a PS-equipped FE pickup, find the correct column firewall mounting bracket

B) Find a Bendix-style power steering steering box, pump, brackets and belts and bolt 'em in place. Maybe add a small transmission cooler to keep it going longer.

Either route, I'm gonna have to pay someone to help me do this when the time comes unless one of you guys that really knows what you're doing wants to make a road trip with all of your tools.

I guess I still don't understand how one is SO much better than the other. I know the Bendix ones tend to be leaky, but do they have that much higher of a failure rate? Are they hard to rebuild when they go out?

[68F250]

Ya know I totally missed the part about you converting to ps, was focused on the horn.

Think I'm just gonna go on cruise control for now.